Industry Need
Aerospace and defense platforms increasingly rely on embedded and real-time software to execute safety-critical functions across flight controls, engine controls, avionics, datalink, and PNT systems. These environments demand software that performs predictably under stringent certification, security, and reliability constraints.
Why it Matters
As systems become more software-defined, complexity grows across requirements, interfaces, and verification. Failures in mission- or safety-critical software are not recoverable. Programs must achieve compliance, performance, and maintainability without extending certification timelines or increasing rework.
Our Approach
QDSS delivers embedded and real-time software engineering aligned to certification-driven programs. We integrate model-based development, automated verification, and digital thread practices to ensure requirements traceability, testability, and reuse across the lifecycle. Our teams work within customer toolchains and operating models to reduce risk while accelerating delivery.
What We Deliver
End-to-end software engineering support across development, verification, integration, and certification. From requirements definition through Software V&V and system integration, we ensure software is certifiable, testable, secure, and performance-optimized—aligned to DO-178C and other applicable regulatory standards.
Customer Impact
Higher software quality, faster certification cycles, and reduced rework. Customers gain improved traceability, predictable compliance outcomes, and software architectures that support long-term sustainment and upgradeability.
Our Disciplines
Software Verification & Validation (V&V)
Proving compliance through evidence.
Requirements-based testing, coverage analysis, and certification-ready verification.
Software Product Testing
Validating behavior at system scale.
Functional, integration, and system-level software testing.
Embedded Software Safety
Engineering for assurance, not assumption.
Safety analysis, partitioning strategies, and hazard mitigation.
Cyber Security
Protecting software at every layer.
Secure software design, threat mitigation, and resilience engineering.
DevOps
Speed without sacrificing control.
Automated pipelines, continuous integration, and test automation.
Embedded Software
Deterministic code for real-time execution.
Safety-critical embedded software for avionics and mission systems.
Big Data & Analytics
Turning operational data into insight.
Software data pipelines, analytics, and performance intelligence.
Embedded Software Compliance
Built to certify.
DO-178C planning, compliance data, and audit support.
Artificial Intelligence (AI / DL / ML)
Applying intelligence with discipline.
AI/ML solutions designed for controlled, mission-critical environments.
Business Intelligence (BI) & Data Analytics
Operational visibility that drives decisions.
Dashboards, reporting, and program intelligence.
Enterprise Application Testing
Confidence beyond embedded systems.
Validation of enterprise and mission-support software platforms.
Success Stories
Interested in learning more?
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In the News
28 November 2019
Aeromag Asia | Redefining the Digital Scope in Manufacturing for Aerospace
Chris Hardgrave joined Quest Defense in April 2024 as Vice President for Strategic Accounts. He is responsible for sales, growth, and development of strategic relationships for new business development efforts in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Chris works in the Washington, D.C. office.
As Chief Engineer for Quest Defense, Jon is responsible for ensuring that sound engineering processes are maintained and followed by our employees working in a diverse set of services and disciplines across all verticals. In this role he also leads Quest Defense’s efforts to develop new methods and technologies to help grow the business through innovation, as well as building and promoting the technical reputation of the company in the public sphere.
Jeff Fischer serves as a board member for Quest Defense Systems and Solutions business. Additionally Jeff is the Operations Leader for the Quest Global Aerospace and Defense Industry.
Steve Gerber is President and CEO of QuEST Defense Systems and Solutions business and is responsible for providing the leadership and growth of this venture.
Joe supports Special Missions across Quest Global to include key client contract negotiations, strategic business solutions, M&A, and culture endeavors.
Frank Kendall is an independent consultant to defense industry firms and non profit research organizations. He is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, a Senior Advisor to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and a member of th e Council on Foreign Relations. Among other industry positions, he is a member of the board of directors of Leidos Corporation and of Leonardo Electronics USA Inc. From 2012 to 2017, Mr. Kendall served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, T echnology and Logistics (AT& after serving as the Principal Deputy Under Secretary from 2010 2012. Mr. Kendall has over 45 years of experience in engineering, management, defense acquisition, and national security affairs in private industry, governmen t, and the military.
John Thackrah is the founding Principal of Sextant Solutions LLC, an aerospace, maritime and government acquisition consultant.
Page Hoeper is a private consultant, corporate director, and venture capitalist. Since leaving government service, Mr. Hoeper has focused on corporate governance and board service. He chairs the boards of OnPoint Technologies, Inc., 501c(3) venture capital fund established by Congress to focus on emerging commercial technologies of interest to the U.S. Army, and Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, a provider of engineering services to the U.S. defense industry.
As the President of Quest Global, Bob is responsible for establishing and maintaining senior customer relationships, catalysing new business development, and overseeing innovative and transformational deals. In this role, he also assists in building relationships with strategic acquisitions for the company.