Engineering Technical Lead - JobID-0293

Innovative Defense Technologies, LLC

San Diego (CA)

On-site

USD 135,000 - 273,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

401(k) with matching

Paid holidays

Tuition Assistance Reimbursement

Job summary

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) in San Diego, CA, seeks an Engineering Technical Lead to drive design, integration, and field testing of complex DoD software and hardware systems aboard Navy assets. This hands-on leadership role requires coordinating a team across development, testing, and deployment with tight schedules and customer-facing expectations.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of experience in DoD software/hardware, strong system integration skills, and the ability to lead in

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, CS, math or physics or equivalent
Minimum 7 years in design, development and DoD software systems
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
Understand Software Development and V-Model processes
Advanced troubleshooting across software, networks, hardware
Ability to translate requirements into solutions within cost/schedule constraints
Experience deploying Navy software/hardware in mission environments
Strong test and integration expertise across distributed systems
Ability to communicate with senior warfighters and sponsors
Experience managing DoD programs
Ability to handle rapidly changing priorities and multiple tasks

Responsibilities

Define and scope solutions by documenting needs and aligning with program objectives
Design and architect scalable hardware/software system designs
Assign experts across the program and address skill gaps; implement scalable processes
Lead deployment, installation, configuration, and field support for DoD/Navy systems
Analyze test results and provide actionable assessments against requirements
Develop and manage program quality and cost plans; integrate schedules
Collaborate with senior warfighters and government sponsors to set objectives and plans

Skills

Leadership

System integration

Test execution

Warfighter interaction

V-Model understanding

Troubleshooting

Communication

Adaptability

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or STEM

Master's degree (highly desired)

Tools

C++

Python

JavaScript

Java

MATLAB

Job description

Engineering Technical Lead - JobID-0293

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Diego, CA

Compensation: $135,000 - $273,000 / year

Description

About The Role:

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking an Engineering Technical Lead to be part of our Advanced Capabilities team and based out of our San Diego, CA location.

The Engineering Technical Lead is a highly technical engineer with the ability to drive and manage a team in a fast-paced, customer-focused test and experimentation team. This role requires deep experience designing, testing, integrating, deploying, and operating complex software and hardware systems in mission-critical environments.

The Engineering Technical Lead will lead a team to design, architect, deliver, and integrate complex DoD software and hardware systems onboard ships and Navy assets on time and on budget. They will be expected to lead test execution efforts in the field, interface directly with senior warfighters and government sponsors, and drive resolution of complex integration and operational issues during delivery and test events. This role is hands-on, highly technical, and requires strong judgment, adaptability, and technical leadership in high-visibility environments.

Clearance & Location Requirements:

All applicants must currently possess an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
This is a fully on-site position, based out of our San Diego, CA location.

Key Responsibilities

What You Will Do:

Define and Scope Solutions: Interpret and document stakeholder needs to establish clear, prioritized requirements and success criteria that drive project outcomes. Ensure requirements and project plans align with program objectives and IDT business goals by conducting quality and alignment reviews and implementing structures that enable coordinated execution across the program
Design and Architect Systems: Develop structured, scalable hardware and software system designs that balance performance, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
Tailor and Manage Program Approaches: Assign individuals with the appropriate expertise across the program to deliver projects and tasks effectively. Forecast skill gaps and proactively determine strategies to address them. Design and implement scalable processes, tools, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms that promote efficiency and consistency. Identify procurement efficiencies and economies of scale, build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, and apply lessons learned through inspections, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
Integrate, Deploy, and Validate Systems: Lead the deployment, installation, configuration, and operational support of complex software and hardware systems supporting DoD and Navy operational and developmental testing. Troubleshoot and resolve advanced system, network, software, and integration issues during live test and experimentation events.
Leverage Insights and Data: Analyze customer feedback, research findings, and performance trends to inform design direction and enhance system effectiveness. Analyze test results and provide clear, actionable assessments against requirements, including recommendations for corrective actions.
Assure Quality, Cost, and Schedule: Develop and manage Program Quality and Cost Management Plans to ensure consistent standards, financial discipline, and schedule alignment. Integrate individual project schedules into a cohesive program schedule, define interdependencies, anticipate delays, and implement mitigation strategies.
Collaborate and Share Knowledge: Collaborate directly with senior warfighters, test directors, and government sponsors to define objectives, schedules, and execution plans.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Who You Are (Required):

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or other STEM field (or equivalent full-time professional experience)
Minimum 7 years’ experience in the design, development, and management of complex software systems for the DoD.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, as needed
Understanding of software development processes and the activities described by the Systems Engineering V-Model
Advanced troubleshooting skills across software, networks, hardware, and operational processes.
Ability to understand system behavior through reading system specifications and requirements
Ability to perform the logical and systematic conversion of customer or program requirements into solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints
Ability to design, develop, and analyze complex software and hardware systems
Proven ability to deploy, operate, and sustain Navy software and hardware systems in mission‑critical operational environments.
Strong system integration and test experience, including distributed and tactical systems.
Experience leading and coordinating test execution activities in the field.
Ability to communicate effectively with senior warfighters, government sponsors, and technical leadership.
Strong understanding of test methodologies, best engineering practices, and operational assessment.
Experience managing DOD programs
Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and execute multiple concurrent assignments.

What Makes You Stand Out:

Master's Degree highly desired.
Experience managing US Navy and/or MDA contracts
Experience managing logistics processes including procurement, classified packaging, deployment support, and spares management.
Experience in proposal and cost estimation development
Experience with Navy surface warfare systems and tactical applications (e.g., Aegis Weapon System, CEC, Link-16).
Experience with scripting or implementing algorithms in C++, Python, JavaScript, Java, MATLAB or other languages
Strong background in one or more related disciplines (Software Engineering, Cyber Security, IT, Networking).

Pay Range*: $135,000 - $231,000 or $164,000 - $273,000

*Pursuant to California Senate Bill 1162, IDT is required to disclose the “pay scale” or “pay range” associated with a job posting. Notably, however, this amount may not be reflective of actual compensation that may be earned as pay is dependent on a candidate’s experience, skills, and education. The posted range does not include bonuses, commissions, tips, or other benefits. Click here for additional information about Senate Bill 1162. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience.

Job Benefits

Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT):

IDT is a growing company with a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. We are headquartered in Arlington, VA with additional offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. At each location, our employees work together in a modern, snack-filled, and social office space, designing innovative solutions for our defense industry customers. We offer employees competitive pay and benefits including: