Engineering Technical/Program Lead - JobID-0217

Innovative Defense Technologies; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 273,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

401(k) with matching

Paid holidays

Tuition Assistance Reimbursement

Professional Development Resources

Pre‑Tax Commuter Benefits

Annual tech talks/events

Job summary

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) seeks an Engineering Technical/Program Lead to drive a fast-paced, customer-focused test and experimentation team in Arlington, VA. The role requires leading the design, integration, deployment, and operation of complex DoD software and hardware for Navy assets.

Applicants must hold an active Secret clearance and have 7+ years of relevant experience, with strong systems engineering and program management skills, and willingness to travel up to 25%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Understanding of software development processes and the Systems Engineering V‑Model.
• Advanced troubleshooting across software, networks, hardware.
• Ability to lead test execution in the field.
• Experience deploying Navy software/hardware in mission‑critical environments.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Define and scope solutions aligning with program objectives.
• Design and architect scalable, robust systems.
• Tailor and manage program approaches; forecast skill gaps.
• Integrate, deploy, and validate complex DoD software/hardware systems.
• Leverage insights from tests to inform design directions.
• Assure quality, cost, and schedule with PM collaboration.
• Collaborate with senior warfighters and government sponsors.

Skills

Team leadership

Systems engineering

Troubleshooting

DoD program experience

Communication with stakeholders

Software/hardware integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or STEM

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

DoD testing tools

System integration tools

Job description

About The Role:

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Engineering Technical/Program Lead to be part of our Advanced Capabilities team and based out of our Arlington, VA location.

The Engineering Technical/Program 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/Program 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 an on‑site position. Requiring at least 5 days in office, based out of our Arlington, VA location.

Employment Details

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Arlington, VA

Address: 4401 Wilson Boulevard Suite 810, Arlington, Virginia, 22203

Workplace type: Onsite

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

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 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: In conjunction with the Program Management team, 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.

Who You Are (Required):

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or other STEM field (or equivalent full‑time professional experience)
• 7+ years' relevant experience required
• 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 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.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time as needed

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Master's Degree highly desired.
• Experience managing US Navy and/or MDA contracts
• Experience managing logistics processes including 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

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. 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

• Generous benefits package
• Competitive PTO
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) with immediate vesting and matching
• 9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off every month)
• Tuition Assistance Reimbursement Program
• Professional Development Resources
• Pre‑Tax Commuter Benefits
• Organization‑Wide Monthly Tech Connect Events
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards
• Regular Social Events and Catered Lunches

EEO Statement:

IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.

About Innovative Defense Technologies

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is a leading defense technology company focused on rapidly delivering mission‑critical software and systems solutions to the U.S. government. The company specializes in automation, digital engineering, and enabling the rapid integration of advanced capabilities into complex weapon and combat systems. These essential solutions empower the warfighter to field, operate, and sustain decisive capability at speed and scale.

At IDT, our employees are developing advanced mission‑critical outcomes by consistently delivering high‑quality results, fostering innovation, applying rigorous problem‑solving, and effectively collaborating across multifaceted teams and stakeholders. Grounded in these competencies, IDT translates complex customer priorities into robust software solutions.