Engineering Technical/Program Lead - JobID-0217

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT)

Arlington (VA)

On-site

USD 135,000 - 273,000

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive PTO

401(k) with matching

Tuition Assistance

Professional Development

Job summary

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) in Arlington, VA is seeking an Engineering Technical/Program Lead to guide a highly technical team in designing, testing, integrating, and deploying complex DoD software and hardware systems aboard Navy assets. The role requires hands-on leadership, deep technical expertise, and the ability to coordinate with senior warfighters and government sponsors.

You will define requirements, architect scalable solutions, manage programs, and drive test execution in

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering or STEM field.
7+ years relevant experience.
Experience managing DoD programs.
Strong system integration and test experience.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Responsibilities

Define and scope solutions based on stakeholder needs.
Design and architect scalable systems.
Tailor and manage program approaches and skill gaps.
Integrate, deploy, and validate DoD software/hardware.
Leverage insights from test results for corrective actions.
Collaborate with senior warfighters and sponsors on objectives.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Test Management

DoD Programs

Navy Systems

Stakeholder Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

C++

Python

MATLAB

Job description

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

Department: Engineering

Location: Arlington, VA

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

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.

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 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 and 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)
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

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: