Junior Backend Engineer – DoD Cloud & AI Tools

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT); Mount Laurel Township (NJ); On-site; Full time

Job description

Description

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), provider of cutting‑edge cloud‑based integration, automated testing and data analysis for complex, mission‑critical systems in the US Department of Defense, is seeking an Associate Software Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems team and based out of our Arlington, VA and Mount Laurel, NJ location.

The Associate Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and integrating software solutions across IDT’s Warfare Systems business area. The primary role is to build high‑quality, innovative, and fully performing software that integrates with other system components. The engineer will work with various Warfare Systems customers to gather user requirements, define system functionality, and write code in Java, C++, Python, or other languages. The engineer will collaborate with software engineers, systems engineers, integration engineers, and subject matter experts to deliver robust technical solutions.

Clearance & Location Requirements

• All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
• This is an on‑site position requiring at least 5 days in the office at Arlington, VA or Mount Laurel, NJ.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, document, and test backend software components and algorithms using modern programming languages such as C++, Python, Java, or C#.
• Analyze and interpret system and software requirements to ensure clarity, feasibility, and traceability.
• Integrate software components into complex development environments, ensuring interoperability across distributed systems, APIs, databases, and networking layers within DoD software ecosystems.
• Apply secure coding practices and engineering standards related to security, performance, and reliability, and participate in peer reviews.
• Model, implement, and test algorithms and backend services using unit and interface testing frameworks.
• Identify potential technical and cybersecurity risks within software implementations and apply defensive programming practices.
• Utilize AI coding assistants while critically reviewing outputs to maintain correctness and security.
• Collaborate with cross‑site teams and Program Managers to document, manage, and evolve system and software requirements.
• Manage multiple concurrent assignments, adapt to changing priorities, and meet program milestones.

Who You Are (Required)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Mathematics, Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent full‑time professional experience.
• 0–2+ years of full‑time professional experience in backend software development or related technical roles (internship experience applicable).
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time as needed.
• Familiarity with the software development lifecycle (requirements through deployment).
• Proficiency in at least one modern backend language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, C#).
• Ability to design, develop, and analyze algorithms and backend software systems.
• Understanding of Windows and Linux file systems.
• Experience using version control systems (e.g., Git).Understanding of APIs (REST/gRPC) and modular code design principles.
• Familiarity with SQL and relational databases (e.g., Postgres).
• Familiarity with networking fundamentals and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, CORBA, DDS).
• Ability to review, critique, and harden AI‑generated code.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments and adjust priorities as needed.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem‑solving skills, and technical communication abilities.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience with cloud computing, virtualization, or containerization technologies.
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Cassandra).
• Demonstrated experience using AI coding assistants for code generation, optimization, debugging, and iterative improvement.
• Ability to write effective prompts and iterate with AI tools to enhance performance and code quality.
• Understanding of AI limitations, hallucinations, and validation techniques.
• Experience with unit testing and interface testing frameworks.
• Exposure to complex DoD or defense‑related software systems.

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

Pay Range

$72,000 - $114,450 per year.

IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.