Lead Infrastructure Software Engineer - JobID-0328

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Competitive PTO

9/80 optional schedule

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) seeks a Lead Infrastructure Software Engineer in Arlington, VA to lead a team of Platform and Deployment Engineers. You will develop Infrastructure as Code for automated deployment of a Kubernetes-based enterprise product and advance AI-assisted deployment automation.

You will work in the Warfare Systems Business Area, enabling Navy tactical capabilities and maintaining secure, on-site deployment across multi-site environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in IT/CS/Engineering/Math or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of professional software development/deployment in rigorous environments.
• Proficiency with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience with Kubernetes management like Helm/ArgoCD.
• VMware/KVM/EC2 virtualization and networking basics.
• Automation scripting with Ansible, Terraform, Puppet, Salt.
• Strong Linux and Bash/Shell skills.

Responsibilities

• Scope and define requirements for IaC-based deployment.
• Lead a team to develop, deploy, and maintain multi-site Kubernetes infrastructure.
• Debug deployment/configuration issues and improve automation workflows.
• Mentor engineers and champion AI-assisted automation.
• Develop interfaces across networks and messaging frameworks; integrate components.
• Participate in design reviews and ensure secure coding practices.
• Travel up to 10% as needed for on-site work.

Skills

Leadership

Linux

Bash/Shell

Automation scripting

Agile workflow

Documentation

Travel up to 10%

Education

Bachelor’s or higher in IT/CS/CE/Engineering/Math

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Helm

ArgoCD

VMware/KVM/EC2

Ansible

Terraform

Puppet/Salt

Git/Jenkins/Artifactory

Job description

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

Department: Engineering

Location: Arlington, VA

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

About The Role

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Lead Infrastructure Software Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems Business Area and based out of our Arlington, VA location.

The Infrastructure Software Engineer will lead a team of Platform and Deployment Engineers to develop, implement, and maintain Infrastructure as Code software for automated deployment and configuration of a Kubernetes-based enterprise product. This role requires strong knowledge and experience in debugging and fixing software deployment/configuration issues in addition to continuing to advance the automation of the deployment process.

The Warfare Systems Business Area is one of four mission critical business units within the IDT organization and is directly responsible for building, testing, and deploying the Navy’s next generation of tactical warfare and weapons systems. As the nation enters the ‘technology-first’ era of warfare, the Warfare Systems Business Area will be responsible for enabling and accelerating the mission critical tactical capability that is delivered to the warfighter. The Lead Infrastructure Software Engineer will work with our team of software and systems engineers building tactically relevant and technically innovative solutions to ensure the highest impact to the US Navy.

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 3-4 days in office, based out of our Arlington, VA location

Key Responsibilities

What You Will Do

• Scope and Define Requirements:
  • Support conversion of internal customer requirements into a refined vision
  • Lead a team to develop, implement, and maintain Infrastructure as Code software for automated deployment and configuration of a multi-site, multi-system microservice- based application, leveraging AI coding assistants to accelerate development.
  • Lead the active operations work of deploying and maintaining multiple Kubernetes clusters in unclassified and classified (airgapped) environments, leveraging AI solutions to improve deployment and maintenance efficiency.
• Engineer Solutions:
  • Debug, identify root cause and fix software deployment/configuration issues
  • Guide a team in the identification and application of emerging technologies and architectures including evaluation of cloud operations platforms such as cloud IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.
  • Manage, mentor, and lead a small team of engineers working operational and development tasks while championing the use of AI to streamline the team’s workflow, incorporating AI-driven approaches to optimize automation and reduce the complexity of installations.
  • Implement and test software using multiple languages and technology stacks
  • Develop software interfaces to communicate across various network protocols and messaging frameworks
  • Integrate software components into complex software environments
  • Communicate and work collaboratively with colleagues and lead engineers from other disciplines
• Assure Quality:
  • Participate in and provide feedback in design and code reviews
  • Develop software using secure coding practices
  • Support test and integration activities in IDT labs, as well as on-site customer labs
• Manage Risk and Opportunities:
  • Support preparation, tracking, and delivery of internal deliverables

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Who You Are (Required)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or Math, or equivalent full-time professional experience; Master’s Degree in Engineering or another technical field highly desired
• 7+ years of professional software development/deployment experience in technically rigorous environments
• High-level proficiency with container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience with Kubernetes management services like Helm or ArgoCD
• Experience with hypervisor/virtualization technologies such as VMware, KVM, EC2.
• Experience with networking in virtualized environments - TCP/IP, DNS, Load Balancing, Firewall, VLANs
• Proficiency in automation scripts and tools such as Ansible, Terraform, Puppet, Salt, etc. and an aptitude for utilizing AI tools (e.g., LLMs, AI coding assistants) to streamline script generation and troubleshooting.
• Strong Linux skills
• High degree of competence in Bash/Shell
• Basic full-stack development skills: SQL, Python/Java, JavaScript, HTML/CSS
• Ability to shift from one project to another in an agile work environment
• Strong leadership capabilities and skills
• Strong documentation skills
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed

What Makes You Stand Out

• High-level proficiency with Kubernetes distros such as RKE2
• Experience with distributed storage systems such as Rook/Ceph, NFS
• Experience deploying Kubernetes clusters and configuring networking, storage, etc.
• Experience with Git, Jenkins, Artifactory
• DevSecOps experience
• Experience with at least one public cloud environment, such as Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure
• Experience managing and directing personnel while maintaining cost and schedule targets
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations

Pay Range*: $135,000 - $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:

• 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.