Senior Defense Tech Lead — Systems & Field Testing

Innovative Defense Technologies; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 273,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits

Paid holidays

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Pre-Tax commuter benefits

Job summary

Innovative Defense Technologies is seeking an Engineering Technical Lead to manage a fast-paced Advanced Capabilities team in San Diego, CA. The role requires hands-on technical leadership, system design, and coordination with government sponsors in DoD testing environments.

The successful candidate will drive complex software and hardware integration on Navy assets, oversee test execution, and ensure timely delivery within budget. Active Secret clearance and onsite presence are required.

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Define and Scope Solutions: Interpret and document stakeholder needs to establish clear, prioritized requirements and success criteria that drive project outcomes.
• 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.
• Integrate, Deploy, and Validate Systems: Lead the deployment, installation, configuration, and operational support of complex software and hardware systems.
• Leverage Insights and Data: Analyze customer feedback, research findings, and performance trends to inform design direction and enhance system effectiveness.
• Assure Quality, Cost, and Schedule: Develop and manage Program Quality and Cost Management Plans to ensure consistent standards, financial discipline and schedule alignment.
• Collaborate and Share Knowledge: Collaborate directly with senior warfighters, test directors, and government sponsors to define objectives, schedules, and execution plans.

Skills

System integration

Technical leadership

DoD knowledge

Troubleshooting

Systems engineering

Documentation

Customer interface

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Equivalent full-time professional experience

Tools

C++

Python

JavaScript

Java

MATLAB

Job description

Innovative Defense Technologies is seeking an Engineering Technical Lead to manage a fast-paced Advanced Capabilities team in San Diego, CA. The role requires hands-on technical leadership, system design, and coordination with government sponsors in DoD testing environments.

The successful candidate will drive complex software and hardware integration on Navy assets, oversee test execution, and ensure timely delivery within budget. Active Secret clearance and onsite presence are required.