Senior Software Engineer - JobID-0018

Innovative Defense Technologies; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 273,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching

Paid holidays

Tuition assistance reimbursement

Professional development resources

Pre‑Tax commuter benefits

Regular tech connect events

Job summary

Innovative Defense Technologies, based in Arlington, VA, is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join the Advanced Capabilities team for Navy‑focused software in mission‑critical environments.

The role requires 7+ years in system engineering or integration, strong C++/Java skills, Linux RTOS experience, and DoD standards familiarity. On‑site with 5 days in the office, Secret clearance preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related STEM field or equivalent relevant full‑time experience.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in system engineering or integration roles.
• Strong proficiency in C++, Java, or other real‑time systems programming languages.
• Experience with Linux/Unix‑based environments and real‑time operating systems.
• Proficiency working with version control software like Git, SVN and software development environments.
• Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle.
• Strong system integration and test experience, including distributed and tactical systems.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering processes, including requirements traceability and configuration management.
• Experience leading test execution and integration activities across functional teams.
• Experience supporting U.S. Navy combat systems integration, testing, or sustainment.
• Strong understanding of real‑time distributed systems, radar systems, and weapon control logic.

Responsibilities

• Support full development lifecycle including system design, implementation, integration, test, and deployment of complex systems supporting DoD and Navy operational.
• Conduct architecture analysis for distributed combat systems (hardware/software/network).
• Design, develop, and maintain real‑time software systems supporting Navy combat systems and tactical data processing.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including program management, cybersecurity, software development, hardware engineering, logistics, and test organizations.
• Support system certification, verification, and validation activities in accordance with DoD standards.
• Provide technical leadership in design reviews, code reviews, and system‑level engineering discussions.
• Develop software interfaces to communicate across network protocols such as TCP/UDP, DDS, ActiveMQ, Kafka, RabbitMQ.
• Participate in technical reviews (MRA, MRR, DAWG, TWEG, etc.) and support government and stakeholder briefings.

Skills

C++

Java

Real-time systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

Git

SVN

Job description

About The Role:

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 (DOD), is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to be part of our Advanced Capabilities team and based out of our Arlington, VA location.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer with expertise in U.S. Navy tactical combat systems to support a fast‑paced, customer‑focused test and experimentation team. This role requires deep experience in designing, developing, integrating, and testing complex software products in mission‑critical environments. This role applies interdisciplinary engineering principles to ensure that software, networks, and mission systems operate effectively, securely, and in compliance with Department of Defense standards and regulations.

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 the office, based out of our Arlington, VA location.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support full development lifecycle including system design, implementation, integration, test, and deployment of complex systems supporting DoD and Navy operational.
• Conduct architecture analysis for distributed combat systems (hardware/software/network).
• Design, develop, and maintain real‑time software systems supporting Navy combat systems and tactical data processing
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including program management, cybersecurity, software development, hardware engineering, logistics, and test organizations.
• Support system certification, verification, and validation activities in accordance with DoD standards.
• Provide technical leadership in design reviews, code reviews, and system‑level engineering discussions.
• Develop software interfaces to communicate across network protocols such as TCP/UDP, DDS, ActiveMQ, Kafka, RabbitMQ
• Participate in technical reviews (MRA, MRR, DAWG, TWEG, etc.) and support government and stakeholder briefings.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Who You Are (Required):

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related STEM field or equivalent relevant full‑time experience.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in system engineering or integration roles.
• Strong proficiency in C++, Java, or other real‑time systems programming languages.
• Experience with Linux/Unix‑based environments and real‑time operating systems.
• Proficiency working with version control software like Git, SVN and software development environments
• Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle
• Strong system integration and test experience, including distributed and tactical systems.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering processes, including requirements traceability and configuration management.
• Experience leading test execution and integration activities across functional teams
• Experience supporting U.S. Navy combat systems integration, testing, or sustainment.
• Strong understanding of real‑time distributed systems, radar systems, and weapon control logic
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and execute multiple concurrent assignments.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Experience with Navy surface warfare systems and tactical applications (e.g., Aegis Weapon System, SSDS, Link‑16).
• Experience in technical leadership or principal engineering roles.
• Knowledge of missile defense, air and missile warfare, or integrated fire control systems.
• Develop and maintain interface control documents (ICDs) across fire control and command subsystems
• Experience developing, testing, and troubleshooting large‑scale or distributed DoD software systems.
• Experience supporting rapid prototyping, experimentation, integration, and capability demonstrations.

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.