Software Engineer Intern

Innovative Defense Technologies, LLC; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Mentoring

Training

Team events

Job summary

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) offers a Summer Internship Program for Software and Systems Engineering, with a focus on Java back-end, React/Typescript front-end, and PostgreSQL persistence. The position is fully on-site in San Diego, CA, with a Secret security clearance requirement and a 10–12 week, up to 40 hours/week schedule.

Open to current undergraduates or postgraduates in engineering or related fields; opportunities include mentoring, hands-on project work, and exposure to AI/Code

Qualifications

• Familiarity with Git and Linux environments.
• Familiarity with SQL and PostgreSQL.
• Interest in software engineering and systems engineering.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and maintain software applications and features.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement capabilities and resolve defects.
• Write reliable, maintainable code following standards.
• Participate in code reviews, troubleshooting, and debugging.
• Integrate components, APIs, and third-party tech into systems.
• Support deployment, maintenance, and modernization efforts.
• Create and maintain technical docs and artifacts.
• Contribute throughout the software development lifecycle from requirements to deployment.

Skills

Git

Linux

SQL

Docker

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in software/CS

Tools

Java

PostgreSQL

TypeScript

React

Webpack

Jenkins

Kubernetes

Job description

Intern: Software Engineer - JR | Summer 2027 Start

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), provider automated software testing, data analysis, and cybersecurity solutions for complex, mission-critical systems in the US Department of Defense (DOD) is currently seeking qualified candidates for its Summer Internship Program which has concentrations in Software Engineering and Systems Engineering.

Software and Systems Engineering Interns work alongside our technical teams using powerful, patented technologies to facilitate the delivery of revolutionary capabilities for our customers in the Department of Defense (DOD). These include Artificial Intelligence, AI Code Assistance, Automation, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Model-Based Systems Engineering, and Virtualization.

Our tech stack is continuously evolving to meet emerging customer use cases and keep pace with industry. Backend services are typically written in Java with PostgreSQL persistence. User interfaces are written in Typescript using React and Redux and packaged with Webpack. REST serves as our primary data transport protocol for both backend and frontend interfaces. Code is configuration controlled in Git. Various AI code assistance tools are under evaluation. Build tooling includes Maven, Gradle, and NPM, coordinated by Jenkins in an automated pipeline. Continuous deployment is employed to orchestrate software on a Kubernetes cluster in multiple environments, including in the cloud, on secured air-gapped networks, and on tactical platforms.

Clearance & Location Requirements

• All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
• This is a fully on-site position based out of our Arlington, VA, Mount Laurel, NJ, or San Diego, CA location.

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Internship

Location: San Diego, CA

Address: 2750 Womble Road, San Diego, Suite 200, California, 92106

Open in Google Maps

Workplace type: Onsite

Compensation: $28.00 - $34.00 / hour

What You Will Do

• Develop, test, and maintain software applications and features.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new capabilities and resolve software defects.
• Write reliable, maintainable code in accordance with engineering, security, and quality standards.
• Participate in code reviews, troubleshooting, and debugging activities.
• Integrate software components, APIs, and third-party technologies into existing systems.
• Support software deployment, maintenance, and modernization efforts.
• Create and maintain technical documentation and development artifacts.
• Contribute throughout the software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis through deployment and sustainment.

Who You Are (Required)

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree program with a major in software engineering, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, data science, cyber security, mathematics, or aeronautical engineering
• Familiarity with Git or similar version control systems.
• Familiarity with Linux-based environments and command-line tools.
• Familiarity with SQL and relational database technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL).
• Familiarity with container technologies such as Docker, Podman, or OCI-compliant containers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience writing scripts for automation using languages such as Python, Bash, PowerShell, or Groovy.
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, or upgrading software applications and services.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and modern software development practices.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps concepts and secure software development principles.
• Experience working in Agile development environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document technical work and communicate project status effectively.
• Demonstrated initiative, willingness to learn new technologies, and ability to take ownership of assigned tasks.

Pay Range*

$28 - $34 / Hour

*Pursuant to California Senate Bill 1162 and New Jersey Senate Bill 2310, IDT is required to disclose the "pay scale" or "pay range" associated with a job posting. Notably, however, 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. Click here for additional information about California Senate Bill 1162. Click here for additional information about New Jersey Senate Bill 2310. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience.

Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT)

IDT's Summer Internship Program offers students the opportunity to learn from experts and perform meaningful work in a professional work environment. IDT interns gain valuable, hands-on experience and solve real-world problems. In this program, students can expect:

• A 10-12-week program; up to 40 hours per week
• Competitive pay
• Individual mentoring
• Valuable training
• A supportive culture
• Social events and team building activities

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.