Software Test Engineer - JobID-0322

TestDevJobs; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Competitive PTO

Paid holidays

401(k) with matching

9/80 schedule option

Job summary

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is seeking a Software Test Engineer to join the Integrated Mission Systems team in San Diego, CA. The role emphasizes testing, integration, and collaboration with engineers to deliver secure, fully integrated software for DoD systems.

Required: active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain), 3+ years in software testing, and strong knowledge of C++, Python, Docker, and Linux. On-site role with 3 days in office in San Diego.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in applicable discipline (software/engineering or related).
• 3+ years' experience with programming languages (C++, Python, Java, JavaScript).
• Experience with containers (Docker/OCI/Podman) and container runtimes.

Responsibilities

• Integrate and test software solutions across IDT’s Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) area.
• Provide feedback to developers to build high-quality software.
• Collaborate with engineers and subject matter experts to deliver robust solutions.
• Adhere to DoD/security standards; participate in peer reviews and design reviews.
• Assist with containerization and CI/CD pipelines for software deployment.

Skills

C++

Python

Java

JavaScript

Education

Bachelor's degree in applicable discipline

Tools

Git

Docker

OCI/Podman containers

Job description

Innovative Defense Technologies is HIRING A

Software Test Engineer - JobID-0322

POSTED October 4, 2026

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Software Test Engineer to be part of our Integrated Mission Systems team and based out of our San Diego, CA location.

The Software Test Engineer (STE) will be paired with a project test lead and work with a fast-paced team of mission-focused engineers to solve some of the DoD’s toughest challenges. The STE must possess initiative, creativity, reliability, and efficient teamwork and strict attention to detail and possess solid analytical abilities, coupled with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and drive. The STE will work as a team to design, build, test, and deliver innovative, secure, and fully integrated software solutions for complex, mission-critical systems in the US Department of Defense (DOD).

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 three days in office, based out of our San Diego, CA location.

Key Responsibilities

What You Will Do:

• Integrate and test software solutions across IDT’s Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) business area
• Provide feedback to developers to help build high-quality, innovative, and effective software which integrates with other system components.
• Work with other software engineers, systems engineers, integration engineers, and subject matter experts to deliver robust technical solutions
• Adhere to government and industry security, reliability, and performance standards; understand orthodox programming paradigms; interpret and apply DoD and industry standards; and participate in peer reviews, configuration, design, and performance reviews.
• Apply common and emerging (AI/ML) tools, approaches and best engineering practices including; building, maintaining, and troubleshooting CI/CD pipelines for software deployment; integrating third-party and externally developed software into a container runtime environment; configuring, adapting, and validating software components to operate correctly within a Containerized environment; integrating with internal systems and third-party applications; and assisting with containerization, configuration management, and customization of vendor or open-source software.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Who You Are (Required):

• Bachelor’s Degree in applicable discipline such as software engineering, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, data science, cyber security, mathematics, or aeronautical engineering (or equivalent full-time experience).
• 3+ year’s experience with one or more of the following:
  • Git or similar version control systems
  • Program languages such as C++, Python, Java or JavaScript
  • Container concepts (Docker/OCI/Podman images, containers, registries)
  • SQL and relational databases (e.g., Postgres)
  • Linux-based systems command-line usage and file/system permissions
  • React or similar modern frontend frameworks
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time as needed

What Makes You Stand Out:

• 2+ year’s experience working with DoD and Naval systems
• 1+ year experience with one or more of the following:
  • Visualization and human interface development
  • Use DEVSECOPS to streamline software testing and platform deployment
  • Software system remote monitoring, maintenance and upgrade
• 1+ year experience with one or more of the following:
  • Cloud computing, virtualization (VMWare), and containerization.
  • Networking concepts and protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS)
  • Working with APIs or third-party services
  • Scripting for automation (Groovy, Python, Bash, PowerShell)
  • Big data solutions (e.g. Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Cassandra)
  • Machine learning and/or artificial intelligence
• Desire to stay current with industry trends and best practices. Openness to new tools and concepts, showing initiative, innovation and creativity
• Ability to communicate, report and document progress and issues
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations
• Strong analytical abilities, sense of ownership, urgency and drive

Pay Range: $90,000 - $150,000 or $114,000 - $184,000

*Pursuant to California Senate Bill 1162, 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 Senate Bill 1162. 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 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
• 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.