SWFTS Lead Engineer

VTG Defense; Manassas (VA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

VTG Defense in Manassas, VA seeks a SWFTS Lead Engineer to steer development and deployment of next‑generation tactical systems for US Navy submarines. The role is onsite with up to two days a week in the office and remaining days remote.

You will provide technical direction across multiple projects, coordinate prototyping with Kubernetes, Istio, VM and container management, and lead efforts in cybersecurity within an Agile framework.

Qualifications

• 10 years' experience with the submarine SWFTS architecture.
• Understanding of SWFTS sub-system interfaces.
• Proficient with Linux (RHEL/Centos 7 or 8).
• Articulate, excellent presentation skills.
• US Citizen with current SECRET Clearance or ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
• Successful completion of background check.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction across multiple projects.
• Coordinate prototyping and cross‑domain efforts.
• Lead development in Agile environments and ensure on‑time execution.
• Manage task assignments, budgets, and vendor/customer coordination.
• Prototype across Kubernetes, Istio, VM management, container tech, cybersecurity, and data networks.

Skills

SWFTS architecture

SWFTS interfaces

Presentation skills

US Citizenship & security

Background check

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering/CS/IT

Tools

Kubernetes

Istio

VM management

Container management

Linux (RHEL/CentOS)

Docker

KVM

Helm

Networking concepts

Job description

Overview

VTG is seeking a highly qualified SWFTS Lead Engineer with extensive knowledge of Submarine Warfare Federated Tactical Systems (SWFTS) to lead development and deployment of the next generation tactical systems being deployed to US Navy submarines. This position is onsite in Manassas, VA, up to two days per week and other days in a remote capacity.

What will you do?

The Lead Engineer will provide technical direction for the execution of multiple projects in support of the SWFTS projects. The candidate will provide technical expertise integrating multiple systems in a Kubernetes environment. The candidate will lead development in an Agile environment, ensuring the team completes tasks on‑time and on budget. Responsibilities include assigning tasks to engineering teams, setting long and short‑term project goals, negotiating with vendors and clients, ensuring the project stays within time and budgetary restraints, and compiling program briefings. The candidate will participate in cross‑domain working groups to coordinate prototyping efforts, briefing results to senior engineers and managers in government and industry. This position requires an imaginative thinker with experience to conceive, develop and evaluate novel engineering solutions to address the unique requirements of the operational environment. Prototyping efforts span a broad spectrum of computer technologies, including Kubernetes, Istio, VM management, container management, cybersecurity, data management, networks, etc. The candidate must be a motivated self‑starter who thrives with limited supervision.

Do you have what it takes?

Required Qualifications / Skills / Abilities:

• 10 years' experience with the submarine SWFTS architecture
• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Information Technology
• Understanding of SWFTS sub‑system interfaces
• Proficient with Linux (RHEL/Centos 7 or 8)
• Articulate, excellent presentation skills
• US Citizen with current SECRET Clearance or ability to obtain a SECRET clearance
• Successful completion of background check

Desired Qualifications / Skills / Abilities:

• Proficient with modern PaaS environment tools such as Kubernetes, docker, KVM, and Helm
• Previous work as a system architect
• Familiar with Agile software development methodology, JIRA
• Familiar with model‑based software/systems engineering concepts
• Familiar with basic network switch configuration

This position is contingent upon contract award.

VTG's estimated starting pay range is $160,000-$200,000 which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range.