Tactical Software Engineer - JobID-0016

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT)

Arlington (VA)

On-site

USD 114,000 - 231,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Competitive PTO and paid holidays

401(k) with immediate vesting and matching

Tuition Assistance Reimbursement Program

Job summary

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is seeking a Tactical Software Engineer in Arlington, VA, to join the Warfare Systems team. This role involves modernizing legacy weapons system software and requires strong skills in C, C++, Python, and Java.

The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 5 years of experience, with an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance. IDT offers competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

5 years of professional experience in software engineering.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time as needed.
Experience with DoD programs.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and test software across various development environments.
Analyze and refactor legacy software.
Interact with customers to elicit requirements.

Skills

C++

Python

Java

Agile software development

Git

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Linux OS

Jenkins

Jira

Atlassian tools

VMware vSphere

Job description

Compensation: $114,000 - $231,000 / year

Department: Engineering

Location: Arlington, VA

About The Role

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Tactical Software Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems team. The role is based in Arlington, VA or Mount Laurel, NJ.

The Tactical Software Engineer will be part of a multi-discipline team focused on the DOW’s initiatives in support of tactical capability development for Navy surface and unmanned (UxVs) platforms. The engineer will directly architect and refactor mission‑critical legacy weapons system software into a modern stack, targeting a microservices‑based tactical platform within both cloud‑native and tactical‑edge deployment models.

Warfare Systems’ project domains include real‑time automated test and analysis, virtual computing environments, AI & ML data analytics, cybersecurity, and tactical solutions.

The engineer will be fiercely accountable for delivering well‑architected, production‑ready solutions that exceed fleet requirements.

Clearance & Location Requirements

All applicants must currently possess an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
This is an on‑site position. Requires 5 days in office, based in Arlington, VA or Mount Laurel, NJ.

What You Will Do

Design, implement, and test complex software in C, C++, Python, JavaScript, and Java across various development environments.
Analyze legacy monolithic software, recompile and incrementally refactor to modernize using brownfield and greenfield methodologies.
Perform technical assessment and deconstruction of Navy tactical system code for Surface Navy Combat systems.
Explore and prototype next‑generation solutions using AI/ML, distributed processing, and modeling.
Interact with customers to elicit requirements and document agreements.
Present to leadership on project cost, schedule, and technical progress.
Develop software architecture, including hardware and software interfaces between components.
Assist in developing user, functional, and technical requirements for tactical systems.
Participate and provide feedback for design and code peer reviews.
Integrate individual software components into complex environments.
Support test and integration activities at IDT labs and government Land‑Based Test Sites.

Who You Are: Required

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum of 5 years of full‑time professional experience.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time as needed.
Familiarity with combat system design and software.
Experience developing tactical systems software on DoD programs.
Proficiency with C, C++, Python, and/or Java programming languages.
Experience in Linux OS environments and shell scripting.
Ability to decompose and document requirements and specifications.
Understanding of distributed systems, algorithms, data structures, and software design patterns, especially the Strangler Pattern.
Experience with Agile software development processes.
Proficiency with Git CM environment.
Comfortable with DevSecOps best practices.
Ability to translate vague customer requirements into a refined vision.
Ability to identify and describe algorithmic complexity.
Capability to work on‑site with potential hybrid flexibility.

What Makes You Stand Out

Familiarity with the AEGIS Weapon System Common Source Library (CSL) or Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) Single Source Library (SSL).
Experience with AEGIS or SSDS tactical systems.
Experience utilizing Make, Maven, and Ant build systems.
Experience with X‑Windows.
Knowledge of Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) methodologies.
Experience with Jenkins, Jira, and Atlassian tools.
Familiarity with foundational networking concepts: routing, switching, identity services, intrusion detection, firewall.
Familiarity deploying virtual machines in VMware vSphere environments including networking configuration.
Familiarity designing complex software development environments, including submodules, remote dependencies, and mixed‑code deployments.
Familiarity deploying virtual machines and/or containers into Azure cloud environments.
Strong analytical skills and sense of ownership, urgency, and drive.
Problem‑solving skills for ambiguous situations.
Excellent oral, written, and technical communication with peers and non‑technical stakeholders.
Initiative, creativity, reliability, teamwork.
Strong organization and planning skills.
Attention to detail while seeing the big picture.

Pay Range

$114,000 – $184,000 or $135,000 – $231,000

Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) IDT is a growing company with a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. Headquarters in Arlington, VA, with offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. Employees work together in modern, social office spaces, designing innovative solutions for defense customers. We offer competitive pay and benefits including: