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 an Associate Software Engineer to be part of our Integrated Mission Systems team and based out of our San Diego, CA location.
- All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
- This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 4-5 days in office, based out of our San Diego, CA location.
Key Responsibilities
- Product Development: Design, develop, integrate, test, and troubleshoot software components using established programming languages and tools. Contribute to the documentation of software architectures, processes, procedures, and techniques required to operate and sustain delivered solutions.
- Scopes & Understands Requirements: Work with engineers, team leads, and stakeholders to understand high-level user requirements and assist in flowing those requirements into functional software components and integrated solutions that meet customer needs.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including software, systems, integration, information, production, and test engineers to understand system workflows, front-end and back-end features, and overall system architecture.
- Adheres to Engineering Standards: Apply industry best practices and organizational standards related to security, reliability, and performance. Follow established programming paradigms, interpret and apply DoD and industry standards, and participate in peer reviews, configuration reviews, design reviews, and performance reviews.
- Applies Common Tools & DevOps Practices: Assist with building, maintaining, and troubleshooting CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins). Support the integration of internally developed, third-party, or open-source software into containerized and orchestrated environments.
- Containerization & Integration Support: Assist in configuring, adapting, and validating software components to operate within container runtime environments (e.g., Docker/OCI) and Kubernetes-based systems. Support integration with internal systems and third-party applications.
- Automation & Configuration Management: Contribute to scripting and automation efforts to support deployment, configuration management, testing, and system sustainment activities under the guidance of senior engineers.
- Testing & Quality Assurance: Participate in software test and integration activities, applying best engineering practices and established test methodologies to ensure software quality, reliability, and performance.
Skills Knowledge & Expertise
- Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Mathematics, or Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent full-time professional experience.
- Ability to travel up to 15% of the time as needed
- Familiarity with the software development lifecycle and process
- Experience using Git or similar version control systems
- Familiarity or working knowledge with several of the following:
- C++, Python, Java or JavaScript programming languages
- Basic understanding of container concepts (Docker/OCI 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
- Interest in learning system integration concepts and working beyond strictly writing code
- Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn in a team environment
- Experience with cloud computing, virtualization, or containerization technologies
- Understanding of networking concepts and protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS)
- Exposure to virtualization technologies (VMware)
- Experience with working with APIs or third-party services
- Experience with scripting for automation (Groovy, Python, Bash, PowerShell)
- Experience with big data solutions (e.g. Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Cassandra)
- Experience with machine learning and/or artificial intelligence
- Experience performing test and integration, applying best engineering practices, and executing test methodologies.
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
About
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.
Skills Required
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance
- On-site presence in San Diego, CA (at least 4-5 days per week)
- Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Mathematics, Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent experience
- Ability to travel up to 15% of the time
- Familiarity with the software development lifecycle and processes
- Experience using Git or similar version control systems
- Familiarity or working knowledge of C++, Python, Java, or JavaScript
- Basic understanding of container concepts (Docker/OCI images, containers, registries)
- Familiarity with SQL and relational databases (e.g., Postgres)
- Linux command-line usage and file/system permissions
- Familiarity with React or similar modern frontend frameworks
- Willingness to learn system integration concepts and work beyond writing code
- Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn in a team environment
- Experience or familiarity with CI/CD tooling (e.g., Jenkins) and containerized/Kubernetes environments
- Experience with cloud computing, virtualization, APIs, scripting, big data, or ML/AI
- Experience with virtualization technologies (VMware)
- Experience with scripting for automation (Groovy, Python, Bash, PowerShell)
- Experience performing test and integration and executing test methodologies
What We Do
WHO WE ARE Innovative Defense Technologies -IDT- provides automated software testing, data analysis, and cybersecurity solutions for the DOD's mission-critical systems. Using patented Automated Test and ReTest (ATRT) technology, we support the entire software testing lifecycle from component testing, to system integration and testing, to the analysis of results. Our automated test and analysis solutions enable the rapid update and delivery of large, complex systems. Our technologies offer: -Rapid system configuration assessment and validation -Repeatable, consistent testing, analysis and reporting -On-demand regression tests in response to cyber threats -Statistical rigor in test and analysis -Reduced time and manpower At IDT, we work closely with our customers to tailor our products to support their systems and meet their goals. IDT has the expertise, strategies and processes in place to provide an automated solution for your next project. Let us help you dramatically accelerate test execution time, expand test coverage and improve software quality. OUR MISSION Our mission is to enable new software capabilities to be fielded faster and more affordably by reducing the amount of time and the cost spent on software testing. Through the use of our software testing technology, IDT is changing the way testing is being done for large, complex, software systems.







