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The Role
Leads a team developing and maintaining Infrastructure as Code for automated deployment and configuration of Kubernetes-based applications. Responsibilities include managing Kubernetes clusters across unclassified and air-gapped environments, debugging deployment issues, designing cloud and virtualization solutions, developing automation, integrating software, supporting testing, mentoring engineers, and applying secure coding and AI-assisted development practices. The role is onsite in Arlington, Virginia, requires the ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret clearance, and includes up to 10% travel.
Summary Generated by Built In
About The Role:
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Lead Infrastructure Software Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems Business Area and based out of our Arlington, VA location.
The Infrastructure Software Engineer will lead a team of Platform and Deployment Engineers to develop, implement, and maintain Infrastructure as Code software for automated deployment and configuration of a Kubernetes-based enterprise product. This role requires strong knowledge and experience in debugging and fixing software deployment/configuration issues in addition to continuing to advance the automation of the deployment process.
The Warfare Systems Business Area is one of four mission critical business units within the IDT organization and is directly responsible for building, testing, and deploying the Navy’s next generation of tactical warfare and weapons systems. As the nation enters the ‘technology-first’ era of warfare, the Warfare Systems Business Area will be responsible for enabling and accelerating the mission critical tactical capability that is delivered to the warfighter. The Lead Infrastructure Software Engineer will work with our team of software and systems engineers building tactically relevant and technically innovative solutions to ensure the highest impact to the US Navy.
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 3-4 days in office, based out of our Arlington, VA location
Key Responsibilities
What You Will Do:
- Scope and Define Requirements: Manage formal and informal requirements to define, validate and control scope to complete all the deliverables within a project successfully
- Support conversion of internal customer requirements into a refined vision
- Lead a team to develop, implement, and maintain Infrastructure as Code software for automated deployment and configuration of a multi-site, multi-system microservice- based application, leveraging AI coding assistants to accelerate development.
- Lead the active operations work of deploying and maintaining multiple Kubernetes clusters in unclassified and classified (airgapped) environments, leveraging AI solutions to improve deployment and maintenance efficiency.
- Engineer Solutions: Design and implement solutions that meet specific requirements
- Debug, identify root cause and fix software deployment/configuration issues
- Guide a team in the identification and application of emerging technologies and architectures including evaluation of cloud operations platforms such as cloud IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.
- Manage, mentor, and lead a small team of engineers working operational and development tasks while championing the use of AI to streamline the team’s workflow, incorporating AI-driven approaches to optimize automation and reduce the complexity of installations.
- Implement and test software using multiple languages and technology stacks
- Develop software interfaces to communicate across various network protocols and messaging frameworks
- Integrate software components into complex software environments
- Communicate and work collaboratively with colleagues and lead engineers from other disciplines
- Assure Quality: Maintains a focus on quality that produces deliverables that meet objectives and align needs, uses, and acceptance requirements set forth by relevant stakeholders
- Participate in and provide feedback in design and code reviews
- Develop software using secure coding practices
- Support test and integration activities in IDT labs, as well as on-site customer labs
- Manage Risk and Opportunities: Assess, plan, identify, analyze, mitigate and control risks and opportunities
- Support preparation, tracking, and delivery of internal deliverables
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Who You Are (Required):
- Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or Math, or equivalent full-time professional experience; Master’s Degree in Engineering or another technical field highly desired
- 7+ years of professional software development/deployment experience in technically rigorous environments
- High-level proficiency with container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
- Experience with Kubernetes management services like Helm or ArgoCD
- Experience with hypervisor/virtualization technologies such as VMware, KVM, EC2.
- Experience with networking in virtualized environments - TCP/IP, DNS, Load Balancing, Firewall, VLANs
- Proficiency in automation scripts and tools such as Ansible, Terraform, Puppet, Salt, etc. and an aptitude for utilizing AI tools (e.g., LLMs, AI coding assistants) to streamline script generation and troubleshooting.
- Strong Linux skills
- High degree of competence in Bash/Shell
- Basic full-stack development skills: SQL, Python/Java, JavaScript, HTML/CSS
- Ability to shift from one project to another in an agile work environment
- Strong leadership capabilities and skills
- Strong documentation skills
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed
What Makes You Stand Out:
- High-level proficiency with Kubernetes distros such as RKE2
- Experience with distributed storage systems such as Rook/Ceph, NFS
- Experience deploying Kubernetes clusters and configuring networking, storage, etc.
- Experience with Git, Jenkins, Artifactory
- DevSecOps experience
- Experience with at least one public cloud environment, such as Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure
- Experience managing and directing personnel while maintaining cost and schedule targets
- Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations
If you see yourself reflected in this role and are excited about the impact you could make, we encourage you to apply! If you know someone who may be a great fit, please feel free to share this opportunity with your network.
Pay Range*: $135,000 - $273,000
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. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience.
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. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience.
Job Benefits
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:
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
- Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
- Organization-Wide Monthly Tech Connect Events
- Annual Employee Recognition Awards
- Regular Social Events and Catered Lunches
EEO Statement:
IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.
IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.
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
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or Math, or equivalent full-time professional experience
- 7+ years of professional software development and deployment experience in technically rigorous environments
- High-level proficiency with Docker and Kubernetes
- Experience with Kubernetes management services such as Helm or ArgoCD
- Experience with hypervisor or virtualization technologies such as VMware, KVM, or EC2
- Experience with networking in virtualized environments, including TCP/IP, DNS, load balancing, firewalls, and VLANs
- Proficiency with automation scripts and tools such as Ansible, Terraform, Puppet, or Salt
- Strong Linux skills
- High degree of competence in Bash or Shell
- Basic full-stack development skills including SQL, Python or Java, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS
- Ability to work across projects in an agile environment
- Strong leadership capabilities
- Strong documentation skills
- Ability to travel up to 10% as needed
- Master's degree in Engineering or another technical field
- High-level proficiency with Kubernetes distributions such as RKE2
- Experience with distributed storage systems such as Rook/Ceph or NFS
- Experience deploying Kubernetes clusters and configuring networking and storage
- Experience with Git, Jenkins, and Artifactory
- DevSecOps experience
- Experience with a public cloud environment such as Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure
- Experience managing and directing personnel while maintaining cost and schedule targets
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret U.S. security clearance
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The Company
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.
