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The Role
Design, integrate, and sustain mechanical solutions for tactical compute, HCI, and data-center modernization. Create 3D CAD models and drawings, perform thermal and airflow analyses, support systems architecture and integration, conduct trade studies and testing, and produce technical documentation for DoD deployments.
Summary Generated by Built In
About The Role:
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Mechanical Systems Engineer – Compute Infrastructure & Integration to be part of our Advanced Capabilities team and based out of our Arlington, VA location.
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is seeking a Mechanical Systems Engineer for IDT’s HCI, tactical compute and data-center modernization efforts. This position supports the design, integration, and sustainment of advanced computing, networking, and mission systems deployed in defense environments. This role combines traditional mechanical engineering principles with systems engineering methodologies to ensure hardware platforms, infrastructure components, and integrated solutions meet performance, thermal, reliability, and operational requirements.
The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in mechanical design, thermal management, systems integration, and technical architecture development. This individual will work closely with software, network, electrical, cybersecurity, and systems engineering teams to develop and deploy mission-critical solutions for Department of Defense customers.
Clearance & Location Requirements:
- All applicants must currently possess an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
- This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 3 days in office, based out of our Arlington, VA location.
Key Responsibilities
What You Will Do:
- Design and develop mechanical solutions supporting computing infrastructure, networked systems, ruggedized hardware, and mission systems.
- Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings for system enclosures, racks, mounts, cooling solutions, and integrated hardware platforms.
- Perform thermal analyses, heat transfer studies, airflow evaluations, and cooling assessments for high-performance computing and electronic systems.
- Support system architecture development through the creation and interpretation of Unified Data Architecture (UDA) diagrams, interface control documents, data flow diagrams, and system integration artifacts.
- Collaborate with systems engineers to define hardware, infrastructure, environmental, and operational requirements.
- Participate in requirements decomposition, trade studies, system modeling, and architecture development activities.
- Support the integration of computing, networking, storage, and mission systems into customer environments.
- Analyze system performance, identify technical risks, and recommend engineering solutions to improve reliability, maintainability, and scalability.
- Support engineering reviews, integration events, testing activities, and customer demonstrations.
- Develop technical documentation, engineering reports, installation guides, and design packages.
- Work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure successful implementation of integrated hardware and software solutions.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Who You Are (Required):
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, related engineering discipline, or equivalent full-time professional experience.
- 5+ years of engineering experience supporting complex technical systems.
- Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or equivalent.
- Experience performing thermal analyses, heat transfer studies, and cooling system evaluations.
- Experience supporting systems engineering activities, including requirements development, architecture definition, and integration planning.
- Ability to interpret and develop technical diagrams including UDA diagrams, system architecture diagrams, interface diagrams, and engineering workflows.
- Understanding of data center infrastructure, computing hardware, networking equipment, or mission system architectures.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time as needed
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition programs.
- Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools.
- Experience with Cameo, MagicDraw, Enterprise Architect, or similar systems modeling tools.
- Experience integrating servers, storage systems, networking equipment, or hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) solutions.
- Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), thermal modeling, or environmental testing.
- Familiarity with open architecture initiatives such as SOSA, CMOSS, FACE, and MOSA.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity requirements and secure infrastructure design.
- Experience supporting system-level integration, test, and evaluation activities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced engineering environment.
- Commitment to engineering excellence, quality, and mission success.
- Ability to operate effectively between traditional engineering disciplines and IT-focused technical teams.
- Strong systems-thinking mindset with the ability to understand interactions between hardware, software, networking, and operational requirements.
- Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to engineering leadership, program management, and customers.
- Experience working in fast-paced development and integration environments.
- 5+ years of compliance, risk management, or related experience within the defense or government contracting industry
- Experience with:
- Ruggedized compute platforms
- Electronics packaging
- Thermal management of high-performance processing systems
- C5ISR systems integration
- Open architecture frameworks (CMOSS, SOSA, FACE, etc.) if applicable to your program portfolio
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*: $114,000 - $184,000 or $135,000 - $231,000
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.
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:
- 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.
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 Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, related engineering discipline, or equivalent experience
- Active Secret U.S. security clearance
- 5+ years of engineering experience supporting complex technical systems
- Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or equivalent
- Experience performing thermal analyses, heat transfer studies, and cooling system evaluations
- Experience supporting systems engineering activities including requirements development, architecture definition, and integration planning
- Ability to interpret and develop UDA, system architecture, interface, and engineering diagrams
- Understanding of data center infrastructure, computing hardware, networking equipment, or mission system architectures
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work on-site in Arlington, VA at least three days per week
- Ability to travel up to 10% as needed
- Experience supporting DoD acquisition programs
- Familiarity with MBSE methodologies and tools
- Experience with Cameo, MagicDraw, Enterprise Architect, or similar systems modeling tools
- Experience integrating servers, storage systems, networking equipment, or hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI)
- Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), thermal modeling, or environmental testing
- Familiarity with open architecture initiatives such as SOSA, CMOSS, FACE, MOSA
- Knowledge of cybersecurity requirements and secure infrastructure design
- Experience supporting system-level integration, test, and evaluation activities
- 5+ years of compliance, risk management, or related experience within defense/government contracting
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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.
