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 a Senior Software Engineer to be part of our Advanced Capabilities team and based out of our Arlington, VA location.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer with expertise in U.S. Navy tactical combat systems to support a fast-paced, customer-focused test and experimentation team. This role requires deep experience in designing, developing, integrating, and testing complex software products in mission-critical environments. This role applies interdisciplinary engineering principles to ensure that software, networks, and mission systems operate effectively, securely, and in compliance with Department of Defense standards and regulations.
Clearance & Location Requirements:
- All applicants must currently possess an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
- This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 5 days in the office, based out of our Arlington, VA location.
Key Responsibilities
- Support full development lifecycle including system design, implementation, integration, test, and deployment of complex systems supporting DoD and Navy operational.
- Conduct architecture analysis for distributed combat systems (hardware/software/network).
- Design, develop, and maintain real-time software systems supporting Navy combat systems and tactical data processing
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including program management, cybersecurity, software development, hardware engineering, logistics, and test organizations.
- Support system certification, verification, and validation activities in accordance with DoD standards.
- Provide technical leadership in design reviews, code reviews, and system-level engineering discussions.
- Develop software interfaces to communicate across network protocols such as TCP/UDP, DDS, ActiveMQ, Kafka, RabbitMQ
- Participate in technical reviews (MRA, MRR, DAWG, TWEG, etc.) and support government and stakeholder briefings.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related STEM field or equivalent relevant full-time experience.
- 7+ years of relevant experience in system engineering or integration roles.
- Strong proficiency in C++, Java, or other real-time systems programming languages.
- Experience with Linux/Unix-based environments and real-time operating systems.
- Proficiency working with version control software like Git, SVN and software development environments
- Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle
- Strong system integration and test experience, including distributed and tactical systems.
- Strong understanding of systems engineering processes, including requirements traceability and configuration management.
- Experience leading test execution and integration activities across functional teams
- Experience supporting U.S. Navy combat systems integration, testing, or sustainment.
- Strong understanding of real-time distributed systems, radar systems, and weapon control logic
- Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and execute multiple concurrent assignments.
- Ability to travel up to 25%.
- Experience with Navy surface warfare systems and tactical applications (e.g., Aegis Weapon System, SSDS, Link-16).
- Experience in technical leadership or principal engineering roles.
- Knowledge of missile defense, air and missile warfare, or integrated fire control systems.
- Develop and maintain interface control documents (ICDs) across fire control and command subsystems
- Experience developing, testing, and troubleshooting large-scale or distributed DoD software systems.
- Experience supporting rapid prototyping, experimentation, integration, and capability demonstrations.
Job Benefits
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
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
- Active Secret U.S. Security Clearance
- On-site in Arlington, VA, minimum 5 days per week
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related STEM field or equivalent experience
- 7+ years of relevant experience in system engineering or integration roles
- Strong proficiency in C++, Java, or other real-time systems programming languages
- Experience with Linux/Unix-based environments and real-time operating systems
- Proficiency with version control (Git, SVN) and software development environments
- Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Strong system integration and test experience, including distributed and tactical systems
- Experience with systems engineering processes, requirements traceability, and configuration management
- Experience leading test execution and integration activities across functional teams
- Experience supporting U.S. Navy combat systems integration, testing, or sustainment
- Strong understanding of real-time distributed systems, radar systems, and weapon control logic
- Ability to travel up to 25%
- Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and execute multiple concurrent assignments
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.






