The Role
Lead architecture, refactor legacy weapons-system software into modern microservices for cloud-native and tactical-edge deployments. Design, implement, and test complex C/C++/Python/Java/JavaScript systems, integrate components, support lab and field testing, prototype AI/ML solutions, work with customers, and ensure DevSecOps, performance, and compliance for Navy tactical systems.
Summary Generated by Built In
About The Role:
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems team and based out of our Arlington, VA or Mount Laurel, NJ location.
The Senior 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 and will be directly responsible for the architecting and refactoring of mission critical legacy weapons system software into a modern software technology stack where the target end state will ensure the highest impact to the US Navy by enabling a microservices based tactical platform within both a cloud-native and tactical-edge deployment model.
Warfare Systems’ project domains include real-time automated test and analysis, virtual computing environments, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) based data analytics, cybersecurity, as well as backfit and forward-fit tactical solutions.
The Engineer will be fiercely accountable for the delivery of well-architected and production-ready solutions that exceed the Fleet’s requirements.
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 days in office, based out of our Arlington, VA and Mount Laurel, NJ locations.
Key Responsibilities
What You Will Do:
- Design, implement, and test complex software in C, C++, Python, JavaScript, and Java within various development environments.
- Analyze legacy monolithic software programs, recompiling them, and incrementally apply refactoring to modernize the software using the “brownfield” and “greenfield” methodologies.
- Technical assessment and deconstruction of Navy tactical system code for Surface Navy Combat systems.
- Explore and prototype next-generation solutions using artificial intelligence/machine learning, distributed processing, and modeling.
- Interact with customers to elicit requirements and document agreements.
- Present to organization leadership on project cost, schedule, and technical progress.
- Software architecture development including hardware and software interfaces between software components.
- Assist in developing user, functional, and technical requirements for tactical systems.
- Participate and provide feedback for design & code/peer reviews.
- Integrate individual software components into complex software environments.
- Support test and integration activities at IDT labs and government Land Based Test Sites (LBTS).
- Integrate software components into a complex software development environment
- Ensure adherence to industry standards pertaining to security, orthodox programming paradigms, and performance requirements
- Understand and interact with complex DoD software systems
- Work with small cross-site teams of software and/or systems engineers
- Collaborate with team members to peer-review architecture design, system requirements, and implemented code
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Who You Are (Required):
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent full-time professional experience.
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed
- 5-10+ years of full-time professional experience
- Experience developing Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) Software
- Familiarity with combat system design and software
- Familiarity and experience with developing tactical systems software on DOD programs.
- Familiarity with C, C++, Python, and/or Java programming languages
- Adept with developing in Linux OS environments, including 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 working within a Git CM environment
- Comfortable with DevSecOps best practices
- Ability to convert vague customer requirements into a refined vision.
- Ability to identify and describe algorithmic complexity.
- Ability to work on-site with potential hybrid flexibility.
- Familiarity with the software development process (requirements through deployment)
- Ability to design, develop, and analyze software systems
- Ability to model/code/test algorithms in C++, Python, Java
- Ability to model/code/test GUI applications
- Proficiency in at least one modern language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, C#) and/or one modern frontend language (e.g., TypeScript, JavaScript)
- Understanding of:
- Windows and Linux file systems
- Version control (Git)
- APIs (REST/gRPC)
- Modular code design
- Ability to review, critique, and harden AI-generated code
- Familiarity with SQL and relational databases (e.g., Postgres)
- Familiarity with computer networking and various networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, CORBA, DDS)
- Ability to perform many concurrent assignments and determine the need for changing priorities
- Strong sense of ownership, urgency, and initiative, with the ability to translate complex or ambiguous requirements into effective technical solutions
- Demonstrated ability to build strong cross-functional relationships across engineering, security, compliance, and other stakeholder groups
- Demonstrated leadership capability, including developing strategic plans of action, building and leading teams to execute against those plans, and effectively communicating progress and priorities across all levels of the organization
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Demonstrated ability to build strong cross-functional relationships across engineering, security, compliance, and other stakeholder groups
- Demonstrated leadership capability, including developing strategic plans of action, building and leading teams to execute against those plans, and effectively communicating progress and priorities across all levels of the organization
- Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or other technical field
- Familiar with Agentic AI methodologies and Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Proven past performance leading technical teams in fast-paced, challenging environments, with Navy systems and government program offices.
- Familiarity with the AEGIS Weapon System Common Source Library (CSL), ideally, or Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) Single Source Library (SSL)
- Experience with AEGIS, ideally, or SSDS tactical systems
- Experience utilizing Make build system, Maven, and Ant scripting
- Experience with X-Windows
- Familiar with Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) methodologies
- Experience with Jenkins, Jira, and the Atlassian tool suite
- Familiarity with foundational networking concepts such as routing, switching, identity services, intrusion detection, and 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 including networking configuration
- Solid analytical abilities, coupled with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and drive
- Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations
- Excellence in oral, written, and technical communication with peers and non-technical cohorts
- Initiative, creativity, reliability, teamwork
- Strong organization and planning skills
- Attention to detail while ability to see and understand the big picture
- Experience with cloud computing, virtualization, or containerization technologies
- Familiarity with Cloud infrastructure (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP)
- Experience with big data solutions (e.g. Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Cassandra)
- Demonstrated experience using AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Codeium) for:
- Code generation
- Refactoring and optimization
- Debugging and root-cause analysis
- Ability to write effective prompts and iterate with AI to improve code quality and performance
- Understanding of AI limitations, hallucinations, and validation techniques
- Experience with testing frameworks including unit testing and interface testing
- Experience building user interfaces with a modern component framework such as React, Angular, or Vue.
- Experience using Storybook or other Mock testing tooling.
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 - $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.
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 Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
- Ability to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance
- On-site work at Arlington, VA or Mount Laurel, NJ (minimum 3 days in office, hybrid flexibility)
- 5-10+ years of full-time professional software engineering experience
- Ability to travel up to 10% as needed
- Experience developing Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and microservices-based systems
- Familiarity with combat system design and DOD/tactical systems software
- Proficiency or strong familiarity with C, C++, Python, Java, and JavaScript/TypeScript
- Adept with Linux OS development environments, including shell scripting
- Understanding of distributed systems, algorithms, data structures, and design patterns (including the Strangler Pattern)
- Experience with Agile software development processes
- Proficiency with Git configuration management and code review processes
- Familiarity with DevSecOps best practices
- Familiarity with APIs (REST/gRPC) and modular code design
- Familiarity with SQL and relational databases (e.g., Postgres)
- Familiarity with computer networking and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, CORBA, DDS)
- Ability to decompose and document requirements, integrate components, and support test and integration activities
- Proficiency building or testing GUI applications and modern frontend components
- Ability to review, critique, and harden AI-generated code
- Ability to convert vague customer requirements into refined technical solutions and communicate progress to leadership
- Master's degree in CS, engineering, or technical field
- Familiarity with Agentic AI methodologies and Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Experience with AEGIS or SSDS systems, Common/Single Source Libraries
- Experience using Make, Maven, Ant build systems and X-Windows
- Familiarity with Model Based System Engineering (MBSE)
- Experience with Jenkins, Jira, and Atlassian tools
- Familiarity deploying VMs in VMware vSphere and containers, and configuring networking
- Familiarity deploying containers/VMs into cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP)
- Experience with big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Cassandra)
- Experience using AI coding assistants (GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Codeium) and writing effective prompts
- Experience with testing frameworks, unit and interface testing, Storybook or mock tooling
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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.
