The Role
Design, architect, integrate, test, deploy, and operate complex DoD software and hardware systems. Lead field test execution, interface with warfighters and sponsors, resolve integration/operational issues, mentor peers, and apply SE/MBSE practices (SysML, DODAF/UAF, MBSE tools) to ensure system performance and reliability.
Summary Generated by Built In
About The Role:
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to be part of our Advanced Capabilities team and based out of our Arlington, VA location.
The Senior Systems Engineer is a highly technical engineer within a fast-paced, customer-focused experimentation and deployment team. This role requires deep experience designing, testing, integrating, deploying, and operating complex software and hardware systems in mission-critical environments.
The Senior Systems Engineer will design, architect, and integrate complex DoD software systems, lead test execution efforts in the field, interface directly with senior warfighters and government sponsors, and drive resolution of complex integration and operational issues during test events. This role is hands-on and requires strong judgment, adaptability, and technical leadership in high-visibility environments.
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 office, based out of our Arlington, VA location.
Key Responsibilities
What You Will Do:
- Define and Scope Solutions: Interpret stakeholder needs to establish clear, prioritized requirements and success criteria that drive project outcomes.
- Design and Architect Systems: Develop structured, scalable system designs that balance performance, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
- Integrate and Validate Systems: Coordinate component integration, execute testing, and ensure solutions meet functional and quality standards.
- Leverage Insights and Data: Analyze customer feedback, research findings, and performance trends to inform design direction and enhance system effectiveness.
- Collaborate and Share Knowledge: Mentor peers, exchange best practices, and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Who You Are (Required):
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, other STEM field, or equivalent full-time professional experience
- 7+ years' relevant experience required
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time as needed
- Strong technical background in system design, integration, and deployment, with expertise in DOD systems.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Proven leadership abilities, with experience leading and motivating teams to achieve project goals in fast-paced environments.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex technical challenges and develop innovative solutions.
- Proficiency in designing and implementing systems architecture for scalable and distributed applications.
- Understanding of different Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) approaches
- Experience with model development using SysML, UML, or other modeling languages.
- Experience with the application of system architecture frameworks such as DODAF or UAF.
- Experience with MBSE tools, such as MagicDraw/Cameo/Enterprise Architect, Teamwork Cloud, Rhapsody, and DOORS.
- Knowledgeable in system analysis, verification, validation, and optimization techniques.
- Ability to define and apply SE and MBSE methodologies and best practices within DoD Systems Engineering contexts.
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Experience with Navy combat systems such as the Aegis Weapon System or other Navy tactical applications.
- DoD Surface Warfare software development domain knowledge and experience.
- Solid understanding of networking principles, protocols, and security best practices.
- Experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation.
- Familiarity with agile development methodologies and tools such as Jira or Trello.
- Familiarity with DevOps methodologies and practices, including continuous integration, continuous delivery (CI/CD), and collaboration tools (e.g., Git, Jenkins, GitLab).
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C++, or Python, along with experience in software development methodologies, version control systems, and code review practices.
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 - $231,000 or $164,000 - $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
- Active Secret U.S. Security Clearance
- On-site Arlington, VA (5 days/week)
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or equivalent experience
- 7+ years relevant experience
- Ability to travel up to 10%
- Strong technical background in system design, integration, and deployment (Naval combat systems expertise)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proven leadership and team motivation experience
- Proficiency in designing and implementing systems architecture for scalable and distributed applications
- Understanding of Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) approaches
- Experience with model development using SysML or UML
- Experience with system architecture frameworks such as DODAF or UAF
- Experience with MBSE tools (MagicDraw, Cameo, Enterprise Architect, Teamwork Cloud, Rhapsody, DOORS)
- Knowledge of system analysis, verification, validation, and optimization techniques
- Ability to define and apply SE and MBSE methodologies within DoD Systems Engineering contexts
- Experience with Navy combat systems such as the Aegis Weapon System or other Navy tactical applications
- DoD Surface Warfare software development domain knowledge and experience
- Solid understanding of networking principles, protocols, and security best practices
- Experience with infrastructure as code tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation
- Familiarity with agile methodologies and tools such as Jira or Trello
- Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD tools (Git, Jenkins, GitLab)
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C++, or Python and version control/code review practices
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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.
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