The Role
Software Systems Engineer Interns develop, test, maintain, and deploy software applications for missile defense systems. They collaborate on requirements, coding, integration, debugging, code reviews, documentation, modernization, and sustainment throughout the software development lifecycle. The role involves Linux, databases, containers, automation scripting, CI/CD, testing, and secure development practices. This is a fully on-site internship requiring eligibility to obtain and maintain an active Secret clearance.
Summary Generated by Built In
About The Role:
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Software Systems Engineer Intern to be part of our Missile Defense team and based out of our San Diego, CA, Arlington, VA, or Mount Laurel, NJ locations.
Leveraging advanced software automation, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and AI-driven capabilities, IDT accelerates capability development, enhances operational readiness, and reduces lifecycle costs for the Department of Defense. The company is dedicated to transforming defense systems through innovation, efficiency, and mission-critical results.
Clearance & Location Requirements:
- All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
- This is a fully on-site position based out of our San Diego, CA, Arlington, VA, or Mount Laurel, NJ, locations.
Key Responsibilities
What You Will Do:
- Develop, test, and maintain software applications and features.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new capabilities and resolve software defects.
- Write reliable, maintainable code in accordance with engineering, security, and quality standards.
- Participate in code reviews, troubleshooting, and debugging activities.
- Integrate software components, APIs, and third-party technologies into existing systems.
- Support software deployment, maintenance, and modernization efforts.
- Create and maintain technical documentation and development artifacts.
- Contribute throughout the software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis through deployment and sustainment.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Who You Are (Required):
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree program with a major in software engineering, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, data science, cyber security, mathematics, or aeronautical engineering
- Familiarity with Git or similar version control systems.
- Familiarity with Linux-based environments and command-line tools.
- Familiarity with SQL and relational database technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL).
- Familiarity with container technologies such as Docker, Podman, or OCI-compliant containers.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Experience writing scripts for automation using languages such as Python, Bash, PowerShell, or Groovy.
- Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, or upgrading software applications and services.
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and modern software development practices.
- Familiarity with DevSecOps concepts and secure software development principles.
- Experience working in Agile development environments.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document technical work and communicate project status effectively.
- Demonstrated initiative, willingness to learn new technologies, and ability to take ownership of assigned tasks.
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*: $28 - $34 / Hour
Pay Range*: $28 - $34 / Hour
*Pursuant to California Senate Bill 1162 and New Jersey Senate Bill 2310, IDT is required to disclose the “pay scale” or “pay range” associated with a job posting. Notably, however, 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. Click here for additional information about California Senate Bill 1162. Click here for additional information about New Jersey Senate Bill 2310. 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
IDT’s Summer Internship Program offers students the opportunity to learn from experts and perform meaningful work in a professional work environment. IDT interns gain valuable, hands-on experience and solve real-world problems. In this program, students can expect:
- A 10–12-week program; up to 40 hours per week
- Competitive pay
- Individual mentoring
- Valuable training
- A supportive culture
- Social events and team building activities
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
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree program in software engineering, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, data science, cybersecurity, mathematics, or aeronautical engineering
- Familiarity with Git or similar version control systems
- Familiarity with Linux-based environments and command-line tools
- Familiarity with SQL and relational database technologies such as PostgreSQL
- Familiarity with container technologies such as Docker, Podman, or OCI-compliant containers
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
- Experience writing automation scripts using Python, Bash, PowerShell, or Groovy
- Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, or upgrading software applications and services
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and modern software development practices
- Familiarity with DevSecOps concepts and secure software development principles
- Experience working in Agile development environments
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and project-status communication
- Demonstrated initiative, willingness to learn new technologies, and ownership of assigned tasks
- 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.
