The Role
Design, develop, integrate, and test tactical combat system software for Navy systems including SSDS, RAM, and CIWS. Build high-performance C++ or Java components, middleware wrappers, low-latency network interfaces, automated testing solutions, and software requirements from tactical specifications. Support IDT labs and Navy land-based test sites. The role requires five or more years of DoD software experience, an active Secret clearance, on-site work in Arlington, Virginia, and up to 10% travel.
Summary Generated by Built In
About The Role:
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a SSDS Software Engineer to be part of our Advanced Capabilities team and based out of our Arlington, VA location.
This SSDS Software Engineer will focus heavily on designing, developing, integrating, and testing tactical combat system software interfaces, specifically interacting with naval combatants (SSDS), fire control loops, and self-defense systems (RAM/CIWS). This role requires full-time presence on-site at our Arlington, VA office.
Clearance & Location Requirements:
- All applicants must currently possess an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
- This is a fully on-site position, based out of our Arlington, VA location.
Key Responsibilities
What You Will Do:
- Design, implement, and test high-performance tactical software components using modern C++ or Java.
- Integrate software components with complex Navy tactical combat systems, specifically developing interfaces and middleware wrappers for SSDS, RAM, or CIWS data streams.
- Build low-latency software interfaces to transport tactical messages across network protocols (TCP/UDP, DDS, ActiveMQ, Kafka).
- Prototype next-generation automated testing solutions and support integration within IDT labs and on-site Navy land-based test sites (LBTS).
- Translate complex tactical Navy weapon specifications and ICDs (Interface Control Documents) into functional, automated test scripts and software requirements.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Who You Are (Required):
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or other STEM field (or equivalent full-time professional experience)
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in the design, development, and management of complex software systems for the DoD.
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time as needed
- Strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or Java, with an understanding of memory management and real-time execution constraints.
- Navy Combat Systems Exposure: Hands-on software development or integration experience supporting tactical Navy programs (such as SSDS, RAM, or CIWS).
- Tactical Networking: Experience with publish-subscribe middleware like DDS (Data Distribution Service) and standard network protocols.
- Development Workflow: Proficiency with Git/SVN, Jira, Confluence, and working within structured Software Development Life Cycles (SDLC).
What Makes You Stand Out:
- DevOps & Containers: Experience with containerization (Docker, Podman), orchestration (Kubernetes, Swarm), and deployment automation (Ansible, Salt, Terraform).
- CI/CD Tools: Experience with Jenkins, JFrog Artifactory, and GitLab CI pipelines.
- Infrastructure: Experience with virtualization (VMware ESXi) and configuring basic network topologies (VLANs, routing).
- Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and configuration management tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible).
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 engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or another STEM field, or equivalent full-time professional experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience designing, developing, and managing complex DoD software systems
- Ability to travel up to 10% as needed
- Strong proficiency in C++ or Java, including memory management and real-time execution constraints
- Hands-on software development or integration experience supporting tactical Navy programs such as SSDS, RAM, or CIWS
- Experience with DDS publish-subscribe middleware and standard network protocols
- Proficiency with Git or SVN, Jira, Confluence, and structured software development life cycles
- Experience with Docker or Podman containerization
- Experience with Kubernetes, Swarm, or other orchestration tools
- Experience with Ansible, Salt, Terraform, or other deployment automation and infrastructure-as-code tools
- Experience with Jenkins, JFrog Artifactory, and GitLab CI pipelines
- Experience with VMware ESXi and basic network topologies including VLANs and routing
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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.
