The Role
Supports the full systems engineering lifecycle for complex U.S. Navy and DoD combat systems, including requirements analysis, architecture, integration, validation, testing, deployment, and operational support. Develops test plans, analyzes results, supports technical reviews, coordinates cross-functional integration activities, and creates MBSE artifacts such as SysML diagrams and interface models. Requires active Secret clearance, on-site Arlington work, and travel up to 25%.
Summary Generated by Built In
About The Role:
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 Systems Engineer to be part of our Advanced Capabilities team and based out of our Arlington, VA location.
The Systems Engineer is collaborating within a fast-paced, customer-focused test and experimentation team. This role requires deep experience in designing, developing, integrating, and testing complex software and hardware systems in mission-critical environments. This role applies interdisciplinary engineering principles to ensure that hardware, 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 a fully on-site position, based out of our Arlington, VA location.
Key Responsibilities
What You Will Do:
- Support full systems engineering lifecycle including requirement analysis, system design, integration, validation, test, deployment and operational support of complex systems supporting DoD and Navy operational and developmental testing.
- Conduct architecture analysis for distributed combat systems (hardware/software/network).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including program management, cybersecurity, software development, hardware engineering, logistics, and test organizations.
- Develop and approve test plans, procedures, and operational methodologies for complex systems and distributed architectures.
- Analyze test results and provide clear, actionable assessments against requirements, including recommendations for corrective actions.
- Participate in technical reviews (MRA, MRR, DAWG, TWEG, etc.) and support government and stakeholder briefings.
- Support model-based systems engineering (MBSE) artifacts including SysML diagrams and interface models.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Who You Are (Required):
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related STEM field or equivalent relevant professional full-time experience.
- 3-5 years of relevant experience in systems engineering or integration roles.
- 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 or coordinating 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%.
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Experience with Navy surface warfare systems and tactical applications (e.g., Aegis Weapon System, SSDS, CEC, Link-16).
- Support integration of radar, systems (IFF), and weapon systems (e.g., RAM, ESSM, CIWS) into an automated self-defense architecture
- Develop and maintain interface control documents (ICDs) across fire control and command subsystems
- Experience working with land-based test site events and at-sea Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT)
- Perform trade studies evaluating performance, latency, cybersecurity posture, and interoperability.
- Experience running, testing, and troubleshooting large-scale or distributed DoD software systems.
- Experience supporting rapid prototyping, experimentation, and capability demonstrations.
- Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
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.
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:
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 a related STEM field, or equivalent relevant professional experience
- 3-5 years of relevant systems engineering or integration experience
- Strong system integration and test experience with distributed and tactical systems
- Understanding of systems engineering processes, requirements traceability, and configuration management
- Experience leading or coordinating test execution and integration across functional teams
- Experience supporting U.S. Navy combat systems integration, testing, or sustainment
- Understanding of real-time distributed systems, radar systems, and weapon control logic
- Ability to manage changing priorities and multiple concurrent assignments
- Ability to travel up to 25%
- Experience with Navy surface warfare systems and tactical applications, such as Aegis Weapon System, SSDS, CEC, or Link-16
- Experience integrating radar, IFF, and weapon systems into automated self-defense architectures
- Experience developing and maintaining interface control documents
- Experience with land-based test site events and at-sea Combat System Ship Qualification Trials
- Experience conducting trade studies involving performance, latency, cybersecurity posture, and interoperability
- Experience testing and troubleshooting large-scale or distributed DoD software systems
- Experience supporting rapid prototyping, experimentation, and capability demonstrations
- Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering
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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.
