Innovative Defense Technologies

Automated software testing and defense cybersecurity.

Senior Systems Engineer

Software EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeArlington County, Arlington, VA, USA$135k - $273k

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or another STEM field, or equivalent full-time professional experience.
At least 7 years of relevant experience.
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 to collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Proven leadership abilities and experience leading and motivating teams to achieve project goals in fast-paced environments.
Strong problem-solving skills 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 developing models using SysML, UML, or other modeling languages.
Experience applying system architecture frameworks such as DoDAF or UAF.
Experience with MBSE tools such as MagicDraw/Cameo/Enterprise Architect, Teamwork Cloud, Rhapsody, and DOORS.
Knowledge of system analysis, verification, validation, and optimization techniques.
Ability to define and apply systems engineering and MBSE methodologies and best practices within DoD systems engineering contexts.
Must currently possess an active Secret U.S. security clearance.
Must work fully on-site at the Arlington, Virginia location.

Responsibilities

Interpret stakeholder needs to establish clear, prioritized requirements and success criteria that drive project outcomes.
Develop structured, scalable system designs that balance performance, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
Coordinate component integration, execute testing, and ensure solutions meet functional and quality standards.
Analyze customer feedback, research findings, and performance trends to inform design direction and enhance system effectiveness.
Mentor peers, exchange best practices, and contribute to continuous learning and improvement.
Design, architect, and integrate complex DoD software systems.
Lead test execution efforts in the field.
Interface directly with senior warfighters and government sponsors.
Drive resolution of complex integration and operational issues during test events.

Desired Qualifications

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.
Understanding of networking principles, protocols, and security best practices.
Experience with infrastructure as code 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 such as Git, Jenkins, and 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.

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 a fully on-site position, based out of our Arlington, VA location.

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.

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.

About the Company

Innovative Defense Technologies

Automated software testing and defense cybersecurity.

IDT automates software testing, data analysis, and cybersecurity for Department of Defense mission-critical systems, using its patented Automated Test and ReTest (ATRT) technology to support the full software testing lifecycle from component tests to system integration and results analysis. The product automates test execution, configuration assessment, and result reporting, offering repeatable tests, on-demand regression checks for cyber threats, and statistically rigorous analysis to cut time and manpower. Its differentiation comes from the ATRT patent and its ability to tailor automated testing across large, complex systems for defense needs. The company's goal is to help field new software capabilities faster and more affordably by reducing the time and cost spent on software testing.

Company size: 201-500
Company stage: Grant
Total funding: $1.6M
Headquarters: Arlington County, VA
Founded: 2006

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