Innovative Defense Technologies

Automated software testing and defense cybersecurity.

Engineering Technical Lead

Engineering LeadershipConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeSan Diego, CA, USA$135k - $273k /yr

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 experience in the design, development, and management of complex software systems for the Department of Defense.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time as needed.
Understanding of software development processes and activities described by the Systems Engineering V-Model.
Advanced troubleshooting skills across software, networks, hardware, and operational processes.
Ability to understand system behavior by reading system specifications and requirements.
Ability to convert customer or program requirements logically and systematically into solutions that account for technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
Ability to design, develop, and analyze complex software and hardware systems.
Proven ability to deploy, operate, and sustain Navy software and hardware systems in mission-critical operational environments.
Strong system integration and test experience, including distributed and tactical systems.
Experience leading and coordinating field test execution activities.
Experience managing Department of Defense programs.
Strong understanding of test methodologies, engineering best practices, and operational assessment.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and execute multiple concurrent assignments.
Currently possess an active Secret U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

Interpret and document stakeholder needs to establish prioritized requirements and success criteria that drive project outcomes.
Ensure requirements and project plans align with program objectives and business goals through quality and alignment reviews and structures that coordinate program execution.
Develop structured, scalable hardware and software system designs that balance performance, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
Assign individuals with appropriate expertise across the program to deliver projects and tasks effectively.
Forecast skill gaps and determine strategies to address them.
Design and implement scalable processes, tools, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms that promote efficiency and consistency.
Identify procurement efficiencies and economies of scale, build relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, and apply lessons learned through inspections, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
Lead deployment, installation, configuration, and operational support of complex software and hardware systems supporting Department of Defense and Navy operational and developmental testing.
Troubleshoot and resolve advanced system, network, software, and integration issues during live test and experimentation events.
Analyze customer feedback, research findings, and performance trends to inform design direction and improve system effectiveness.
Analyze test results and provide actionable assessments against requirements, including corrective-action recommendations.
Develop and manage Program Quality and Cost Management Plans to ensure consistent standards, financial discipline, and schedule alignment.
Integrate project schedules into a cohesive program schedule, define interdependencies, anticipate delays, and implement mitigation strategies.
Collaborate with senior warfighters, test directors, and government sponsors to define objectives, schedules, and execution plans.
Lead a team to design, architect, deliver, and integrate complex Department of Defense software and hardware systems onboard ships and Navy assets.
Lead field test execution, interface with senior warfighters and government sponsors, and resolve complex integration and operational issues during delivery and test events.

Desired Qualifications

Experience managing U.S. Navy and/or Missile Defense Agency contracts.
Experience managing logistics processes, including procurement, classified packaging, deployment support, and spares management.
Experience developing proposals and cost estimates.
Experience with Navy surface warfare systems and tactical applications such as Aegis Weapon System, CEC, or Link-16.
Experience scripting or implementing algorithms in C++, Python, JavaScript, Java, MATLAB, or other programming languages.
Strong background in one or more related disciplines: software engineering, cybersecurity, information technology, or networking.
Master's degree.

About The Role:

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking an Engineering Technical Lead to be part of our Advanced Capabilities team and based out of our San Diego, CA location.

The Engineering Technical Lead is a highly technical engineer with the ability to drive and manage a team in a fast-paced, customer-focused test and experimentation team. This role requires deep experience designing, testing, integrating, deploying, and operating complex software and hardware systems in mission-critical environments.

The Engineering Technical Lead will lead a team to design, architect, deliver, and integrate complex DoD software and hardware systems onboard ships and Navy assets on time and on budget. They will be expected to 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 delivery and test events. This role is hands-on, highly technical, 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 San Diego, CA location.

What You Will Do:

Define and Scope Solutions: Interpret and document stakeholder needs to establish clear, prioritized requirements and success criteria that drive project outcomes. Ensure requirements and project plans align with program objectives and IDT business goals by conducting quality and alignment reviews and implementing structures that enable coordinated execution across the program
Design and Architect Systems: Develop structured, scalable hardware and software system designs that balance performance, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
Tailor and Manage Program Approaches: Assign individuals with the appropriate expertise across the program to deliver projects and tasks effectively. Forecast skill gaps and proactively determine strategies to address them. Design and implement scalable processes, tools, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms that promote efficiency and consistency. Identify procurement efficiencies and economies of scale, build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, and apply lessons learned through inspections, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
Integrate, Deploy, and Validate Systems: Lead the deployment, installation, configuration, and operational support of complex software and hardware systems supporting DoD and Navy operational and developmental testing. Troubleshoot and resolve advanced system, network, software, and integration issues during live test and experimentation events.
Leverage Insights and Data: Analyze customer feedback, research findings, and performance trends to inform design direction and enhance system effectiveness. Analyze test results and provide clear, actionable assessments against requirements, including recommendations for corrective actions.
Assure Quality, Cost, and Schedule: Develop and manage Program Quality and Cost Management Plans to ensure consistent standards, financial discipline, and schedule alignment. Integrate individual project schedules into a cohesive program schedule, define interdependencies, anticipate delays, and implement mitigation strategies.
Collaborate and Share Knowledge: Collaborate directly with senior warfighters, test directors, and government sponsors to define objectives, schedules, and execution plans.

Who You Are (Required):

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or other STEM field (or equivalent full-time professional experience)
Minimum 7 years’ experience in the design, development, and management of complex software systems for the DoD.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, as needed
Understanding of software development processes and the activities described by the Systems Engineering V-Model
Advanced troubleshooting skills across software, networks, hardware, and operational processes.
Ability to understand system behavior through reading system specifications and requirements
Ability to perform the logical and systematic conversion of customer or program requirements into solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints
Ability to design, develop, and analyze complex software and hardware systems
Proven ability to deploy, operate, and sustain Navy software and hardware systems in mission-critical operational environments.
Strong system integration and test experience, including distributed and tactical systems.
Experience leading and coordinating test execution activities in the field.
Ability to communicate effectively with senior warfighters, government sponsors, and technical leadership.
Strong understanding of test methodologies, best engineering practices, and operational assessment.
Experience managing DOD programs
Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and execute multiple concurrent assignments.

What Makes You Stand Out:

Master's Degree highly desired.
Experience managing US Navy and/or MDA contracts
Experience managing logistics processes including procurement, classified packaging, deployment support, and spares management.
Experience in proposal and cost estimation development
Experience with Navy surface warfare systems and tactical applications (e.g., Aegis Weapon System, CEC, Link-16).
Experience with scripting or implementing algorithms in C++, Python, JavaScript, Java, MATLAB or other languages
Strong background in one or more related disciplines (Software Engineering, Cyber Security, IT, Networking).

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

*Pursuant to California Senate Bill 1162, 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 Senate Bill 1162. 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

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at Innovative Defense Technologies

See more jobs