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 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 deploy, operate, and sustain Navy software and hardware systems in mission-critical environments.
Strong system integration and test experience, including with distributed and tactical systems.
Experience leading and coordinating test execution activities in the field.
Advanced troubleshooting skills across software, networks, hardware, and operational processes.
Understanding of the Systems Engineering V-Model and standard software development processes.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time as needed.

Responsibilities

Drive and manage a fast-paced, customer-focused test and experimentation team.
Lead a team to architect, deliver, and integrate sophisticated Department of Defense systems onboard ships and other Navy assets, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
Provide direct leadership and mentorship to a team of engineers, define team priorities, manage tasking, and support team members' professional development.
Translate stakeholder needs into clear, prioritized requirements and success criteria to guide project outcomes.
Develop structured, scalable hardware and software system designs that optimize performance, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
Implement scalable processes and tools to enhance efficiency; assign tasks, forecast skill gaps, and identify procurement efficiencies to ensure coordinated program execution.
Lead deployment, installation, and operational support of complex software and hardware systems; troubleshoot and resolve advanced system, network, and integration issues during live test and experimentation events.
Analyze customer feedback, test results, and performance trends to inform design direction and provide actionable recommendations for corrective actions.
Develop and manage plans to maintain consistent standards, financial discipline, and schedule alignment.
Work directly with senior warfighters, test directors, and government sponsors to define objectives, schedules, and execution plans.

Desired Qualifications

A master's degree in a related field.
Experience working with the U.S. Navy and government contracts.
Experience with logistics processes, including procurement, classified packaging, and spares management.
Experience in proposal development and cost estimation.
Familiarity with Navy C4I systems and/or surface warfare systems and tactical applications such as Aegis Weapon System, CEC, and Link-16.
Proficiency in scripting or implementing algorithms in C++, Python, JavaScript, Java, MATLAB, or other languages.
A strong background in Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or Networking.

About The Role:

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

The Engineering Technical Lead will drive and manage a fast-paced, customer-focused test and experimentation team. This role requires deep experience in designing, testing, integrating, deploying, and operating complex software and hardware systems in mission-critical environments. You will lead a team to architect, deliver, and integrate sophisticated DoD systems onboard ships and other Navy assets, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. This hands-on role demands strong judgment, adaptability, and technical leadership during high-visibility test events, where you will interface directly with senior warfighters and government sponsors to resolve complex operational issues.

Clearance & Location Requirements:

All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 4 days in office, based out of our San Diego, CA location.

What You Will Do:

Lead and Mentor Teams: Provide direct leadership and mentorship to a team of engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration. Define team priorities, manage tasking, and support the professional development of team members.
Define and Scope Solutions: Translate stakeholder needs into clear, prioritized requirements and success criteria to guide project outcomes.
Architect and Design Systems: Develop structured, scalable hardware and software system designs that optimize performance, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
Manage Program Execution: Implement scalable processes and tools to enhance efficiency. Assign tasks, forecast skill gaps, and identify procurement efficiencies to ensure coordinated execution across the program.
Integrate and Validate Systems: Lead the deployment, installation, and operational support of complex software and hardware systems. Troubleshoot and resolve advanced system, network, and integration issues during live test and experimentation events.
Leverage Data for Insights: Analyze customer feedback, test results, and performance trends to inform design direction and provide actionable recommendations for corrective actions.
Ensure Quality, Cost, and Schedule Adherence: Develop and manage plans to maintain consistent standards, financial discipline, and schedule alignment.
Collaborate and Communicate: Work 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 another STEM field (or equivalent professional experience).
A minimum of 7 years of experience in the design, development, and management of complex software systems for the DoD.
Proven ability to deploy, operate, and sustain Navy software and hardware systems in mission-critical environments.
Strong system integration and test experience, including with distributed and tactical systems.
Experience leading and coordinating test execution activities in the field.
Advanced troubleshooting skills across software, networks, hardware, and operational processes.
Understanding of the Systems Engineering V-Model and standard software development processes.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time as needed.

What Makes You Stand Out:

Master’s degree in a related field.
Experience working with the U.S. Navy and government contracts.
Experience with logistics processes, including procurement, classified packaging, and spares management.
Experience in proposal development and cost estimation.
Familiarity with Navy C4I systems and/or surface warfare systems and tactical applications (e.g., Aegis Weapon System, CEC, Link-16).
Proficiency in scripting or implementing algorithms in C++, Python, JavaScript, Java, MATLAB, or other languages.
Strong background in Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, IT, or 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

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