Associate Software Engineer

Company Overview

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is a provider of cloud-based integration, automated testing and data analysis for the U.S. Department of Defense. IDT is hiring an Associate Software Engineer for the Warfare Systems team, based in Arlington, VA and Mount Laurel, NJ.

Department: Engineering |
Location: Arlington, VA & Mount Laurel, NJ |
Compensation: $72,000 - $114,450 / year |
Clearance: Requires active Secret U.S. Security Clearance |
Work Environment: On-site 5 days per week
Pay Range: $72,000 - $114,450. Pursuant to New Jersey Senate Bill 2310, IDT is required to disclose the pay range; actual compensation may vary by experience, skills, and education.

• Design, develop, document, and test backend software components and algorithms using modern programming languages such as C++, Python, Java, or C#.
• Analyze and interpret system and software requirements to ensure clarity, feasibility, and traceability.
• Integrate software components into complex development environments ensuring interoperability across distributed systems, APIs, databases, and networking layers within DoD software ecosystems.
• Apply secure coding practices and engineering standards related to security, performance, and reliability; participate in peer reviews.
• Model, implement, and test algorithms and backend services using unit and interface testing frameworks; validate functionality, edge cases, and performance constraints.
• Identify potential technical and cybersecurity risks; apply defensive programming, input validation, and safeguards to harden software against vulnerabilities and threats.
• Utilize AI coding assistants to support code generation, refactoring, debugging, and root‑cause analysis while reviewing outputs for correctness and security.
• Collaborate with cross‑site small teams of software and systems engineers, and communicate technical concepts clearly to Program Managers and Chief Engineers.
• Manage multiple concurrent assignments, adapt to changing priorities, and contribute to meeting program milestones while maintaining high standards of technical excellence and accountability.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Mathematics, Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent.
• 0–2+ years of full‑time professional experience in backend software development or related roles (internship experience applicable).
• Ability to travel up to 15% of time as needed.
• Familiarity with the software development lifecycle (requirements through deployment).
• Proficiency in at least one modern backend language (Python, Java, C++, C#).
• Ability to design, develop, and analyze algorithms and backend software systems.
• Understanding of Windows and Linux file systems.
• Experience using version control systems (Git).
• Understanding of APIs (REST/gRPC) and modular design principles.
• Familiarity with SQL and relational databases (Postgre
  
  SQL).
• Familiarity with networking fundamentals and protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, CORBA, DDS).
• Ability to review, critique, and harden AI‑generated code.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments and adjust priorities as needed.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem‑solving and technical communication skills.

• Experience with cloud computing, virtualization, or containerization technologies.
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Experience with big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Cassandra).
• Demonstrated experience using AI coding assistants (Git Hub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Codeium) for code generation, optimization, debugging, and iterative improvement.
• Ability to write effective prompts and iterate with AI tools to enhance performance and code quality.
• Understanding of AI limitations, hallucinations, and validation techniques.
• Experience with unit testing and interface testing frameworks.
• Exposure to complex DoD or defense‑related software systems.

• Generous benefits package.
• Competitive PTO.
• Paid holidays.
• 401(k) with immediate vesting and matching.
• 9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off each 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.

IDT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.