Senior Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Arlington, VA

Compensation: $135,000 - $273,000 / year

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 Senior Software Engineer to be part of our Advanced Capabilities team based in Arlington, VA.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer with expertise in U.S. Navy tactical combat systems to support a fast‑paced, customer‑focused test and experimentation team. This role requires deep experience in designing, developing, integrating, and testing complex software products in mission‑critical environments. This role applies interdisciplinary engineering principles to ensure that 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 an on‑site position requiring at least 5 days in the office, based out of Arlington, VA.

• Support full development lifecycle including system design, implementation, integration, test, and deployment of complex systems supporting DoD and Navy operations.
• Conduct architecture analysis for distributed combat systems (hardware/software/network).
• Design, develop, and maintain real‑time software systems supporting Navy combat systems and tactical data processing.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including program management, cybersecurity, software development, hardware engineering, logistics, and test organizations.
• Support system certification, verification, and validation activities in accordance with DoD standards.
• Provide technical leadership in design reviews, code reviews, and system‑level engineering discussions.
• Develop software interfaces to communicate across network protocols such as TCP/UDP, DDS, ActiveMQ, Kafka, RabbitMQ.
• Participate in technical reviews (MRA, MRR, DAWG, TWEG, etc.) and support government and stakeholder briefings.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related STEM field or equivalent relevant full‑time experience.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in system engineering or integration roles.
• Strong proficiency in C++, Java, or other real‑time systems programming languages.
• Experience with Linux/Unix‑based environments and real‑time operating systems.
• Proficiency working with version control software like Git, SVN and software development environments.
• Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle.
• 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 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, Link‑16).
• Experience in technical leadership or principal engineering roles.
• Knowledge of missile defense, air and missile warfare, or integrated fire control systems.
• Develop and maintain interface control documents (ICDs) across fire control and command subsystems.
• Experience developing, testing, and troubleshooting large‑scale or distributed DoD software systems.
• Experience supporting rapid prototyping, experimentation, integration, and capability demonstrations.

Pay Range: $135,000 - $273,000 / year

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.

• 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.