Senior Systems Engineer - JobID-0236

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

Department: Engineering

Location: Arlington, VA

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to be part of our Advanced Capabilities team based in Arlington, VA. 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.

• All applicants must currently possess an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
• On‑site position in Arlington, VA requiring at least 5 days in office.

• 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.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or other STEM field, or equivalent full‑time professional experience.
• 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Strong technical background in system design, integration, and deployment with expertise in DoD systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and explain 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 and 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 (Magic Draw/Cameo/Enterprise Architect, Teamwork Cloud, Rhapsody, 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.

• 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 Cloud Formation.
• Familiarity with agile development…