Software Engineer

AI-Native Software EngineerInnovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking an AI-Native Software Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems team and based out of our Arlington, VA location. The AI-Native Software Engineer develops software in an AI-augmented engineering environment where generative AI tools are used throughout the software lifecycle — including requirements analysis, architecture design, code generation, test creation, debugging, documentation, and system analysis. This engineer will help establish and champion AI-accelerated development practices across engineering teams, demonstrating how generative AI can dramatically increase engineering velocity while maintaining high reliability, security, and mission assurance standards required for defense systems. The engineer will work within multidisciplinary teams to accelerate delivery, enhance reliability, and operationalize autonomous and intelligent behaviors across complex DoW systems and is ideal for engineers who actively experiment with new AI tools and enjoy discovering faster and more effective ways to build software. The Warfare Systems business area is one of six mission critical business units within the IDT organization and is directly responsible for building, testing, and deploying the Navy's next generation of tactical warfare and weapons systems. As the nation enters the 'technology-first' era of warfare, the Warfare Systems group will be responsible for enabling and accelerating the mission critical tactical capability that is delivered to the warfighter. The Warfare System AI-Native Software Engineer will work with our team of software and systems engineers building tactically relevant and technically innovative solutions to ensure the highest impact to the US Navy.Clearance & Location Requirements:All applicants must currently possess an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 3 days in office, based out of our Arlington, VA location.What You Will Do:Use generative AI tools (LLM copilots, autonomous coding agents, AI test generators) as a core part of daily software engineering workflowsDemonstrate and share AI-enabled engineering techniques that improve team productivity and software qualityHelp define and evolve AI-augmented engineering standards, patterns, and best practicesPrototype and evaluate emerging AI developer tooling (agent frameworks, code copilots, automated testing agents)Mentor engineering teams on effective use of generative AI in development workflowsIntegrate AI Components into Complex DoW Software EnvironmentsIntegrate AI models and services into mission-critical software systems.Develop Intelligent Data Processing and NLP PipelinesDeliver AI?Enabled Dashboards, Interfaces, and InsightsHelp identify areas of the software lifecycle that can be accelerated through generative AI and automation.Who You Are (Required):Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent full-time professional experience.5-7 years of full-time professional experienceAbility to travel up to 10% of the time, as neededDemonstrated curiosity and experimentation with emerging AI technologies and engineering practices.Daily use of generative AI coding tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Codeium, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar systemsExperience using LLMs for code generation, debugging, test generation, and documentation automationFamiliarity with agent-based development workflows and AI-assisted engineering environmentsExperience designing prompt workflows or system prompts to improve developer productivityAbility to critically evaluate AI-generated code for correctness, security, and performanceStrong understanding of AI concepts and practical deployment patternsDemonstrated ability to scope requirements for engineering solutions that meet business challenges using AI with measurable outcomesExperience in engineering solutions that integrate AI models into production workflows to improve User Experience and productivityUnderstanding of security and compliance considerations when implementing AI solutions, especially in sensitive or classified environments, to support multiple deployment environmentsUnderstanding of secure software development practices and AI-specific security risks as they pertain to a full SDLCStrong problem-solving skills with the ability to define requirements, scope projects, and deliver solutions independentlyStrong communication skills — ability to collaborate and explain complex concepts to diverse audiences, and synthesize details into actionable recommendations and implementationsCross-functional collaboration — builds strong relationships across engineering, security, compliance, etc.What Makes You Stand Out:Experience building AI-augmented developer toolingFamiliarity with LLM orchestration frameworks (LangChain, LangGraph, Semantic Kernel, etc.)Experience integrating AI capabilities into DevSecOps pipelinesExperience deploying or operating self-hosted LLMs in secure environmentsProficiency in containerization (Docker, Podman, etc.) and orchestration frameworks (Swarm, Kubernetes, etc.)Development, system integration, and test experience with complex DoW systemsExperience supporting and working with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environmentFamiliarity with US Navy and US Army tactical C2 or sensors such as Aegis, CEC, CAC2S, IBCS, SPY-1, etc. system design is desiredExperience with creating and configuring Virtual Machines (VMware, VirtualBox, etc.)Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situationsExcellence in technical communication with peers and non-technical cohortsAbility to work closely with Program Managers and Chief Engineers to document, manage and communicate systems and software requirementsAttention to detailInitiative, creativity, reliability, teamworkStrong organization and planning skillsSolid analytical abilities, coupled with a strong sense of ownership, urgency and driveIf 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*: $114,000 - $184,000 or $135,000 - $231,000 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. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience.About Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT): Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is a leading defense technology company focused on rapidly delivering mission-critical software and systems solutions to the U.S. government. The company specializes in automation, digital engineering, and enabling the rapid integration of advanced capabilities into complex weapon and combat systems. These essential solutions empower the warfighter to field, operate, and sustain decisive capability at speed and scale. At IDT, our employees are developing advanced mission-critical outcomes by consistently delivering high-quality results, fostering innovation, applying rigorous problem-solving, and effectively collaborating across multifaceted teams and stakeholders. Grounded in these competencies, IDT translates complex customer priorities into robust software solutions.Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT): IDT is a growing company with a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. We are headquartered in Arlington, VA with additional offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. At each location, our employees work together in a modern, snack-filled, and social office space, designing innovative solutions for our defense industry customers. We offer employees competitive pay and benefits including:Generous benefits packageCompetitive PTOPaid holidays401(k) with immediate vesting and matching9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off every month)Tuition Assistance Reimbursement ProgramProfessional Development ResourcesPre-Tax Commuter BenefitsOrganization-Wide Monthly Tech Connect EventsAnnual Employee Recognition AwardsRegular Social Events and Catered LunchesEEO Statement: IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.