Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Systems Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems team and based out of our Arlington, VA or Mount Laurel, NJ location. The Systems Engineer will work as a critical part of a multi-discipline team focused on the DOD's initiatives in support of tactical capability development for Navy surface and unmanned (UxVs) platforms. The Warfare Systems project domains include real-time automated test and analysis, virtual computing environments, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) based data analytics, cybersecurity, as well as backfit and forward-fit tactical solutions. The successful candidate will be fiercely accountable for the delivery of uncompromisingly punctual and fiscally disciplined solutions that not only meet but go above and beyond the expectations of every customer. 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 Systems 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.

What You Will Do:

• Design, implement, and test complex software in C, C++, Python, JavaScript, and Java within various development environments.
• Analyze legacy monolithic software programs, recompiling them, and incrementally apply refactoring to modernize the software using the "brownfield" and "greenfield" methodologies.
• Technical assessment and deconstruction of Navy tactical system code for Surface Navy Combat systems.
• Explore and prototype next-generation solutions using artificial intelligence/machine learning, distributed processing, and modeling.
• Interact with customers to elicit requirements and document agreements.
• Present to organization leadership on project cost, schedule, and technical progress.
• Software architecture development including hardware and software interfaces between software components.
• Assist in developing user, functional, and technical requirements for tactical systems.
• Participate and provide feedback for design & code/peer reviews.
• Integrate individual software components into complex software environments.
• Support test and integration activities at IDT labs and government Land Based Test Sites (LBTS).

Who You Are:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent full-time professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of full-time professional experience
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed
• Familiarity with combat system design and software
• Familiarity and experience with developing tactical systems software on DOD programs.
• Familiarity with C, C++, Python, and/or Java programming languages
• Adept with developing in Linux OS environments, including shell scripting.
• Ability to decompose and document requirements and specifications.
• Understanding of distributed systems, algorithms, data structures and software design patterns, especially the Strangler Pattern
• Experience with Agile software development processes
• Proficiency working within a Git CM environment
• Comfortable with DevSecOps best practices
• Ability to convert vague customer requirements into a refined vision.
• Ability to identify and describe algorithmic complexity.
• Ability to work on-site with potential hybrid flexibility.

Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT):

• 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

About Innovative Defense Technologies

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.