Senior Systems Engineer

Compensation $114,000 - $273,000 / year Department and Location Department: Engineering Location: Arlington, VA Description About The Role: Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems team and based out of our Arlington, VA or Mount Laurel, NJ location. The Senior 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. Clearance & Location Requirements All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain 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 and Mount Laurel, NJ locations. Key Responsibilities 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). Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering or a related field, or equivalent full‑time professional experience. 5-10+ 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. Experience 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. Strong sense of ownership, urgency, and initiative, with the ability to translate complex or ambiguous requirements into effective technical solutions. Demonstrated ability to build strong cross‑functional relationships across engineering, security, compliance, and other stakeholder groups. Demonstrated leadership capability, including developing strategic plans of action, building and leading teams to execute against those plans, and effectively communicating progress and priorities across all levels of the organization. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or other technical field. Familiar with Agentic AI methodologies and Large Language Models (LLMs). Proven past performance leading technical teams in fast‑paced, challenging environments, with Navy systems and government program offices. Familiarity with the AEGIS Weapon System Common Source Library (CSL), ideally, or Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) Single Source Library (SSL). Experience with AEGIS, ideally, or SSDS tactical systems. Experience utilizing Make build system, Maven, and Ant scripting. Experience with X‑Windows. Familiar with Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) methodologies. Experience with Jenkins, Jira, and the Atlassian tool suite. Familiarity with foundational networking concepts such as routing, switching, identity services, intrusion detection, and firewall. Familiarity deploying virtual machines in VMWare vSphere environments including networking configuration. Familiarity designing complex software development environments including submodules, remote dependencies, and mixed‑code deployments. Familiarity deploying virtual machines and/or containers into Azure cloud environments including networking configuration. Solid analytical abilities, coupled with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and drive. Problem‑solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations. Excellence in oral, written, and technical communication with peers and non‑technical cohorts. Initiative, creativity, reliability, teamwork. Strong organization and planning skills. Attention to detail while ability to see and understand the big picture. Job 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr