Senior Systems Engineer

About The Role:


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


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.


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 office, based out of our Arlington, VA location.
  

Department
Engineering
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Arlington, VA
Address
4401 Wilson Boulevard Suite 810, Arlington, Virginia, 22203
Open in Google Maps
Workplace type
Onsite
Compensation
$135,000 - $273,000 / year

Key Responsibilities

What You Will Do:

• 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.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Who You Are (Required):

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

What Makes You Stand Out:

• 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 CloudFormation.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and tools such as Jira or Trello.
• Familiarity with DevOps methodologies and practices, including continuous integration, continuous delivery (CI/CD), and collaboration tools (e.g., Git, Jenkins, GitLab).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C++, or Python, along with experience in software development methodologies, version control systems, and code review practices.

If 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*: $135,000 - $231,000 or $164,000 - $273,000

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.

Job Benefits

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 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.

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.

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