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Tactical Software Engineer

Innovative Defense Technologies
$114,000 - $184,000 or $135,000 - $231,000
paid holidays, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, Virginia, Arlington
4401 Wilson Boulevard (Show on map)
Mar 18, 2026
Description
About The Role:
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Tactical Software Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems team and based out of our Arlington, VA or Mount Laurel, NJ location.
The Tactical Software Engineer will be part of a multi-discipline team focused on the DOW's initiatives in support of tactical capability development for Navy surface and unmanned (UxVs) platforms and will be directly responsible for the architecting and refactoring of mission critical legacy weapons system software into a modern software technology stack where the target end state will ensure the highest impact to the US Navy by enabling a microservices based tactical platform within both a cloud-native and tactical-edge deployment model.
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 Engineer will be fiercely accountable for the delivery of well-architected and production-ready solutions that exceed the Fleet's requirements.
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 Tactical 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 posess 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.
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 (Required):
  • 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 25% 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.
What Makes You Stand Out:
  • 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
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*: $114,000 - $184,000 or $135,000 - $231,000
*Pursuant to New JerseySenate Bill 2310 IDT is required to disclose the "pay scale" or "pay range" associated with a job posting. Notably, however, 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. Click here for additional information about Senate Bill 2310. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience.
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 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.
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