Associate Software Engineer

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT)•Arlington, VA

2d•$72,000 - $114,450•Onsite

About The Position

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), provider of cutting-edge cloud-based integration, automated testing and data analysis for complex, mission-critical systems in the US Department of Defense (DOD), is seeking an Associate Software Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems team and based out of our Arlington, VA and Mount Laurel, NJ location. The Associate Software Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and integrating software solutions across IDT’s Warfare Systems business area. The primary role of the Associate Software Engineer is to build high-quality, innovative, and fully performing software which integrates with other system components. The Associate Software Engineer will be working with various Warfare Systems customers to gather user requirements, defining system functionality, and writing code in various languages, like JavaScript. You will work with other software engineers, systems engineers, integration engineers, and subject matter experts to deliver robust technical solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Mathematics, Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent full-time professional experience.
0–2+ years of full-time professional experience in software development or related technical roles (internship experience applicable).
Ability to travel up to 15% of the time as needed.
Familiarity with the software development lifecycle (requirements through deployment).
Proficiency in at least one modern frontend language (e.g., TypeScript, JavaScript).
Ability to design, develop, and analyze software systems and GUI applications.
Understanding of Windows and Linux file systems.
Experience using version control systems (e.g., Git).
Understanding of APIs (REST/gRPC) and modular code design principles.
Familiarity with SQL and relational databases (e.g., Postgres).
Understanding of networking fundamentals and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, CORBA, DDS).
Ability to review, critique, and harden AI-generated code outputs.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations.
Strong organization, planning, and technical communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with cloud computing, virtualization, or containerization technologies.
Familiarity with cloud infrastructure platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP).
Experience building user interfaces using modern frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue.
Experience with Storybook or mock testing tools.
Experience using unit and interface testing frameworks.
Demonstrated experience using AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Codeium) for code generation, optimization, debugging, and iterative improvement.
Understanding of AI limitations, hallucinations, and validation techniques.
Exposure to complex DoD or defense-related software systems.

Responsibilities

Engineers Solutions: Design, develop, document, integrate, and test software code written in modern programming languages. Apply appropriate data structures, design patterns, and modular architectures to deliver secure, scalable, and maintainable solutions within complex DoD environments.
Scopes Requirements: Gather, review, and interpret system and software requirements to ensure clarity, feasibility, and traceability. Collaborate with stakeholders to flow high-level system requirements into functional software components and integrated solutions.
Integrates Systems: Integrate software components into complex development environments, ensuring interoperability across distributed systems, APIs, databases, networking layers, and user interfaces.
Assures Quality: Apply industry standards and best practices related to security, performance, and reliability. Participate in peer reviews of architecture designs, system requirements, and implemented code to ensure alignment with DoD standards and mission objectives.
Verification & Testing: Model, code, and test GUI applications and backend components using established testing methodologies, including unit and interface testing, to validate functionality and system behavior.
Manages Risk & Security: Ensure adherence to secure coding practices, identify potential vulnerabilities, and apply defensive programming techniques to harden systems against operational and cybersecurity risks.
Leverages AI Responsibly: Utilize AI coding assistants to support code generation, refactoring, debugging, and optimization while applying critical analysis to validate outputs, mitigate hallucinations, and improve overall code quality and performance.
Collaborates Across Teams: Work within small, cross-site teams of software and systems engineers. Communicate effectively with Program Managers, Chief Engineers, and technical peers to document, manage, and evolve software and system requirements.
Supports Delivery & Execution: Manage multiple concurrent assignments, adapt to changing priorities, and contribute to meeting program milestones while maintaining high standards of quality and technical excellence.