Engineering Technical Lead

Innovative Defense Technologies•Arlington, VA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Engineering Technical Lead to be part of our Advanced Capabilities team and based out of our Arlington, VA location. The Engineering Technical Lead is a highly technical engineer with the ability to drive and manage a team in a fast-paced, customer-focused test and experimentation team. This role requires deep experience designing, testing, integrating, deploying, and operating complex software and hardware systems in mission-critical environments. The Engineering Technical Lead will lead a team to design, architect, deliver, and integrate complex DoD software and hardware systems onboard ships and Navy assets on time and on budget. They will be expected to 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 delivery and test events. This role is hands-on, highly technical, 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or other STEM field (or equivalent full-time professional experience)
7+ years' relevant experience required
Understanding of software development processes and the activities described by the Systems Engineering V-Model
Advanced troubleshooting skills across software, networks, hardware, and operational processes.
Ability to understand system behavior through reading system specifications and requirements
Ability to perform the logical and systematic conversion of customer or program requirements into solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints
Ability to design, develop, and analyze complex software systems
Proven ability to deploy, operate, and sustain Navy software and hardware systems in mission-critical operational environments.
Strong system integration and test experience, including distributed and tactical systems.
Experience leading and coordinating test execution activities in the field.
Ability to communicate effectively with senior warfighters, government sponsors, and technical leadership.
Strong understanding of test methodologies, best engineering practices, and operational assessment.
Experience managing DoD programs
Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and execute multiple concurrent assignments.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time as needed
Must currently possess an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree highly desired.
Experience managing US Navy and/or MDA contracts
Experience managing logistics processes including classified packaging, deployment support, and spares management.
Experience in proposal and cost estimation development
Experience with Navy surface warfare systems and tactical applications (e.g., Aegis Weapon System, CEC, Link-16).
Experience with scripting or implementing algorithms in C++, Python, JavaScript, Java, MATLAB or other languages
Strong background in one or more related disciplines (Software Engineering, Cyber Security, IT, Networking).

Responsibilities

Define and Scope Solutions: Interpret and document stakeholder needs to establish clear, prioritized requirements and success criteria that drive project outcomes. Ensure requirements and project plans align with program objectives and IDT business goals by conducting quality and alignment reviews and implementing structures that enable coordinated execution across the program
Design and Architect Systems: Develop structured, scalable system designs that balance performance, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
Tailor and Manage Program Approaches: Assign individuals with the appropriate expertise across the program to deliver projects and tasks effectively. Forecast skill gaps and proactively determine strategies to address them. Design and implement scalable processes, tools, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms that promote efficiency and consistency. Identify procurement efficiencies and economies of scale, build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, and apply lessons learned through inspections, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
Integrate, Deploy, and Validate Systems: Lead the deployment, installation, configuration, and operational support of complex software and hardware systems supporting DoD and Navy operational and developmental testing. Troubleshoot and resolve advanced system, network, software, and integration issues during live test and experimentation events.
Leverage Insights and Data: Analyze customer feedback, research findings, and performance trends to inform design direction and enhance system effectiveness. Analyze test results and provide clear, actionable assessments against requirements, including recommendations for corrective actions.
Assure Quality, Cost, and Schedule: In conjunction with the Program Management team, develop and manage Program Quality and Cost Management Plans to ensure consistent standards, financial discipline, and schedule alignment. Integrate individual project schedules into a cohesive program schedule, define interdependencies, anticipate delays, and implement mitigation strategies.
Collaborate and Share Knowledge: Collaborate directly with senior warfighters, test directors, and government sponsors to define objectives, schedules, and execution plans.