Defense Innovation Unit Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Background Information: 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 a Senior Frontend Software Engineer to be based in our Arlington, VA or Mount Laurel, NJ office. Leveraging advanced software automation, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and AI-driven capabilities, IDT accelerates capability development, enhances operational readiness, and reduces lifecycle costs for the Department of Defense. The company is dedicated to transforming defense systems through innovation, efficiency, and mission-critical results.  Overview: We are looking for a driven, experienced Senior Frontend Software Engineer to become a key contributor to our software-as-a-service hybrid cloud platform. Our platform provides the ability for our government customers to collaboratively employ cutting edge capabilities to aid in the development and test of mission critical tactical systems in ways that were not previously possible. Our Tech Stack: Our tech stack is continuously evolving to meet emerging customer use cases and to keep pace with industry. User interfaces are written in Typescript using React and Redux and packaged with Webpack.   Backend services are typically written in Java with PostgreSQL persistence.   REST serves as our primary data transport protocol for both backend and frontend interfaces. Code is configuration controlled in Git. Build tooling includes NPM, Maven, and Gradle, coordinated by Jenkins in an automated pipeline. Continuous deployment is employed to orchestrate software on a Kubernetes cluster in multiple environments, including in the cloud, on secured air-gapped networks, and on tactical platforms. All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active U.S. Security Clearance. Responsibilities Include:   * Contribute to every stage of the frontend software development lifecycle: design, code, review, test, integration, debugging, deployment, and maintenance of user interfaces.
* Evangelize and incorporate industry leading technologies into a frontend framework that can be used across the enterprise.
* Successfully take tasks from beginning to end with little direct supervision, using strong organization, planning, and prioritization skills.
* Demonstrate excellent teamwork and communication skills to collaborate with other teams and stakeholders in a dynamic and geographically distributed team environment.   * Champion best practices to improve code quality, such as integration and unit testing, static analysis, and documentation.   * Leverage AI to accelerate design-to-code, iteration speed, and feature delivery.
Minimum Required Qualifications:   * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related technical discipline, or equivalent full-time professional experience.
* 7+ years practical engineering experience with Typescript or Javascript.
Required Skills: * Actively uses AI coding assistants (e.g., Copilot-class tools, local LLMs, agentic workflows) as a primary means of code generation, refactoring, and UI scaffolding
* Experience building user interfaces with a modern component framework such as React, Angular, or Vue.
* Experience using Storybook or other Mock testing tooling.
* Leveraging AI to accelerate design-to-code, iteration speed, and feature delivery
* Working knowledge of developing software on Linux operating systems, especially with hands-on knowledge of networking fundamentals, protocols, and standards (TCP/IP, TLS, DNS).
* Ability to travel up to 10%.
Preferred Skills and Experience:   * Strong knowledge of web protocols and standards (HTTP, GRPC, REST, OAuth) and their use in a web-based application.
* Experience with industry-standard DevOps tooling, such as Maven or Gradle, Jenkins, and Git.
* Experience with containerized software deployment and container orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes.
* Experience with Figma/Figjam for mockups and wireframing.
* Experience with the backend portion of full stack development –  in the context of a modern microservice frameworks.
* Experience with designing and architecting software systems that meet requirements and maintaining living documentation of system designs.
* Experience with AI code assistance.
* Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills.
* Desire to experiment with new AI tools, models, and UI generation techniques and convey those learnings back to the team. Pay Range*:  $135,000 - $231,000  or $164,000 - $273,000  *Pursuant to New Jersey Senate 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. EEO Statement: IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.