Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 Software Engineer to be based in our Arlington, VA 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: This position is based in our Arlington, VA office with support to Government customer meetings and installations throughout the United States. You will join a team of dynamic, leading edge software engineers, system integrators and system engineers. You must have experience with complex systems and fluency with contemporary programming languages, development environments, and architectures. You will be a key contributor to the development and execution of fielded DoD systems, inclusive of primarily software, but also infrastructure, security, and operational design. The environment is challenging, and you will work within a to solve complex problems for this growing business.  Software Engineer responsibilities include gathering user requirements, defining system functionality, writing code in various languages (C++, Java), and verifying software functionality through testing. The ideal candidate is familiar with the software development life cycle (SDLC) from preliminary system analysis to tests and deployment. This role requires full-time presence on-site at our Arlington, VA office. All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active U.S. Security Clearance. Responsibilities Include: * Design, implement, and test software using multiple languages and technology stacks 
* Explore and prototype next-generation solutions for DoD customers
* Integrate software components into complex DoD software environments 
* Support test and integration activities in IDT labs, as well as on-site customer labs 
* Develop software interfaces to communicate across network protocols such as TCP/UDP, DDS, ActiveMQ, Kafka, RabbitMQ
* Take leadership in developing user, functional, and technical requirements for software systems
* Participating in and providing feedback in design reviews and code reviews Minimum Required Qualifications: * Minimum of 3 years’ experience in software development
* Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics or equivalent full-time professional experience 
Required skills: * Strong proficiency in modern C++ or Java
* Experience using Confluence and Jira in a software development environment
* Experience with tactical DoD systems and tactical data networks  
* Ability to decompose and document requirements and specifications  
* Understanding of distributed systems, algorithms, data structures and software design patterns
* Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle  
* Understanding of object-oriented programming  
* Proficiency working with version control software like Git, SVN and software development environments  
* Experience with software testing and configuration management  
* Ability to convert vague customer requirements into a refined software solution
* Ability to identify and describe algorithmic complexity  
* Ability to work on-site with potential hybrid flexibility  
* Ability to travel approximately 10%
Preferred skills: * Active DOD Clearance.
* Proficiency in containerization (Docker, Podman, etc.) and orchestration frameworks (Swarm, Kubernetes, etc.)
* Development, system integration, and test experience with complex DoD systems  
* Experience supporting and working with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment  
* Experience with virtualization and containerization deployment technologies
* Experience with deployment automation tools (SALT, Ansible, Terraform etc.)
* Proficiency working with different SW development tools such as Jenkins, JFrog Artifactory, and Gitlab  
* Experience with creating and configuring Virtual Machines (VMware, VirtualBox, etc.)
* Experience with basic network concepts like VLANs, IP addressing schemes, and static routing
Competencies: * 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   Pay Range*: $90,000 - $150,000 or $114,000 - $184,000 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.  EEO Statement: IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.