Field Test Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Diego, CA

Compensation: $74,000 - $150,000 / year

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 Field Test Engineer to be based in our Arlington, VA office.

Overview: The Field Test Engineer will work in a fast paced, customer‑focused team that understands the customer’s goals and needs. The Field Test Engineer must possess the desire and skills to work with the team of IDT designers, learn and utilize product features and capabilities and assist in the fielding, testing and operational execution during test and experimentation. They will participate in developing, testing and operating experimental technologies and capabilities for rapid deployment and testing in various test environments. The selected engineer must have sufficient experience working with both hardware and software systems and must be familiar with deploying and operating hardware and applications in a mission‑critical environment.

Overview: The ideal candidate will have skills applicable to instrumentation and data recording, operational monitoring and assessment against requirements, and training/documentation methods to help the test execution lead understand results and take corrective actions. The Field Test Engineer will learn IDT’s technologies and how to execute them at deployed test sites to accelerate the pace of install, test, deployment, and in‑service operation.

All applicants must currently possess an active U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities Include:

• Provide operational and maintenance support of deployed software/hardware infrastructure supporting various DoD and Navy operational and developmental testing and experimentation.
• Perform deployment, installation, training and operational support of new software/hardware infrastructure across various test sites and Navy platforms.
• Coordinate with senior warfighters and government sponsors to plan, schedule and accomplish installation checkouts, operational testing and mission execution.
• Review software designs, generate test plans and procedures, and troubleshoot discrepancies during test events.
• Communicate directly with customers and users to understand needs and drive cross‑functional technical issues/challenges during test events.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or other STEM field; or equivalent full‑time professional experience.
• 1‑3 years of related experience.

Required Skills:

• Ability to learn unique hardware/software deployment configuration and operations to be tested on‑site.
• Hands‑on experience in deploying and maintaining applications in a mission‑critical operational environment.
• Ability to communicate with senior warfighters and test leads and assist with the test execution.
• Understanding of performing test and integration, applying best engineering practices, and developing test and operational methodologies.
• Ability to apply troubleshooting techniques to systems, network, and processes to determine if exhibited behavior is expected.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with complex Navy surface warfare systems and applications in an operational setting.
• Experience System integration and test experience for tactical applications (Aegis Weapon System, CEC, Link16, etc.).
• Have experience working with Aegis Weapon System or NAVSEA tactical applications.
• Demonstrated knowledge in related disciplines (e.g., Software Engineering, IT, Networking).
• Experience running and testing complex SW systems, especially DoD Systems or large distributed SW Solutions.
• Experience developing or testing large, complex systems (e.g., DOD related lab environment).
• Experience running codes or scripts in Python, Java, C++ or other languages.
• Experience performing test and integration, applying best engineering practices, and executing test methodologies.

Competencies:

• Ability to perform concurrent assignments and adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong team‑centric execution and coordination skills.

Pay Range: $74,000 - $116,000 or $90,000 - $150,000

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.

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.