Associate Software Engineer JobID-0050

Summary

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is a provider of cutting-edge cloud-based integration, automated testing, and data analysis for complex systems in the US Department of Defense. They are seeking an Associate Software Engineer to design, develop, and integrate software solutions for their Warfare Systems team, ensuring high-quality and innovative software delivery.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, document, and test backend software components and algorithms using modern programming languages such as C++, Python, Java, or C#. Apply appropriate data structures, modular design principles, and performance optimization techniques to deliver scalable, maintainable solutions
• Analyze and interpret system and software requirements to ensure clarity, feasibility, and traceability. Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to translate high-level mission and system needs into functional backend implementations
• Integrate software components into complex development environments, ensuring interoperability across distributed systems, APIs, databases, and networking layers within DoD software ecosystems
• Apply secure coding practices and established engineering standards related to security, performance, and reliability. Participate in peer reviews of architecture designs, system requirements, and implemented code to ensure technical rigor and mission alignment
• Model, implement, and test algorithms and backend services using unit and interface testing frameworks. Validate system functionality, edge cases, and performance constraints across development and integration environments
• Identify potential technical and cybersecurity risks within software implementations. Apply defensive programming, input validation, and system-level safeguards to harden software against vulnerabilities and operational threats
• Utilize AI coding assistants to support code generation, refactoring, debugging, and root-cause analysis while critically reviewing outputs to ensure correctness, security, and adherence to engineering standards
• Work within small, cross-site teams of software and systems engineers. Communicate technical concepts clearly and collaborate with Program Managers and Chief Engineers to document, manage, and evolve system and software requirements
• Manage multiple concurrent assignments, adapt to changing priorities, and contribute to meeting program milestones while maintaining high standards of technical excellence and accountability

Skills

• 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 backend 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 backend language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, C#)
• Ability to design, develop, and analyze algorithms and backend software systems
• 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)
• Familiarity with networking fundamentals and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, CORBA, DDS)
• Ability to review, critique, and harden AI-generated code
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments and adjust priorities as needed
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and technical communication abilities
• Experience with cloud computing, virtualization, or containerization technologies
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP)
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Cassandra)
• Demonstrated experience using AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Codeium) for code generation, optimization, debugging, and iterative improvement
• Ability to write effective prompts and iterate with AI tools to enhance performance and code quality
• Understanding of AI limitations, hallucinations, and validation techniques
• Experience with unit testing and interface testing frameworks
• Exposure to complex DoD or defense-related software systems

Qualifications

Must Haves

• 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 backend 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 backend language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, C#)
• Ability to design, develop, and analyze algorithms and backend software systems
• 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)
• Familiarity with networking fundamentals and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, CORBA, DDS)
• Ability to review, critique, and harden AI-generated code
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments and adjust priorities as needed
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and technical communication abilities

Nice to Haves

• Experience with cloud computing, virtualization, or containerization technologies
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP)
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Cassandra)
• Demonstrated experience using AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Codeium) for code generation, optimization, debugging, and iterative improvement
• Ability to write effective prompts and iterate with AI tools to enhance performance and code quality
• Understanding of AI limitations, hallucinations, and validation techniques
• Experience with unit testing and interface testing frameworks
• Exposure to complex DoD or defense-related software systems

Benefits

• 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