Tactical Systems Engineer

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT)

Tactical systems engineer modernizing legacy Navy combat software into cloud-native microservices for IDT, a defense technology company. Designing, testing, and integrating mission-critical systems for surface and unmanned platforms.

Posted 8/7/2026full-timeMount Laurel • New Jersey • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $114,000 - $231,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in software design and development, particularly in C, C++, Python, and Java, with a strong focus on combat systems and tactical software for DoD programs. Proficient in Agile methodologies, DevSecOps practices, and capable of translating customer requirements into actionable software solutions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C ProgrammingC++ ProgrammingPython ProgrammingJava ProgrammingAgile Software Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software ArchitectureTactical Systems Software DevelopmentAlgorithmic Complexity AnalysisDistributed SystemsShell ScriptingSoftware Design PatternsCombat System DesignRefactoringIntegration TestingRequirements Documentation

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-SolvingCommunicationOrganizationAttention to Detail

Tools & Technologies

Linux OSGitJenkinsJiraAtlassian Tool SuiteMakeMavenAntVMware vSphereAzure Cloud

Certifications & Qualifications

Active Secret U.S. Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

DoD ProgramsNavy Tactical SystemsAEGISShip Self Defense System (SSDS)MBSE Methodologies

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AzureCloudDistributed SystemsFirewallsJavaJavaScriptJenkinsLinuxMavenPythonShell ScriptingSwitchingVMware

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, implement, and test complex software in C, C++, Python, JavaScript, and Java within various development environments
Analyze legacy monolithic software programs, recompile them, and incrementally refactor them using brownfield and greenfield methodologies
Assess and deconstruct Navy tactical system code for Surface Navy Combat systems
Explore and prototype next-generation solutions using AI/ML, distributed processing, and modeling
Interact with customers to elicit requirements and document agreements
Present project cost, schedule, and technical progress to organization leadership
Develop software architecture, including hardware and software interfaces between components
Assist in developing user, functional, and technical requirements for tactical systems
Participate in and provide feedback for design and code/peer reviews
Integrate individual software components into complex software environments
Support test and integration activities at IDT labs and government Land Based Test Sites (LBTS)

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent full-time professional experience
5+ years of full-time professional experience
Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed
Experience with combat system design and software, ideally AEGIS or Ship Self Defense System (SSDS)
Familiarity and experience developing tactical systems software on DoD programs
Experience with C, C++, Python, and/or Java
Experience developing in Linux OS environments, including shell scripting
Ability to decompose and document requirements and specifications
Understanding of distributed systems, algorithms, data structures, and software design patterns, especially the Strangler Pattern
Experience with Agile software development processes
Proficiency working within a Git CM environment
Comfortable with DevSecOps best practices
Ability to convert vague customer requirements into a refined vision
Ability to identify and describe algorithmic complexity
Ability to work on-site, with potential hybrid flexibility
Must be able to obtain and maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance
Extensive combat system design and software experience, ideally AEGIS or SSDS
Experience with Make, Maven, and Ant
Experience with X-Windows
Familiarity with MBSE methodologies
Experience with Jenkins, Jira, and the Atlassian tool suite
Familiarity with networking concepts including routing, switching, identity services, intrusion detection, and firewalls
Familiarity deploying virtual machines in VMware vSphere environments, including networking configuration
Familiarity deploying virtual machines and/or containers into Azure cloud environments, including networking configuration
Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, organization, planning, and attention-to-detail abilities

Benefits

Comp & perks

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