AI-Native Software Engineer

Description

About The Role:

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a AI-Native Software Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems team and based out of our Arlington, VA location.

The AI-Native Software Engineer develops software in an AI-augmented engineering environment where generative AI tools are used throughout the software lifecycle — including requirements analysis, architecture design, code generation, test creation, debugging, documentation, and system analysis.

This engineer will help establish and champion AI-accelerated development practices across engineering teams, demonstrating how generative AI can dramatically increase engineering velocity while maintaining high reliability, security, and mission assurance standards required for defense systems.

The engineer will work within multidisciplinary teams to accelerate delivery, enhance reliability, and operationalize autonomous and intelligent behaviors across complex DoW systems and is ideal for engineers who actively experiment with new AI tools and enjoy discovering faster and more effective ways to build software.

The Warfare Systems business area is one of six mission critical business units within the IDT organization and is directly responsible for building, testing, and deploying the Navy’s next generation of tactical warfare and weapons systems. As the nation enters the ‘technology-first’ era of warfare, the Warfare Systems group will be responsible for enabling and accelerating the mission critical tactical capability that is delivered to the warfighter. The Warfare System AI-Native Software Engineer will work with our team of software and systems engineers building tactically relevant and technically innovative solutions to ensure the highest impact to the US Navy.

Clearance & Location Requirements:

• All applicants must currently posess an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
• This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 3 days in office, based out of our Arlington, VA location.

What You Will Do:

• Use generative AI tools (LLM copilots, autonomous coding agents, AI test generators) as a core part of daily software engineering workflows
• Demonstrate and share AI-enabled engineering techniques that improve team productivity and software quality
• Help define and evolve AI-augmented engineering standards, patterns, and best practices
• Prototype and evaluate emerging AI developer tooling (agent frameworks, code copilots, automated testing agents)
• Mentor engineering teams on effective use of generative AI in development workflows
• Integrate AI Components into Complex DoW Software Environments
• Integrate AI models and services into mission-critical software systems.
• Develop Intelligent Data Processing and NLP Pipelines
• Deliver AI‑Enabled Dashboards, Interfaces, and Insights
• Help identify areas of the software lifecycle that can be accelerated through generative AI and automation.

Who You Are (Required):

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent full-time professional experience.
• 5-7 years of full-time professional experience
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed
• Demonstrated curiosity and experimentation with emerging AI technologies and engineering practices.
• Daily use of generative AI coding tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Codeium, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar systems
• Experience using LLMs for code generation, debugging, test generation, and documentation automation
• Familiarity with agent-based development workflows and AI-assisted engineering environments
• Experience designing prompt workflows or system prompts to improve developer productivity
• Ability to critically evaluate AI-generated code for correctness, security, and performance
• Strong understanding of AI concepts and practical deployment patterns
• Demonstrated ability to scope requirements for engineering solutions that meet business challenges using AI with measurable outcomes
• Experience in engineering solutions that integrate AI models into production workflows to improve User Experience and productivity
• Understanding of security and compliance considerations when implementing AI solutions, especially in sensitive or classified environments, to support multiple deployment environments
• Understanding of secure software development practices and AI-specific security risks as they pertain to a full SDLC
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to define requirements, scope projects, and deliver solutions independently
• Strong communication skills — ability to collaborate and explain complex concepts to diverse audiences, and synthesize details into actionable recommendations and implementations
• Cross-functional collaboration — builds strong relationships across engineering, security, compliance, etc.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Experience building AI-augmented developer tooling
• Familiarity with LLM orchestration frameworks (LangChain, LangGraph, Semantic Kernel, etc.)
• Experience integrating AI capabilities into DevSecOps pipelines
• Experience deploying or operating self-hosted LLMs in secure environments
• Proficiency in containerization (Docker, Podman, etc.) and orchestration frameworks (Swarm, Kubernetes, etc.)
• Development, system integration, and test experience with complex DoW systems
• Experience supporting and working with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment
• Familiarity with US Navy and US Army tactical C2 or sensors such as Aegis, CEC, CAC2S, IBCS, SPY-1, etc. system design is desired
• Experience with creating and configuring Virtual Machines (VMware, VirtualBox, etc.)
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations
• Excellence in technical communication with peers and non-technical cohorts
• Ability to work closely with Program Managers and Chief Engineers to document, manage and communicate systems and software requirements
• Attention to detail
• Initiative, creativity, reliability, teamwork
• Strong organization and planning skills
• Solid analytical abilities, coupled with a strong sense of ownership, urgency and drive

If you see yourself reflected in this role and are excited about the impact you could make, we encourage you to apply! If you know someone who may be a great fit, please feel free to share this opportunity with your network.

Pay Range*: $114,000 - $184,000 or $135,000 - $231,000

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.

About Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT):

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is a leading defense technology company focused on rapidly delivering mission-critical software and systems solutions to the U.S. government. The company specializes in automation, digital engineering, and enabling the rapid integration of advanced capabilities into complex weapon and combat systems. These essential solutions empower the warfighter to field, operate, and sustain decisive capability at speed and scale.

At IDT, our employees are developing advanced mission-critical outcomes by consistently delivering high-quality results, fostering innovation, applying rigorous problem-solving, and effectively collaborating across multifaceted teams and stakeholders. Grounded in these competencies, IDT translates complex customer priorities into robust software solutions.

Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT):

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.