Lead Infrastructure Software Engineer - JobID-0328

Company: Innovative Defense Technologies
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Type: hybrid
Posted: Oct 8, 2026
Views: 1

✨ AI Summary

Innovative Defense Technologies, a defense tech firm building Navy tactical warfare systems, is hiring a Lead Infrastructure Software Engineer in Arlington, VA. The role focuses on leading a team to develop Infrastructure as Code for automated Kubernetes deployment in classified and unclassified environments. Key tech stack includes Kubernetes, Docker, Helm, ArgoCD, Terraform, Ansible, and Linux. Requires 7+ years of experience, a US Secret clearance, and on-site work 3-4 days per week.

About The Role:
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Lead Infrastructure Software Engineer to be part of our Warfare Systems Business Area and based out of our Arlington, VA location.

The Infrastructure Software Engineer will lead a team of Platform and Deployment Engineers to develop, implement, and maintain Infrastructure as Code software for automated deployment and configuration of a Kubernetes-based enterprise product. This role requires strong knowledge and experience in debugging and fixing software deployment/configuration issues in addition to continuing to advance the automation of the deployment process.

The Warfare Systems Business Area is one of four 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 Business Area will be responsible for enabling and accelerating the mission critical tactical capability that is delivered to the warfighter. The Lead Infrastructure 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 be able to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
  • This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 3-4 days in office, based out of our Arlington, VA location
What You Will Do:
  • Scope and Define Requirements: Manage formal and informal requirements to define, validate and control scope to complete all the deliverables within a project successfully
    • Support conversion of internal customer requirements into a refined vision
    • Lead a team to develop, implement, and maintain Infrastructure as Code software for automated deployment and configuration of a multi-site, multi-system microservice- based application, leveraging AI coding assistants to accelerate development.
    • Lead the active operations work of deploying and maintaining multiple Kubernetes clusters in unclassified and classified (airgapped) environments, leveraging AI solutions to improve deployment and maintenance efficiency.
  • Engineer Solutions: Design and implement solutions that meet specific requirements
    • Debug, identify root cause and fix software deployment/configuration issues
    • Guide a team in the identification and application of emerging technologies and architectures including evaluation of cloud operations platforms such as cloud IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.
    • Manage, mentor, and lead a small team of engineers working operational and development tasks while championing the use of AI to streamline the team’s workflow, incorporating AI-driven approaches to optimize automation and reduce the complexity of installations.
    • Implement and test software using multiple languages and technology stacks
    • Develop software interfaces to communicate across various network protocols and messaging frameworks
    • Integrate software components into complex software environments
    • Communicate and work collaboratively with colleagues and lead engineers from other disciplines
  • Assure Quality: Maintains a focus on quality that produces deliverables that meet objectives and align needs, uses, and acceptance requirements set forth by relevant stakeholders
    • Participate in and provide feedback in design and code reviews
    • Develop software using secure coding practices
    • Support test and integration activities in IDT labs, as well as on-site customer labs
  • Manage Risk and Opportunities: Assess, plan, identify, analyze, mitigate and control risks and opportunities
    • Support preparation, tracking, and delivery of internal deliverables
Who You Are (Required):
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or Math, or equivalent full-time professional experience; Master’s Degree in Engineering or another technical field highly desired
  • 7+ years of professional software development/deployment experience in technically rigorous environments
  • High-level proficiency with container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
  • Experience with Kubernetes management services like Helm or ArgoCD
  • Experience with hypervisor/virtualization technologies such as VMware, KVM, EC2.
  • Experience with networking in virtualized environments - TCP/IP, DNS, Load Balancing, Firewall, VLANs
  • Proficiency in automation scripts and tools such as Ansible, Terraform, Puppet, Salt, etc. and an aptitude for utilizing AI tools (e.g., LLMs, AI coding assistants) to streamline script generation and troubleshooting.
  • Strong Linux skills
  • High degree of competence in Bash/Shell
  • Basic full-stack development skills: SQL, Python/Java, JavaScript, HTML/CSS
  • Ability to shift from one project to another in an agile work environment
  • Strong leadership capabilities and skills
  • Strong documentation skills
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed

What Makes You Stand Out:
  • High-level proficiency with Kubernetes distros such as RKE2
  • Experience with distributed storage systems such as Rook/Ceph, NFS
  • Experience deploying Kubernetes clusters and configuring networking, storage, etc.
  • Experience with Git, Jenkins, Artifactory
  • DevSecOps experience
  • Experience with at least one public cloud environment, such as Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure
  • Experience managing and directing personnel while maintaining cost and schedule targets
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations
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*: $135,000 - $273,000
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.
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.
Apply Now ♡ Save Job

About the Company

Name: Innovative Defense Technologies
Location: Arlington, VA; Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; San Diego, CA
Website: https://idtus.pinpointhq.com

IDT leads the way in integrating complex and disparate defense systems, delivering transformative results. Through advanced technology/automation, IDT accelerates system modernization by enabling defense platforms to rapidly evolve and maintain mission superiority.

Our teams are highly skilled and a group that offers strong opportunities for collaboration and continuous learning/development. They reflect a culture grounded in teamwork, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.

View Company Profile

More jobs at Innovative Defense Technologies