Senior IT Systems Engineer - JobID-0280

Location: San Diego, Suite 200, California
Type: onsite
Posted: Sep 3, 2026
Views: 0

✨ AI Summary

Innovative Defense Technologies, a defense technology company, is hiring a Senior IT Systems Engineer to lead a team supporting virtualized testing of Naval Tactical Systems. The role requires 7+ years of experience with IT infrastructure, networking, and virtualization technologies such as VMware, OpenShift, and Linux. Candidates must hold or obtain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance and be willing to work on-site in San Diego at least 4 days a week. The salary range is $135,000 to $273,000 depending on experience level.

About The Role:
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Systems Engineer to be part of our Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) team and based out of our San Diego, CA location.

This Senior IT Systems Engineer will work with a fast-paced team of mission-focused engineers to solve some of the Navy’s toughest challenges. Initiative, creativity, reliability, efficiency, and teamwork will be required to successfully deliver innovative solutions in this dynamic customer space. The Senior IT Systems Engineer will be responsible for leading a team to maintain Linux and Windows based computing systems intended to support virtualized testing of Naval Tactical Systems.

Responsibilities will include IT infrastructure assembly, troubleshooting, and system maintenance, and Naval tactical applications troubleshooting and support. Duties will also include maintaining documentation for processes and procedures, while also providing support to internal engineers or customers on-site.

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 4 days in office, based out of our San Diego, CA location and nearby government facilities.
What You Will Do:
  • Lead, mentor, and task a team of matrixed systems and network engineers, enforcing high engineering standards and directing engineering workflows.
  • Provide IT systems support on IDT and government physical and virtualized environment assets located within IDT and Navy labs.
  • Install and provision newly purchased pieces of hardware equipment and evaluate future hardware needs. Conduct market research and recommend hardware and software architectures and modifications to meet or exceed project and IDT requirements.
  • Implement, maintain, and review security processes to maintain compliance and ensure user permissions are set accordingly, leading the team in updating DISA STIG checklists and preparing systems for RMF assessments
  • Interact with technical members from multiple internal and external organizations in a team environment. Establish roles and responsibilities, collective performance objectives and schedule goals to meet requirements.
  • Establish and maintain up-to-date documentation on system infrastructures.
  • Troubleshoot basic issues on end-user, infrastructure, and customer applications.
Who You Are (Required):
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or equivalent full-time professional experience
  • 7+ year’s of experience with one or more of the following:
    • IT system production planning and workflow
    • Network architecting, hardware optimization and planning
    • Platform integration and support system integration
    • Vulnerability scanning and remediation, applying STIG’s and jhardening systems
    • Networking concepts – TCP/IP, Switching, Routing, Firewalls, Subnetting.
    • Virtualization Infrastructure, VMware and/or OpenShift Virtualization.
    • Working multiple projects in an agile work environment.
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time as needed

What Makes You Stand Out:
  • 5+ year’s of experience working with DoD and Naval C4I or combat systems
  • Security+, CCNA, or equivalent IAT Level II certification (IAT Level III is a plus).
  • Strong Understanding of Red Hat or similar Linux distributions.
  • Experience working with networking within a tactical system.
  • Experience with Cisco Switching to include Virtual Port Channeling, VLANs, VRFs, etc.
  • Desire to stay current with industry trends and best practices. Openness to new tools and concepts, showing initiative, innovation and creativity
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations Strong analytical abilities, 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*:
$135,000 - $231,000 or $164,000 - $273,000
*Pursuant to California Senate Bill 1162, IDT is required to disclose the “pay scale” or “pay range” associated with a job posting. Notably, however, 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. Click here for additional information about Senate Bill 1162. 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.

About the Company

Name: Innovative Defense Technologies
Location: Arlington, VA; Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; San Diego, CA

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.

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