Software Test Engineer - JobID-0322

Company: Innovative Defense Technologies
Location: San Diego, Suite 200, California
Type: hybrid
Posted: Oct 2, 2026
Views: 2

✨ AI Summary

Innovative Defense Technologies, a defense technology company, is hiring a Software Test Engineer for its Integrated Mission Systems team. The role involves testing and integrating software using a stack of Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, Docker, and SQL. Candidates require a Bachelor's degree, 3+ years of experience, and the ability to obtain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. This is an on-site position in San Diego requiring at least three days in the office, with a salary range of $90,000 to $150,000.

About The Role:
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Software Test Engineer to be part of our Integrated Mission Systems team and based out of our San Diego, CA location.
The Software Test Engineer (STE) will be paired with a project test lead and work with a fast-paced team of mission-focused engineers to solve some of the DoD’s toughest challenges. The STE must possess initiative, creativity, reliability, and efficient teamwork and strict attention to detail and possess solid analytical abilities, coupled with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and drive. The STE will work as a team to design, build, test, and deliver innovative, secure, and fully integrated software solutions for complex, mission-critical systems in the US Department of Defense (DOD).
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 three days in office, based out of our San Diego, CA location.
What You Will Do:
  • Integrate and test software solutions across IDT’s Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) business area
  • Provide feedback to developers to help build high-quality, innovative, and effective software which integrates with other system components.
  • Work with various IMS teammates to gather user requirements, define system functionality, and develop test plans for various integrated commercial applications and code written in various languages, like Java, C++, Python, and JavaScript.
  • Work with other software engineers, systems engineers, integration engineers, and subject matter experts to deliver robust technical solutions
  • Adhere to government and industry security, reliability, and performance standards; understand orthodox programming paradigms; interpret and apply DoD and industry standards; and participate in peer reviews, configuration, design, and performance reviews.
  • Apply common and emerging (AI/ML) tools, approaches and best engineering practices including; building, maintaining, and troubleshooting CI/CD pipelines for software deployment; integrating third-party and externally developed software into a container runtime environment; configuring, adapting, and validating software components to operate correctly within a Containerized environment; integrating with internal systems and third-party applications; and assisting with containerization, configuration management, and customization of vendor or open-source software.
Who You Are (Required):
  • Bachelor’s Degree in applicable discipline such as software engineering, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, data science, cyber security, mathematics, or aeronautical engineering (or equivalent full-time experience).
  • 3+ year’s experience with one or more of the following:
    • Git or similar version control systems
    • Program languages such as C++, Python, Java or JavaScript
    • Container concepts (Docker/OCI/Podman images, containers, registries)
    • SQL and relational databases (e.g., Postgres)
    • Linux-based systems command-line usage and file/system permissions
    • React or similar modern frontend frameworks
  • Ability to travel up to 20% of the time as needed
What Makes You Stand Out:
  • 2+ year’s experience working with DoD and Naval systems
  • 1+ year experience with one or more of the following:
    • Visualization and human interface development
    • Use DEVSECOPS to streamline software testing and platform deployment
    • Software system remote monitoring, maintenance and upgrade
  • 1+ year experience with one or more of the following:
    • Cloud computing, virtualization (VMWare), and containerization.
    • Networking concepts and protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS)
    • Working with APIs or third-party services
    • Scripting for automation (Groovy, Python, Bash, PowerShell)
    • Big data solutions (e.g. Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Cassandra)
    • Machine learning and/or artificial intelligence
  • Desire to stay current with industry trends and best practices. Openness to new tools and concepts, showing initiative, innovation and creativity
  • Ability to communicate, report and document progress and issues
  • 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*: $90,000 - $150,000 or $114,000 - $184,000
*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.
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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.

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