Engineer in McLean, Virginia at In-Q-Tel

In-Q-Tel

In-Q-Tel is an Affirmative Action Employer who values diversity in the workplace. EOE/M/F/disability/vets
Engineer

US-VA-McLean

Job ID: 2026-1444
# of Openings: 1
Category: Engineering
IQT

Overview

As an Engineer at IQT, you will join a multidisciplinary team of builders addressing national security problems. This role balances two key areas: designing and building prototypes that demonstrate new approaches to mission-critical challenges, and providing hands-on systems engineering support to IQT’s portfolio of startup companies as they adapt their commercial technology for government use.

We take a hands-on, rapid-prototyping approach to our work. We leverage commercial technology, open-source software and hardware to build prototypes that solve real operational problems and validate new technical approaches. Our prototypes are tested in the field alongside end users, with the technology ultimately moving to field use when appropriate.

You will also provide systems engineering support to startup companies as they mature their technology for government use. This work includes helping define system architectures, identifying integration challenges, conducting technical assessments, and advising on paths to operational readiness. We build deep relationships with our government partners and act as trusted advisors as they navigate the technology landscape.

Collaboration is non-negotiable. You will work on small, cross-functional teams and be expected to move fast. This requires engineers who are comfortable learning new technical areas quickly, applying proven technology to new areas, and working across both hardware and software. This role includes work in all phases of a project life cycle, including concept development, design, prototyping, integration, testing, evaluation, and customer engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical systems engineering on projects across IQT Engineering, managing project scope, technical risk, and schedule
• Rapidly develop hardware and software proofs of concept and prototypes to demonstrate feasibility and inform technology decisions
• Perform systems integration across hardware, software, and network domains, including single board computers, microcontrollers, and communication systems
• Design, execute, and analyze integration and test activities including bench testing, laboratory validation, and field evaluations
• Manage technical and schedule risk across projects, identifying mitigation strategies and working with colleagues to minimize overall program risk
• Develop technical documentation, test reports, and briefing materials for internal and customer audiences
• Present technical findings via customer briefings, blog posts, conference presentations, and publications, as appropriate
• Interface with government customers, technical partners, and portfolio companies to understand requirements and demonstrate capabilities
• Use generative AI tools to efficiently perform the above tasks

Qualifications

• Due to contractual reasons, U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance (active clearance preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in systems engineering, hardware/software integration, or related technical roles
• Demonstrated expertise managing technical projects with limited oversight, including breaking down complex problems, managing schedules, and delivering results
• Hands-on experience with systems integration and testing, including debugging complex hardware/software systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team across multiple concurrent projects
• Fast learner who can quickly assess the merits of different technical approaches and adapt as necessary to achieve project goals
• Self-motivated contributor with a team-focused mentality and ability to mentor others

PM22