DoD Software Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a C++ Software Engineer to support a mission-critical internal R&D effort focused on modernizing software build, integration, and dependency management processes across a large-scale engineering environment. This role will work within a complex C/C++ ecosystem to analyze code dependencies, troubleshoot build and runtime issues, and improve software development workflows in support of future CI/CD modernization efforts. The position offers exposure to enterprise-scale software engineering challenges and can lead to future opportunities across multiple high-impact programs. The role is primarily Linux-based, using tools such as Git, Make, and CMake, and is a contract position based out of Manassas, VA, requiring an Active Secret clearance and full‑onsite work.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and troubleshoot code dependencies, linking issues, and build behavior across a large C/C++ software environment.
• Debug and resolve complex software defects, build failures, and integration issues.
• Support engineering efforts to improve and modernize CI/CD pipeline workflows, focusing on environments transitioning toward GitLab‑based pipelines.
• Work within Linux‑based development environments to investigate and solve software build and execution problems.
• Collaborate with engineers to improve software modularity, dependency management, and build efficiency.
• Help evaluate and shape future software development lifecycle processes related to build automation, dependency management, and pipeline modernization.
• Leverage tools such as Git, Make/CMake, and modern software development practices in a collaborative engineering environment.

Requirements

• Strong professional experience with C/C++ software development.
• Solid understanding of C/C++ dependencies, linking, compilation, and build behavior.
• Experience working in Linux environments.
• Proven ability to debug complex, non‑trivial software issues.
• Experience using Git in a collaborative development environment.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and software build workflows, with GitLab preferred.
• Strong problem‑solving ability and capacity to work independently in technically ambiguous environments.
• Experience with Make and/or CMake.
• Familiarity with modern C++ standards, ideally C++11 or newer.
• Understanding of concepts such as smart pointers, vectors vs. arrays, heap vs. stack allocation, templates, and modern memory management practices.
• Exposure to package/dependency management tools and CI/CD migration efforts.
• Familiarity with Agile development environments and tools such as Jira and Confluence.
• Active Secret clearance.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $75.00 per hour. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)