Software Developer – Middleware Modernization (Mid Level) – Manassas, VA

About the role

Gromelski & Associates is seeking a skilled Software Developer to lead the evaluation and migration of a legacy middleware platform to a modern, open‑source solution (e.g., gRPC, NATS, DDS). You will assess performance requirements, explore viable alternatives, prototype candidate technologies, and deliver a data‑driven recommendation for production implementation. This role blends deep Java/C/C++ expertise with hands‑on Linux system work in a DoD‑sensitive environment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze the existing middleware stack, document performance bottlenecks, latency, throughput, and scalability requirements.
• Research and shortlist modern alternatives (gRPC, NATS, DDS, etc.), evaluating fit against functional and non‑functional criteria.
• Prototype selected solutions on target hardware, measuring latency, CPU/memory usage, and integration effort.
• Produce a comprehensive recommendation report, including migration path, risk assessment, and implementation plan.
• Develop and integrate Java and C/C++ components in a Linux‑based laboratory environment, following established DoD processes (installation, recovery, checkout, testing).
• Collaborate closely with software team leads, systems engineers, and test personnel; communicate findings clearly and promptly.
• Document all work artifacts (designs, test results, build scripts, deployment guides) in accordance with configuration‑management standards.
• Support off‑shift and overtime activities when required to meet critical milestones.

Qualifications

• Technical Expertise
  • 3+ years of professional experience in Java and C/C++ development.
  • Strong Linux/Unix system administration and shell‑scripting.
  • Proven experience with socket programming (TCP/UDP, Unix domain sockets).
• Middleware & Messaging
  • Hands‑on experience with gRPC and Google Protocol Buffers.
  • NATS messaging system experience (publish/subscribe, request/reply, streaming, JetStream, clustering).
  • Exposure to DDS or similar data‑distribution middleware is a plus.
• Software Integration
  • Laboratory‑environment integration, hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to follow and execute detailed procedures (installation, recovery, checkout, test).
• Development Infrastructure
  • Familiarity with modern build tools – Gradle, CMake, and containerization (Docker, OCI).
  • Knowledge of common design patterns in Java and C++.

Requirements

• Education & Clearance
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software/Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Professional Traits
  • Self‑motivated, task‑driven, and able to work independently.
  • Strong team player who takes ownership and cultivates collaborative relationships.
  • Flexible schedule with willingness to work overtime or off‑shift as needed.

Skills (Preferred)

• Advanced Linux/Unix socket programming and low‑level networking.
• Experience designing pub/sub communication patterns and event‑driven architectures.
• Familiarity with computer networking protocols (TCP/IP, QoS, multicast).
• Exposure to container orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker Swarm) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Prior work within DoD/Defense or other high‑security environments.

Benefits

We offer a competitive benefit package.

Pay

Salary Range: $130,000 - $190,000

Schedule

Full-Time Employee, 40 hours/week