C++ Software Engineer

The C++ Software Engineer (IRAD) will support a mission-critical internal R&D initiative focused on modernizing software build, integration, and dependency management processes. This contract role is based onsite in Manassas, VA and involves troubleshooting in Linux-based development environments while assisting CI/CD improvements moving toward GitLab-based pipelines.

Role 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 efforts to improve and modernize CI/CD pipeline workflows, with a focus on environments transitioning toward GitLab-based pipelines.
• Work in Linux-based development environments to investigate and resolve 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.
• Use tools such as Git, Make/CMake, and modern software development practices in a collaborative engineering environment.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Skills and Technologies

• C++, C
• Linux
• Git
• Make, CMake
• GitLab
• CI/CD pipelines
• Smart pointers, templates
• Jira, Confluence

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Make and/or CMake.
• Familiarity with modern C++ standards, ideally C++11 or newer.
• Understanding of 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.

Work Environment

The role primarily involves working within Linux-based development environments, using tools such as Git, Make, and CMake. Collaboration with engineers is emphasized, with a shared focus on improving software modularity, dependency management, and build efficiency. The position supports engineering efforts to modernize CI/CD pipelines, with a particular focus on transitioning to GitLab-based workflows.

Contract Details, Location, and Workplace Type

• Job Type: Contract
• Location: Manassas, VA (onsite)
• Workplace Type: Fully onsite

Compensation

• Hourly Pay Range: USD 50.00 to 75.00 per hour
• Compensation Notes: Individual compensation within this range depends on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other job-related factors.
• Benefits Eligibility: Eligibility requirements may apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment.
• Benefits Subject to Change: Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.