C++ Software Engineer (IRAD)

Job Description

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. This position offers a unique opportunity for a strong C++ engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, working in Linux environments, and contributing to the evolution of how large software systems are built and delivered. While this is not a traditional feature development role, it provides broad exposure to enterprise-scale software engineering challenges and can lead to future opportunities across multiple high-impact programs.

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.

• 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.

The role primarily involves working within Linux-based development environments, utilizing tools such as Git, Make, and CMake. The work setting encourages collaboration with engineers, fostering an environment focused 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.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Manassas, VA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $75.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• 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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Manassas,VA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 6, 2026.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.