C++ Software Engineer

C++ Software Engineer

We are seeking multiple C++ Software Engineers to support a mission-critical submarine acoustic system, with a primary focus on software build, integration, and dependency management across a large-scale engineering environment. This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy solving complex technical problems, working in Linux-based systems, and contributing to the evolution of how large software systems are built, integrated, and delivered. While this is not a traditional feature development position, it offers 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 impacting system reliability and performance.
• Investigate and solve software build and execution problems within Linux-based development environments.
• Collaborate closely with other engineers to improve software modularity, dependency management, and overall build efficiency.
• Evaluate and help shape future software development lifecycle processes related to build automation, dependency management, and pipeline modernization.
• Leverage tools such as Git, Make, and CMake, along with modern software development practices, in a collaborative engineering environment.
• Contribute to continuous integration and delivery workflows, helping refine CI/CD pipelines and related build workflows.
• Document findings, solutions, and improvements to support knowledge sharing and long-term maintainability of the codebase.

Essential Skills

• Strong professional experience in C and C++ software development.
• Solid understanding of C/C++ dependencies, linking, compilation, and build behavior in large codebases.
• Hands-on experience working in Linux environments for development, debugging, and execution.
• Proven ability to debug complex, non-trivial software issues, including build and integration problems.
• Experience using Git in a collaborative development environment, including branching, merging, and code review workflows.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and software build workflows, with GitLab experience preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in technically ambiguous environments.
• Proficiency in object-oriented programming principles and practices.
• Experience with debugging tools and techniques for C/C++ software.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Make and/or CMake for build configuration and automation.
• Familiarity with modern C++ standards, ideally C++11 or newer.
• Understanding of modern C++ concepts such as smart pointers, vectors versus arrays, heap versus stack allocation, templates, and contemporary memory management practices.
• Exposure to package and dependency management tools and experience supporting migration efforts to GitLab or similar CI/CD platforms.
• Familiarity with Agile development environments and collaboration tools such as Jira and Confluence.
• Ability to work effectively in a large-scale, enterprise engineering environment with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills to explain complex technical issues and collaborate on solutions.

Work Environment

You will work in a large-scale, mission-critical engineering environment focused on submarine acoustic systems, where reliability, performance, and robust integration are paramount. The role centers on Linux-based development and execution, with daily use of tools such as Git, Make, CMake, and CI/CD platforms like GitLab. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams in an environment that values modern software development practices, continuous improvement of build and integration pipelines, and thoughtful dependency management. Work typically involves standard full-time hours, with an emphasis on focused problem-solving, detailed analysis of complex systems, and clear documentation of solutions and process improvements. The environment supports professional growth through exposure to enterprise-level software challenges and opportunities to contribute to modernization efforts across multiple programs.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $90.00/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 Sep 11, 2026.

About Actalent

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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.