Software Engineer

Job Title: Software Engineer Job Description This permanent, full-time software engineering role supports rapidly growing Department of the Navy development and modernization programs focused on the AEGIS Combat System and the AEGIS Display Subsystem. You will work on either a legacy code modernization effort or a more ground-up development program, contributing to mission-critical defense systems using C++, Python, and Linux in an agile environment. The position is fully on-site in Columbia, Maryland, and offers the opportunity to work in a smaller company setting where your contributions have clear impact and visibility. Responsibilities Design, develop, integrate, and test software solutions for the AEGIS Display Subsystem in an agile development environment. Work with legacy Navy codebases, including software that may be up to 20 years old, to debug, update, and prepare revised versions for delivery to the Navy. Contribute to more ground-up software development efforts, particularly for unmanned systems, when aligned with experience level and program needs. Develop object-oriented C++ and Python code in a Linux environment, following modern software engineering best practices. Prepare comprehensive software engineering design documentation that clearly describes system architecture, design decisions, and implementation details. Utilize modern software development tools and workflows to support continuous integration, testing, and deployment activities. Prepare and present engineering materials during peer reviews to ensure code quality, maintainability, and adherence to project standards. Present technical content to customers as appropriate, clearly communicating design choices, test results, and software behaviors. Travel to customer sites as needed to investigate issues, perform testing, and integrate software fixes into operational systems. Collaborate effectively within a small team while also working independently, taking ownership of assigned tasks and delivering high-quality results. Participate in troubleshooting and resolving complex technical problems related to mission-critical defense software. Contribute to the sustainment and modernization of the AEGIS Display Subsystem by implementing enhancements, fixes, and performance improvements. Essential Skills Active Department of Defense Secret security clearance. United States citizenship. Between 1 and 6 years of relevant software engineering experience. Proficiency in object-oriented C++ development. Experience developing software in a Linux environment. Hands‑on programming experience with Python. Ability to prepare clear and thorough software engineering design documentation. Experience working with or willingness to work with legacy codebases and perform debugging and maintenance. Ability to present technical material effectively in peer reviews and to customers. Willingness and ability to travel to customer sites for investigation, testing, and integration of software fixes. Self‑starter mindset with the ability to work independently and as part of a small team. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Experience with Java and Ruby. Experience supporting Department of the Navy or other defense‑related software programs. Experience in modern agile software development practices and tools. Experience with mission‑critical or real‑time systems such as combat system displays. Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve complex software issues. Work Environment The role is 100% on-site in an office located in Columbia, Maryland. You will work directly with technologies such as C++, Python, and Linux to support the AEGIS Combat System and the AEGIS Display Subsystem. The environment emphasizes agile development practices, peer reviews, and close collaboration within a small engineering team, providing high visibility into programs and a clear line of sight between your work and its impact on mission‑critical defense systems. Engineers benefit from a smaller company atmosphere where they can take on meaningful responsibilities, engage deeply with complex technical challenges, and participate in customer‑facing activities, including occasional travel to customer sites for testing and integration. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbia, MD. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $62.50/hr. 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 Columbia,MD. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr