Middleware Software Engineer – C++/Java/Linux

Gromelski & Associates, Inc.; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Gromelski & Associates, Inc. is seeking a mid-level Software Developer to lead the migration of a legacy middleware platform to a modern open-source solution.

The role combines Java/C/C++ development with Linux system work in a DoD-sensitive setting and requires hands-on prototyping and performance measurements. The candidate will analyze current stacks, research modern options like gRPC and NATS, prototype on target hardware, and deliver a data-driven recommendation with a clear migration plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/Software/CE/EE or equivalent experience.
• Ability to obtain DoD Secret Clearance (US citizenship required).
• 3+ years of professional experience in Java and C/C++ development.
• Strong Linux/Unix system administration and shell scripting.

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 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.

Skills

Java

C/C++

Linux/Unix

Socket programming

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Software/CE/EE

DoD Secret Clearance (US citizenship)

Tools

gRPC

Google Protocol Buffers

NATS

DDS

Gradle

CMake

Docker

OCI

Job description

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

Gromelski and Associates, Inc. (GAI) partners with prime contractors to provide professional services. Key service areas include Engineering Design and Documentation; Software Development and Testing; System Integration, Testing and Evaluation; Lab Management and Field Installation; Integrated Logistics Support, Training Development and Delivery, Multimedia Support, and Technical System Support.

Software Developer - Middleware Modernization Job Description:

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.

Software Developer - Middleware Modernization Key Responsibilities:

1-Analyze the existing middleware stack, document performance bottlenecks, latency, throughput, and scalability requirements.

2-Research and shortlist modern alternatives (gRPC, NATS, DDS, etc.), evaluating fit against functional and non‑functional criteria.

3-Prototype selected solutions on target hardware, measuring latency, CPU/memory usage, and integration effort.

4-Produce a comprehensive recommendation report, including migration path, risk assessment, and implementation plan.

5-Develop and integrate Java and C/C++ components in a Linux-based laboratory environment, following established DoD processes (installation, recovery, checkout, testing).

6-Collaborate closely with software team leads, systems engineers, and test personnel; communicate findings clearly and promptly.

7-Document all work artifacts (designs, test results, build scripts, deployment guides) in accordance with configuration-management standards.

8-Support off‑shift and overtime activities when required to meet critical milestones.

Software Developer - Middleware Modernization Required Qualifications & Skills:

Category Details

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

• Ability to follow and execute detailed procedures (installation, recovery, checkout, test).

Development Infrastructure

• Familiarity with modern build tools – Gradle, CMake, and containerization (Docker, OCI).

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).
• 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.

Software Developer - Middleware Modernization Highly Desirable (Preferred) Skills:

• 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.

Job: Full-Time Employee, 40 hours/week

Benefits: We offer a competitive benefit package.

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

Start Date: Negotiable

Gromelski and Associates is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non‑merit factor.