Software Developer – Middleware Modernization

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. in Manassas, VA is seeking a mid-level Software Developer to migrate legacy middleware to modern open-source solutions using Java/C/C++ on Linux in a DoD-sensitive lab.

You will assess requirements, prototype technologies (gRPC, NATS, DDS), and deliver a data-driven production plan with cross-team collaboration and documentation of all artifacts.

Qualifications

• 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).
• Ability to work in a DoD-sensitive environment and obtain DoD Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze the existing middleware stack, document performance bottlenecks, latency, throughput, and scalability requirements.
• Research and shortlist modern alternatives (gRPC, NATS, DDS), 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 established DoD processes.

Skills

Java

C/C++

Linux/Unix

Socket programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

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:

• 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 established 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.

Software Developer – Middleware Modernization Required Qualifications & Skills:

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).
• Knowledge of common design patterns in Java and C++.

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.

Ready to modernize legacy middleware and shape the next generation of mission‑critical communications?

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.