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

Gromelski & Associates, Inc.; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Gromelski & Associates, Inc. (GAI) seeks a mid‑level Software Developer to migrate a legacy middleware stack to a modern open‑source solution (e.g., gRPC, NATS, DDS). You will evaluate performance, prototype technologies, and deliver a data‑driven production plan.

The role blends Java/C/C++ development with Linux work in a DoD‑sensitive setting. You will analyze bottlenecks, prototype candidates, and produce a comprehensive migration plan, while collaborating with software leads, systems

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Java and C/C++ development.
• Strong Linux/Unix administration and shell scripting.
• Proven experience with socket programming (TCP/UDP).
• Hands‑on experience with gRPC and Google Protocol Buffers.
• NATS messaging experience (publish/subscribe, request/reply).
• Familiarity with Gradle, CMake, Docker and Kubernetes.

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 criteria.
• Prototype selected solutions on target hardware, measuring latency and resource usage.
• Produce a comprehensive recommendation report with migration path and plan.
• Develop and integrate Java and C/C++ components in a Linux lab environment per DoD processes.
• Collaborate with team leads, systems engineers, and test personnel; communicate findings clearly.
• Document all work artifacts in accordance with CM standards.
• Support off-shift and overtime activities when required.

Skills

Java & C/C++

Linux admin

Socket programming

gRPC & Protobuf

NATS messaging

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE

Tools

Gradle

CMake

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Software Developer – Middleware Modernization (Mid Level) – Manassas, VA Location Manassas, VA (Relocation Assistance Available) Job Category Engineering ID 773

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:

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

• Laboratory‑environment integration, hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, and troubleshooting.
• 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.

If you have reached our website in search of an employment opportunity or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Sarah Gromelski via email at [e-mail] . All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.