C++ Software Engineer

Actalent is seeking a C++ Software Engineer for an IRAD-focused contract supporting a mission-critical internal R&D effort. This role modernizes software build, integration, and dependency management processes, with day-to-day work centered on Linux-based troubleshooting and improvements to CI/CD workflows moving toward GitLab-based pipelines.

In this onsite position in Manassas, VA, you will work with engineers to analyze complex C/C++ behavior, resolve build and integration defects, and contribute to pipeline modernization efforts in a collaborative environment.

Role Overview

You will support internal R&D modernization by investigating and improving how C/C++ code is built, linked, integrated, and delivered. Work includes debugging build and runtime problems in Linux development environments and contributing to CI/CD workflow improvements, with a specific focus on transitioning toward GitLab-based pipeline practices.

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.
• Support engineering efforts to improve and modernize CI/CD pipeline workflows, focusing on environments transitioning toward GitLab-based pipelines.
• Investigate and solve software build and execution problems within Linux-based development environments.
• Collaborate with engineers to improve software modularity, dependency management, and build efficiency.
• Help evaluate and shape future software development lifecycle processes related to build automation, dependency management, and pipeline modernization.
• Use tools and practices such as Git, Make/CMake, and modern software development approaches in a collaborative engineering environment.

Required Qualifications

• Strong professional experience with C/C++ software development.
• Solid understanding of C/C++ dependencies, linking, compilation, and build behavior.
• Experience working in Linux environments.
• Proven ability to debug complex, non-trivial software issues.
• Experience using Git in a collaborative development environment.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and software build workflows, with GitLab preferred.
• Strong problem-solving ability and capacity to work independently in technically ambiguous environments.

Technologies

• C++, C
• Linux
• Git
• Make, CMake
• GitLab
• CI/CD pipelines
• Smart pointers, templates
• Jira, Confluence

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Make and/or CMake.
• Familiarity with modern C++ standards, ideally C++11 or newer.
• Understanding of smart pointers, vectors vs. arrays, heap vs. stack allocation, templates, and modern memory management practices.
• Exposure to package/dependency management tools and CI/CD migration efforts.
• Familiarity with Agile development environments and tools such as Jira and Confluence.
• Active Secret clearance.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this contract position is $50.00 - $75.00/hr. Individual compensation within this range depends on factors including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other job-related considerations. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits may be subject to change and specific plan terms.

• 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, Location, and Application Timeline

• Workplace type: Fully onsite in Manassas, VA
• Job type: Contract
• Location: Manassas, VA (onsite)
• Application deadline: Anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026