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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff Software Engineer, C++ Software Integration (R4017) - **Company:** Shield AI - **Location:** Washington, DC, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), C++ (Programming Language), CMake, Communications Protocols, Computer Networks, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Software Design Patterns, Distributed Systems, Python (Programming Language), Queueing Systems, Distributed Simulation, Systems Integration, Web Services, ZeroMQ (Concurrent Programming Libraries), Multithreading, Real Time Systems, SC Clearance, Containerization, Gitlab-ci, Infrastructure Automation Frameworks, Codebase, Operational Systems, Restful APIs, Grpc, Docker - **Published:** July 21, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9044720/staff-software-engineer-c-software-integration-r4017 ## About the Role * Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 5 years and a Master's degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience. * Advanced experience designing and maintaining large C++ systems, with fluency in C++14/17/20 and comfort navigating legacy C++98/03 codebases. * Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, including system-level development and debugging tools. * Strong systems integration background with practical experience in distributed systems, real-time processing, and hardware/software interfaces. * Significant experience with CI/CD systems, containerization (e.g., Docker), and build tooling (e.g., CMake, Conan). * Proficiency in Python and familiarity with other scripting and automation tools. * Deep knowledge of Linux environments (Windows experience is a bonus). * Demonstrated success leading efforts involving 10+ contributors, including technical planning and mentorship. * Strong understanding of networking concepts and communication protocols. * Active SECRET clearance. * Real-time or distributed simulation experience (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS, or similar). * Familiarity with message-passing infrastructure and web-service technologies like gRPC, REST APIs, and message queues. * Familiarity with open standards like UCI and OMS, and an understanding of data buses and interface protocols common in avionics and aircraft systems. * Experience integrating simulation with autonomy frameworks or real-time operators. * Experience developing and integrating with modeling or analysis pipelines. * Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance. ## Description This role is for a seasoned C++ generalist and systems integrator who thrives at the intersection of software, infrastructure, and integration. You'll lead complex technical efforts across distributed systems and simulation environments, with minimal oversight. Your work will shape foundational capabilities that power autonomy, simulation, and real-time system interfaces across multiple platforms. * Architect and implement high-performance C++ and Python systems across cross-platform environments. * Lead the design and integration of distributed systems, simulation tools, and third-party hardware/software. * Define and enforce technical direction, design patterns, and integration practices across projects. * Guide teams in building robust messaging and API layers (e.g., gRPC, REST, ZeroMQ) that bridge critical system components. * Own the evolution and support of CI/CD pipelines using GitLab CI, Docker, Conan, and CMake. * Lead debugging and optimization of real-time and multi-threaded systems across a range of domains. * Drive end-to-end integration efforts, including planning, implementation, and verification across simulation and operational systems. * Serve as a force multiplier by mentoring other engineers and contributing to shared tooling and process improvements. * Evaluate and incorporate new technologies that improve system performance, stability, and developer efficiency. ## Related Videos - [Code to Road in < 12 hours](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1082-code-to-road-in-12-hours) - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [Boosting OpenSearch Performance: gRPC Search in Action](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1935-boosting-opensearch-performance-grpc-search-in-action) - [The Software Engineer 2030: From Coder To AI Orchestrator? - Patrick Schnell](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1825-the-software-engineer-2030-from-coder-to-ai-orchestrator-patrick-schnell) - [Docker build without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100114-docker-build-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard)