C++ Software Engineer

We are seeking a Senior C++ Software Engineer to join our software team in Columbia, MD.

You’ll work as an individual contributor within a small, highly collaborative team (5-10 engineers). This role focuses on new product development on well-advanced but not yet released software, rather than pure maintenance work.

You will:

• Design, implement, and maintain high-quality C++ software in a novel, proprietary environment.
• Work across Linux and Windows platforms, contributing to both team-based and standalone projects.
• Apply strong computer science and programming fundamentals in an environment that uses C in ways you likely haven’t seen before.
• Leverage modern tooling, including Git, CI/CD, and AI-assisted development, to increase speed, quality, and reliability.

What you’ll do

• Develop and enhance C++ applications and libraries for new products and features.
• Contribute to full lifecycle development: requirements, design, implementation, testing, code review, and release.
• Work on Linux-based systems (current priority) and Windows; MacOS experience is a plus.
• Use Git daily in a collaborative environment; participate in code reviews and feature/bug workflows.
• Operate within and help evolve CI/CD pipelines (GitLab preferred; GitHub experience is welcome).
• Collaborate closely with other engineers and stakeholders to deliver robust, performance-critical systems.
• Use AI tools thoughtfully (LLMs, code assistants, etc.) to accelerate development and double-check your work-without letting tools replace engineering judgment.

Clearance: U.S. citizenship required. Active clearance preferred; must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance., * U.S. citizen, clearable; active clearance is a plus.

• Strong computer science fundamentals (data structures, algorithms, memory management, OS concepts, concurrency).
• Solid programming fundamentals applicable across languages.
• Hands-on experience with:
• C++ (primary language for this role).
• C# and/or C; we would rather hire a strong C# engineer who can learn C++ than a rigid C++ engineer set in their ways.
• Experience working in Linux (priority), plus Windows; MacOS experience is helpful but not required.
• Daily use of Git; familiarity with collaborative workflows (branches, merge requests, code reviews).
• Exposure to CI/CD (GitLab preferred; GitHub is an acceptable substitute).
• Helpful, cooperative, constructive team player who cares about team success and seeing projects through to completion.

Nice-to-haves

• Rust experience or strong interest in learning Rust.
• Python scripting experience.
• Experience on small product teams building new products (not just maintaining legacy systems).
• Prior experience using AI tools as part of your development workflow.

Who will thrive here

You’ll excel in this role if you:

• Are bright, curious, and adaptable, with a genuine interest in learning new approaches and technologies.
• Enjoy small, dynamic teams and a culture of shared responsibility and shared accomplishment.
• Prefer stable, product-focused companies over short contract gigs; you’re looking for a place where you can make a long-term impact.
• Take pride in high-quality, correct, and robust code, and welcome feedback through code reviews.

Skills: Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence (AI), C Programming Language, C++ Programming Language, Code Reviews, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Concurrency, Continuous Deployment/Delivery, Continuous Integration, Data Structures, Git, GitHub, Linux Operating System, Mac Operating System, Machine Tool, Memory Management, Microsoft C# (C Sharp), Microsoft Windows Operating System, Operating Systems, Product Development, Product Lifecycle, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Quality Management, Security Clearance, Software Engineering, Systems Maintenance, Team Player, Testing, United States Citizen