DoD Software Engineer

This role focuses on designing, developing, troubleshooting, and analyzing software for computer-based systems within a complex, mission-critical defense environment. You will perform system modeling, simulation, and analysis, and contribute to the design and development of compilers, assemblers, utility programs, and operating systems. You will also provide input for the documentation of new and existing programs and support full lifecycle software engineering activities under general supervision.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, troubleshoot, and analyze software programs for computer-based systems in a Linux and UNIX-based environment.
• Perform system modeling, simulation, and analysis to support mission-critical defense applications.
• Design and develop compilers, assemblers, utility programs, and operating system components as required.
• Execute software design and design implementation using object-oriented principles and design patterns.
• Conduct subsystem and system integration activities, ensuring software components work together seamlessly.
• Plan and perform unit, integration, and system-level testing to validate software functionality and performance.
• Participate in software requirements reviews to ensure clarity, completeness, and testability of requirements.
• Contribute to preliminary and critical design reviews, providing technical input and addressing design risks.
• Support integration readiness reviews and software acceptance reviews, resolving issues identified during these phases.
• Develop and maintain scripts for Solaris and other UNIX variants to support build, deployment, and automation tasks.
• Use Integrated Development Environments such as Eclipse to develop, debug, and maintain software solutions.
• Apply UML syntax for modeling and documenting software designs and system behavior.
• Utilize xUnit frameworks such as JUnit and CppUnitLite to implement and execute automated tests.
• Follow CMMI Level 5 lifecycle processes and procedures, ensuring compliance with established standards and best practices.
• Provide input to the documentation of new and existing software, including design descriptions, test procedures, and user guidance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to diagnose and resolve software defects and performance issues.
• Use MS Office tools to prepare technical reports, design documents, review materials, and status updates.

Essential Skills

• Extensive experience with C++ or Java programming in a Linux operating system environment.
• Strong experience in software design, design implementation, subsystem and system integration, and testing.
• Proven experience participating in software requirements reviews, preliminary and critical design reviews, integration readiness reviews, and software acceptance reviews.
• 2-8+ years of experience developing software with C++.
• Experience with object-oriented design and development, including the use of design patterns to implement software insulation techniques and plugin architectures.
• Hands-on experience working in Windows, Solaris, and Linux environments.
• Experience developing scripts for Solaris and other UNIX variants.
• Proficiency with Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) such as Eclipse.
• Familiarity with UML syntax and its practical use in modeling software systems.
• Experience with xUnit testing frameworks, especially JUnit and CppUnitLite.
• Experience working within CMMI Level 5 life cycle processes and procedures.
• Strong skills with MS Office for documentation, reporting, and presentation of technical information.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Python and Bash scripting is a plus.
• Familiarity with UNIX-based development environments and tools.
• Experience in a government or defense-related program environment is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively within structured engineering processes and review cycles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and collaborative work.

Work Environment

The role supports a long-standing, mission-critical defense program with a history of more than four decades and global deployment. Work is performed on-site at a dedicated facility in collaboration with a prime contractor on a major missile defense program. The environment emphasizes stability, long-term project engagement, and adherence to mature engineering processes. The position offers a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off, along with flexible paid time off. You will work primarily with Linux, Solaris, and other UNIX variants, using tools such as Eclipse and MS Office, and will engage in full lifecycle development from design through integration and test in a structured, process-driven setting.

This is a Contract position based out of Huntsville, AL.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • 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)

This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.