DoD Software Engineer

The Software Engineer designs, develops, troubleshoots, and analyzes software programs for computer-based systems in a complex, mission-focused environment. Working under general supervision, this role performs system modeling, simulation, and analysis, and contributes to the design and development of compilers, assemblers, utility programs, and operating systems. The engineer also provides input for documentation of new and existing software, ensuring solutions are robust, maintainable, and aligned with established engineering processes.

• Design, develop, and maintain software for computer-based systems, focusing on reliability, performance, and scalability.
• Perform system modeling, simulation, and analysis to support design decisions and validate system behavior.
• Design and develop low-level software components such as compilers, assemblers, utility programs, and operating systems as needed.
• Implement software designs, including detailed design, coding, unit testing, and integration of subsystems into larger system architectures.
• Lead and participate in subsystem and system integration activities, ensuring that software components interface correctly and perform as intended.
• Conduct software requirements reviews to confirm feasibility, completeness, and testability of requirements.
• Participate in preliminary and critical design reviews, presenting technical solutions and addressing feedback from stakeholders.
• Support integration readiness reviews and software acceptance reviews, preparing documentation and evidence to demonstrate compliance with requirements.
• Develop and maintain scripts and automation tools in UNIX, Solaris, Linux, and Windows environments to support build, test, and deployment activities.
• Contribute inputs for technical documentation, including design descriptions, user guides, and maintenance documentation for new and existing programs.
• Apply object-oriented design principles and design patterns to create modular, extensible, and insulated software architectures that support plugins and future enhancements.
• Utilize Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) such as Eclipse and related tools to develop, debug, and maintain software solutions.
• Use UML syntax to model software components, interactions, and architectures, ensuring clear communication of design intent.
• Apply xUnit-based frameworks, including JUnit and CppUnitLite, to implement and maintain automated unit and integration tests.
• Follow established CMMI Level 5 life cycle processes and procedures, ensuring adherence to rigorous engineering, documentation, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a defense-focused environment to support long-term programs and mission-critical systems.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development practices, including automation, maintenance processes, and CI/CD where applicable.

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

• Experience with Python and Bash scripting is a plus.
• Exposure to or experience with CI/CD practices and tools is beneficial.
• Experience with maintenance and automation activities in software environments.
• Background working in UNIX environments beyond Solaris and Linux.
• Comfort working with embedded programming concepts and tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a long-term, structured program environment supporting government defense initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail in design, implementation, and testing.
• Effective communication skills for participating in reviews, documenting designs, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

The role is based in a professional engineering facility supporting a long-standing defense program focused on missile defense systems used by multiple allied nations. The environment emphasizes stability, long-term project engagement, and adherence to mature, high-level engineering processes such as CMMI Level 5. Work is performed using Windows, Solaris, Linux, and other UNIX variants, with extensive use of Integrated Development Environments like Eclipse, scripting tools, and automated testing frameworks. The schedule includes a 9/80 work arrangement, providing every other Friday off, along with flexible paid time off. The culture values rigorous engineering practices, collaboration across technical disciplines, and contributing to mission-critical systems in a stable and well-established program.

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 Oct 19, 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 without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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

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

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall 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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.