Sr Advanced Software Engineer (C++, Java) at General Dynamics Mission Systems in Virginia
- Company: General Dynamics Mission Systems
- Location: Virginia
- Posted: Sep 17, 2026
- Type: Full-time
- Experience: 8+ years
Overview
As a Lead Software Engineer for the Liberator program, you will provide hands-on technical leadership for a cross-functional team developing and integrating mission-critical software for U.S. Navy. You will guide architecture and implementation while remaining directly involved in software developme…
Responsibilities
- As a Lead Software Engineer for the Liberator program, you will provide hands-on technical leadership for a cross-functional team developing and integrating mission-critical software for U.S. Navy. You will guide architecture and implementation while remaining directly involved in software development, debugging, testing, and system integration.
- This position requires an engineer who can lead complex efforts from requirements and design through laboratory integration, formal testing, deployment, and operational support.
- Lead the architecture, design, development, and integration of complex software systems.
- Develop production-quality software using C++ in a Linux environment.
- Establish technical direction and make sound design decisions across application, middleware, interface, and deployment layers.
- Integrate distributed applications using APIs, gRPC, Protocol Buffers, and data-driven interface models.
- Lead the integration of COTS, open-source, and custom-developed software components.
- Diagnose complex software, networking, concurrency, performance, and system integration problems.
- Define unit, component, integration, and system-level test strategies.
- Lead code and design reviews while promoting secure coding, configuration management, and engineering best practices.
- Mentor software engineers and coordinate technical work across multiple teams and disciplines.
- Communicate technical status, risks, recommendations, and recovery plans to program leadership, customers, and partner organizations.
- Support software integration and issue resolution in laboratory and Navy platform environments.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, or related Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus 6 years relevant experience.
- Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
- Approximately 8+ years of progressively responsible software engineering experience.
- Demonstrated experience serving as a technical lead for a complex software product or integration effort.
- Strong modern C++ development skills.
- Strong Linux experience, preferably with Red Hat Enterprise Linux or a derivative.
- Experience designing and troubleshooting distributed, event-driven, or service-oriented systems.
- Practical experience with gRPC, Protocol Buffers, networking, and asynchronous or multithreaded software.
- Knowledge of Agile and DevSecOps practices, automated testing, CI/CD, and Git-based configuration management.
- Ability to translate system-level requirements and interface definitions into maintainable software designs.
- Experience integrating software with tactical, combat, weapon-control, or other mission-critical systems.
- Strong technical judgment, ownership, communication, and mentoring skills.
- Ability to identify responsible uses of approved AI tools for engineering productivity, quality, and continuous improvement.
Skills
Required
- C++
- Linux
- gRPC
- Protocol Buffers
- Networking
- Asynchronous or multithreaded software
- Agile
- DevSecOps
- Automated testing
- CI/CD
- Git-based configuration management
- Technical leadership
Preferred
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux or derivative
Benefits
- An exciting career path with opportunities for continued technical and leadership growth.
- Research-oriented work alongside award-winning teams developing practical solutions for national security.
- A flexible 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off, when program needs allow.
- Competitive benefits, including 401(k) matching, paid leave, parental leave, healthcare, wellness programs, and employee resource groups.
- Learn more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits .
About General Dynamics Mission Systems
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!