Sr. Linux C/C++ Workstation Developer

Overview

On Site
Depends on Experience
Accepts corp to corp applications
Contract - W2
Contract - Independent
Contract - 12 Month(s)

Skills

C/C++
Linux
Workstation Developer
Linux desktop environments
Motif/Xt/X11
performance tuning
memory debugging
Wayland

Job Details

Job Title: Senior Linux C/C++ Workstation Developer
Location: Philadelphia, PA (On-site)
Type: Full-time | Direct Hire

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Linux C/C++ Workstation Developer with deep experience in modernizing legacy Linux desktop applications. This role is ideal for someone who has worked extensively on GUI migrations, system-level debugging, and performance tuning in a Linux desktop environment. You ll be part of a team focused on transitioning older X11/Motif-based applications to modern toolkits like GTK or Qt, with an eye toward Wayland compatibility.

What You ll Do

  • Lead or contribute to the migration of legacy Linux desktop applications from Motif/Xt/X11 to GTK or Qt.

  • Tackle complex debugging, performance bottlenecks, and multithreading issues.

  • Work with IPC mechanisms and Linux build systems to maintain performance and reliability.

  • Ensure Wayland readiness, including testing and adaptation of existing applications.

  • Participate in modernization efforts ideally two or more projects, or one significant long-term port with measurable technical outcomes.

  • Document technical decisions and collaborate across engineering teams to solve high-impact workstation development challenges.

What We re Looking For

< data-start="1513" data-end="1546">Must-Have Qualifications</>

  • Strong C/C++ development skills on Linux desktop environments

  • Hands-on experience migrating applications from Motif/Xt/X11 to GTK or Qt

  • Expertise in performance tuning, memory debugging (e.g., Valgrind), and inter-process communication (IPC)

  • Demonstrated understanding or experience with Wayland

  • Clear examples of solving system-level issues (e.g., performance fixes, memory leak resolutions, threading bugs)

< data-start="1991" data-end="2020">Preferred Experience</>

  • 2+ modernization efforts, or one large-scale, multi-year porting project

  • Familiarity with X11 concepts and internals

  • Strong understanding of Linux build systems and debugging tools

Bonus Points (Still Considered)

  • Strong GTK or Qt experience but limited Motif/Xt exposure

  • Exposure to Wayland or demonstrable understanding of its architecture

  • Solid grasp of system-level development without deep GUI legacy experience

Not a Fit For This Role If You:

  • Primarily have embedded Qt/QML experience without desktop Linux/X11 background

  • Focus mainly on cloud/Kubernetes/container-based systems with little GUI/IPC relevance

  • Bring generic C++ skills without a track record of desktop system development

--
Asher Williams
Desk: 2o1.497.1o1o X:1o5 | Direct: 551.272.o129
asher (at) pullskill dot com

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