Software Developer - Middleware Modernization (Mid Level) - Manassas, VA

Software Developer - Middleware Modernization (Mid-Level) - Manassas, VA

Gromelski and Associates, Inc. (GAI) partners with prime contractors to provide professional services. Key service areas include Engineering Design and Documentation; Software Development and Testing; System Integration, Testing and Evaluation; Lab Management and Field Installation; Integrated Logistics Support, Training Development and Delivery, Multimedia Support, and Technical System Support.

Software Developer - Middleware Modernization Job Description:

Gromelski & Associates is seeking a skilled Software Developer to lead the evaluation and migration of a legacy middleware platform to a modern, open-source solution (e.g.,gRPC, NATS, DDS). You will assess performance requirements, explore viable alternatives, prototype candidate technologies, and deliver a data-driven recommendation for production implementation. This role blends deep Java/C/C++ expertise with hands-on Linux system work in a DoD-sensitive environment.

Software Developer - Middleware Modernization Key Responsibilities:

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Responsibility

1

Analyze the existing middleware stack, document performance bottlenecks, latency, throughput, and scalability requirements.

2

Research and shortlist modern alternatives (gRPC, NATS, DDS, etc.), evaluating fit against functional and non-functional criteria.

3

Prototype selected solutions on target hardware, measuring latency, CPU/memory usage, and integration effort.

4

Produce a comprehensive recommendation report, including migration path, risk assessment, and implementation plan.

5

Develop and integrate Java and C/C++ components in a Linux-based laboratory environment, following established DoD processes (installation, recovery, checkout, testing).

6

Collaborate closely with software team leads, systems engineers, and test personnel; communicate findings clearly and promptly.

7

Document all work artifacts (designs, test results, build scripts, deployment guides) in accordance with configuration-management standards.

8

Support off-shift and overtime activities when required to meet critical milestones.

Software Developer - Middleware Modernization Required Qualifications & Skills:

Category

Details

Technical Expertise
3+years of professional experience in Java and C/C++ development.
Strong Linux/Unix system administration and shell-scripting.
Proven experience with socket programming (TCP/UDP, Unix domain sockets).

Middleware & Messaging
Hands-on experience with gRPC and Google Protocol Buffers.
NATS messaging system experience (publish/subscribe, request/reply, streaming, JetStream, clustering).
Exposure to DDS or similar data-distribution middleware is a plus.

Software Integration
Laboratory-environment integration, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and troubleshooting.
Ability to follow and execute detailed procedures (installation, recovery, checkout, test).

Development Infrastructure
Familiarity with modern build tools - Gradle, CMake, and containerization (Docker, OCI).
Knowledge of common design patterns in Java and C++.

Education & Clearance
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software/Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Professional Traits
Self-motivated, task-driven, and able to work independently.
Strong team player who takes ownership and cultivates collaborative relationships.
Flexible schedule with willingness to work overtime or off-shift as needed.

Software Developer - Middleware Modernization Highly Desirable (Preferred) Skills:

• Advanced Linux/Unix socket programming and low-level networking.
• Experience designing pub/sub communication patterns and event-driven architectures.
• Familiarity with computer networking protocols (TCP/IP, QoS, multicast).
• Exposure to container orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker Swarm) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Prior work within DoD/Defense or other high-security environments.

Ready to modernize legacy middleware and shape the next generation of mission-critical communications?
Apply today and bring your expertise in Java, C/C++, Linux, gRPC, and NATS to a dynamic, security-focused team!

Job: Full-Time Employee, 40 hours/week

Benefits: We offer a competitive benefit package.
Click here Careers | GAI (e-gai.com) for more information.

Salary Range: $130,000 - $190,000

Start Date: Negotiable

Job Location: Manassas, VA. (Relocation Assistance Available)

Gromelski and Associates is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

If you have reached our website in search of an employment opportunity or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Sarah Gromelski via email at All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.