C++ Software Developer
LLNL · Livermore
$121,830–$185,544from the description
Jul 9, 2026
Livermore
Jul 21, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
This role involves building and maintaining C++ simulation software used for military training and analysis across dozens of countries and government agencies. Day-to-day work centers on designing and implementing object-oriented features for tactical combat simulations that model military units moving through 3D environments, including algorithms for line of sight, collision detection, and projectile physics. The position suits a C++ developer comfortable working in Linux, collaborating with sponsors and external partners, and occasionally traveling for field integration or customer support.
Mid level · San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA · Bachelor's required · Top Secret clearance · Contract
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
How this req sits in the market our data
Most people in this occupation already list these. Still required — just not what gets you shortlisted.
What the occupation pays Median $217,796 (middle half $177,469–$231,052). This posting is about at that midpoint.
Estimated from BLS employment for this occupation and area, per-skill prevalence across our listing corpus, and published wage benchmarks — as of Jul 28, 2026. It is a model, not a headcount.
Why we read it this way (9)
This is a Flexible Term appointment not to exceed six years — effectively a long-term contract, though Career Indefinite employees may retain that status if funding allows.
The role is posted at two levels (SES.1 and SES.2). The SES.1 salary range is $121,830–$154,500/yr and SES.2 is $146,340–$185,544/yr; the overall range of $121,830–$185,544 is reported here.
A DOE Q-level clearance is a hard gate (requires U.S. citizenship); this is the civilian equivalent of a Top Secret clearance and is treated as such.
The degree requirement is a BS in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics 'or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge' — however, the phrasing is ambiguous enough that a bachelor's is listed as the minimum formal requirement. An MS is listed under 'Qualifications We Desire' (preferred).
OpenGL experience appears only under 'Qualifications We Desire' (the preferred section), so it is marked as preferred.
The posting names no specific years of total experience; seniority is assessed as Mid (SES.1) to Senior (SES.2) based on scope. The lower SES.1 level — fundamental/demonstrated experience — maps to Mid; the overall role is classified at the lower band per tiebreaker guidance.
LLNL is located in Livermore, CA, which falls within the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CBSA (41940). The role is fully onsite.
Requires a Top Secret clearance — the cleared population is a small fraction of this occupation, so the real candidate pool is materially smaller than the estimate below, which does not model clearance.
Posting is for a contract engagement — the market benchmarks below price full-time roles, so read the comp comparison with that in mind.
Read the full posting
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