Randstad is seeking a highly skilled Senior C/C++ Linux Engineer to support a mission-critical modernization initiative for a client in Philadelphia, PA. This role involves upgrading legacy Linux-based desktop applications by migrating them from outdated GUI frameworks (Motif/X11) to modern solutions like Wayland and GTK/Qt. The engineer will be responsible for building high-performance, real-time software with a focus on reliability, security, and low-latency responsiveness. This position is essential to platform stability, operational continuity, and long-term technology resilience.
location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
job type: Contract
salary: $70 - 80 per hour
work hours: 8am to 6pm
education: Bachelors
responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and maintain real-time, fault-tolerant C/C++ applications on Linux platforms
- Migrate legacy GUIs from Motif/X11 to modern toolkits (GTK, Qt, EFL) using Wayland protocols
- Write Bash scripts for build automation, deployment routines, and system diagnostics
- Optimize application performance using multithreading, memory management, and scheduling techniques
- Debug and profile applications with tools like gdb, valgrind, perf, and strace
- Implement secure coding practices and support audit-readiness for critical systems
- Integrate GUI applications with enterprise middleware and backend services
- Configure and maintain lightweight Linux desktop environments and custom window managers
- Manage source code and CI/CD workflows using Git and Bitbucket
- Develop and support IPC mechanisms (sockets, shared memory, DBus) for inter-process communication
- Support containerized deployments using Docker in secure environments
- Document system architecture, migration plans, and operational procedures
qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (required)
- 10+ years of hands-on experience in C/C++ development on Linux systems
- Expertise in event-driven programming and development of Linux desktop applications
- Experience modernizing GUI applications from Motif/X11 to GTK, Qt, or Wayland
- Proficiency in Bash scripting and build systems like Make, CMake, and Meson
- Familiarity with Wayland protocols and compositor-client architecture
- Experience with Git-based version control and CI/CD pipelines (Bitbucket, GitLab, etc.)
- Strong understanding of Linux system internals, IPC, and GUI performance tuning
- Exposure to low-level graphics APIs such as OpenGL or Vulkan (preferred)
- Ability to develop custom Wayland protocols and implement IPC optimizations via shared memory (preferred)
- Excellent documentation and communication skills
skills:
- Expertise in Systems Programming
- Strong Problem-Solving Abilities
- Real-Time Application Development
- Secure Coding and Audit Readiness
- GUI Modernization and Migration
- Performance Tuning and Optimization
- Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams
- Proficiency in Version Control Systems
- Inter-Process Communication Design
- Excellent Written Documentation Skills
- Build Automation and CI/CD Knowledge
- Familiarity with Linux System Internals
- Effective Verbal Communication Skills
- Adaptability to Legacy and Modern Systems
- Containerization and Deployment Skills
- Experience with Agile Development Teams
- Code Review and Refactoring Expertise
- Technical Architecture Documentation
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.
At Randstad Digital, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact HRsupport@randstadusa.com.
Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).
This posting is open for thirty (30) days.
