Software Engineer

Senior Real-Time Backend Developer (Ada / C++ / Java)

Role Overview

Position: Senior Systems / Backend Software Engineer (Contractor/Freelancer)

Location: Maastricht Area, Netherlands (100% On-site)

Duration: Long-term project (Multi-year visibility)

Position Summary

We are seeking a high-caliber Backend Software Engineer to support the evolution, optimization, and rigorous maintenance of a highly complex, mission-critical core data processing platform. This system is a high-availability, real-time distributed infrastructure where maximum uptime and absolute algorithmic predictability are mandatory.

The underlying software landscape is predominantly built in Ada, running inside a secure, large-scale server network. Candidates coming from heavy C++ or Java backgrounds who are mathematically minded and eager to cross-train into Ada are strongly encouraged to apply.

Core Responsibilities

• Code Modification & Review: Safely implement, patch, and review backend changes within a highly complex architecture, aligning precisely with approved change requests and strict quality standards.
• Incident Diagnostics & Investigation: Perform deep-dive root-cause analysis on complex system incidents, parsing server logs to identify software anomalies and executing corrective deployments under tight time constraints.
• Software-Level Validation: Formulate robust unit and integration testing frameworks, developing automated test scripts to ensure all software adjustments satisfy rigid performance and safety-critical thresholds.
• Auditable Technical Documentation: Maintain a comprehensive traceability baseline by continuously updating system specifications, design architectures, test scripts, and operational manuals to comply with strict regulatory audit standards.

Profile & Skills Required

Mandatory Technical Experience:

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a highly technical/engineering equivalent.
• Core Languages: Minimum 3 years of recent, professional experience in backend development using either Ada, C++, or Java.
• System Scale: Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience maintaining and scaling distributed enterprise architectures with a large, monolithic codebase (greater than 100 KLoC).
• OS Mastery: Minimum 5 years operating autonomously within a Linux/Unix environment (highly proficient with shell scripting, log analysis via command-line tools, and build architectures).
• Agile Workflows: Minimum 3 years managing tasks, branching models, and code reviews utilizing enterprise tools such as Jira and BitBucket/Git (or equivalent).
• Languages: Business fluent English (C1 level minimum, both written and spoken).

Highly Desirable (Plusses):

• Proven experience developing in Ada (GNAT / AdaCore ecosystem).
• Background working on complex, real-time streaming topologies, high-frequency transaction systems, or embedded real-time operating systems (RTOS) within heavily regulated domains (e.g., Telecom Infrastructure, Defense, Rail, or Logistics Tracking).
• At least 3 years of experience authoring rigorous, auditable technical specifications and lifecycle architectural documentation.