C++ Legacy Codebase: Versioning, Dependencies, CI/CD with AI (Visual Studio, Git, Claude Code)

Project overview

For a software manufacturer in the security technology sector in Germany, we are offering a clearly defined engagement for three months – with the prospect of extension.

What it's about

A codebase that has grown over 30 years, predominantly C++ and some C in Visual Studio, resides on a central drive – without version control, secured via snapshots. Library and project directories are cross-linked, internal build and setup tools work directly on the drive. The client's team continues to develop in parallel, and the codebase will remain in use for several more years. The goal is a structure where changes are traceable, parts can be checked out selectively and released via pull requests, and builds run automatically – with as little code intervention as possible.

The engagement

Afterwards

Continued work through extension or individual tickets if the initial engagement is successfully completed.

What you bring (mandatory)

Nice to have, but not essential

How we work together

You decide how you work; we assume the use of AI tools in your own workflow and provide configurations and standardizations for them. 100% remote, start on November 2nd or 9th, 20 to 40 hours per week for three months, extension possible. Our rate is €65 per hour. Those who deliver the engagement cleanly will be considered for further work.

Your feedback

Please be brief and specific: a large C++ codebase you have worked on (size, build, your role), whether you introduced version control or CI there, and your availability from early November. We do not respond to general profile texts.

• Map the codebase: Visualize projects, libraries, and dependency chains, analyzed with AI support
• Define and implement repository structure: one or more Git repositories, using Git LFS where necessary
• Introduce Pull Request and release process in GitLab
• Automate builds and setup packages (MSBuild, CI/CD)
• Map dependencies so that it is traceable how setup packages are generated
• Traceability as a basis for the Cyber Resilience Act
• Documentation and handover to the internal team
• Several years of professional C++ development under Windows with Visual Studio, ideally on large, established codebases
• Introduction or migration of version control (Git) in existing projects, including repository structure
• Build systems and CI/CD: MSBuild or CMake, GitLab CI or comparable
• AI-assisted coding with Claude Code (must-have) as well as agent tools for analyzing large codebases
• Fluent German for coordination with the client
• Experience with security-critical or regulated software
• Cyber Resilience Act, Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)
• Setup and installer creation under Windows
• Git LFS with large binary assets

Project details

• Start: 2026-11
• Duration: 3 Monate
• Remote: remote
• Location: München, Deutschland, DE
• Rate: 65-65 EUR/h
• Languages: German