it isn't the de facto field for software engineer. Many companies care less if someone who is a J2EE guru, but doesn't know JTRS software defined radio; Or how to architect a system that can control a shell using GPS and is able to function under 16k G force; or even better, how to architect/design a system which automatical fill beer bottles. Perhaps in Washinton D.C, there aren't that many C++ job. But D.C isn't the world.