Network Engineer, Level 3

Independent Software, Inc.; Annapolis, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent Software, Inc. seeks a System Engineer Level 3 to provide senior-level systems and network engineering in mission-critical environments.

You will design, configure, secure, and troubleshoot complex infrastructures using Cisco switches/routers/firewalls, security appliances, and fiber networks. You will support SSP requirements, perform security hardening, and create architecture diagrams with Visio, while documenting activities in Jira and Confluence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or related field and twenty (20) years of experience as a Systems Engineer supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
• Twenty-five (25) years of Systems Engineering experience may substitute for the Bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrated experience planning and leading Systems Engineering efforts is required.
• Experience supporting Intelligence Community or DoD environments is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco switches, routers, and firewalls, including Cisco 9300 series switches.
• Support network security appliances including Palo Alto, HAIPE, and similar technologies.
• Perform network security hardening and support SSP development and compliance requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex network and connectivity issues using Wireshark, Tripwire, packet analysis, and related diagnostic tools.
• Analyze network traffic, firewall activity, message delivery, ACK/NACK responses, MTU configurations, and connectivity issues.
• Develop network architecture diagrams, rack configuration drawings, and technical documentation using Visio and related tools.
• Evaluate network requirements and determine appropriate network configurations and architectures.
• Support physical network installation and sustainment, including switches, servers, fiber, cabling, racks, and security devices.
• Assess HAIPE configurations and MTU requirements.
• Support network design and deployment activities involving tamper and concealment requirements.
• Maintain engineering documentation and track technical activities using Jira, Confluence, and similar tools.
• Work independently and collaboratively with engineering, security, and mission teams.

Skills

Sys & network engineering

Cisco switches/routers/firewalls

Palo Alto/HAIPE security appliances

Wireshark/packet analysis

DoD/secure environments

SSP development & security compliance

Network diagramming & rack drawings

Jira/Confluence/Visio docs

Strong communication & teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering or related field

20 years SE experience

Leadership in Systems Engineering

DoD/IC environment experience preferred

Tools

Visio

Jira

Confluence

Job description

What You Will Do:

As a System Engineer Level 3 at Independent Software, you will provide senior-level systems and network engineering support for mission-critical environments. This role requires extensive hands-on experience designing, configuring, securing, and troubleshooting complex network infrastructure within secure operational environments.

You will work with Cisco networking equipment, servers, firewalls, security appliances, fiber infrastructure, and network analysis tools while supporting network design, security hardening, SSP requirements, and physical network implementation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco switches, routers, and firewalls, including Cisco 9300 series switches
• Support network security appliances including Palo Alto, HAIPE, and similar technologies
• Perform network security hardening and support SSP development and compliance requirements
• Troubleshoot complex network and connectivity issues using Wireshark, Tripwire, packet analysis, and related diagnostic tools
• Analyze network traffic, firewall activity, message delivery, ACK/NACK responses, MTU configurations, and connectivity issues
• Develop network architecture diagrams, rack configuration drawings, and technical documentation using Visio and related tools
• Evaluate network requirements and determine appropriate network configurations and architectures
• Support physical network installation and sustainment, including switches, servers, fiber, cabling, racks, and security devices
• Assess HAIPE configurations and MTU requirements
• Support network design and deployment activities involving tamper and concealment requirements
• Maintain engineering documentation and track technical activities using Jira, Confluence, and similar tools
• Work independently and collaboratively with engineering, security, and mission teams

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Extensive hands-on systems and network engineering experience in complex operational environments
• Strong knowledge of Cisco switches, routers, and firewalls, including Cisco 9300 series switches
• Experience with Palo Alto, HAIPE, or comparable network security appliances
• Strong network troubleshooting and packet analysis experience
• Experience with Wireshark, Tripwire, or similar network diagnostic and analysis tools
• Experience with network security hardening in DoD or other secure environments
• Experience supporting SSP development and security compliance activities
• Experience designing network diagrams and rack configuration drawings
• Knowledge of switches, routers, firewalls, security appliances, and Network-as-a-Service architectures
• Experience with physical network construction, including fiber, cabling, switches, servers, and security devices
• Ability to analyze network traffic and isolate connectivity, configuration, and firewall-related problems
• Experience with Jira, Confluence, Visio, or similar technical documentation and collaboration tools
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as an individual contributor or member of a focused technical team

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university and twenty (20) years of experience as a Systems Engineer supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity; OR
• Twenty-five (25) years of Systems Engineering experience supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated experience planning and leading Systems Engineering efforts is required
• Experience supporting Intelligence Community or DoD environments is strongly preferred

Clearance Requirement:

• Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role

Why Choose Independent Software:

• Support critical national security missions that matter
• Be part of a close-knit, employee-first culture where your voice is heard
• Expand your skills through ongoing training, mentorship, and career development
• Enjoy competitive compensation, generous benefits, and work-life balance

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.