Network Engineer, Level 3

Independent Software; Maryland; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent Software is seeking a System Engineer Level 3 to provide senior-level systems and network engineering support for mission-critical environments. You will design, configure, secure, and troubleshoot complex network infrastructures, including Cisco switches, routers, and firewalls, while aligning with SSP and security requirements.

You will work with Palo Alto, HAIPE, and other security appliances, performing hardening, risk assessment, and security posture improvements.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on systems and network engineering in complex operational environments.
• Experience with Cisco 9300 series switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Experience with Palo Alto, HAIPE, or comparable security appliances.
• Strong network troubleshooting and packet analysis capabilities.
• Experience with Wireshark, Tripwire, and similar diagnostics.
• Security hardening in DoD or other secure environments and SSP development.
• Ability to design network diagrams and rack configurations; proficient in documentation tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco switches, routers, and firewalls (9300 series).
• Support network security appliances and SSP development/compliance.
• Troubleshoot complex network issues using Wireshark and related tools.
• Analyze traffic, firewall activity, MTU, and connectivity problems.
• Create architecture diagrams, rack drawings, and documentation (Visio).
• Assist with network design, deployment, and physical installation (fiber, cabling, racks).
• Maintain engineering docs and track activities using Jira/Confluence.
• Collaborate with engineering, security, and mission teams.

Skills

Systems engineering

Network engineering

DoD/IC environment experience

Network troubleshooting

Security hardening

Technical communication

Independent contributor

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering or related field

25 years equivalent experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Cisco switches/routers/firewalls (9300)

Palo Alto

HAIPE

Wireshark

Tripwire

Jira

Confluence

Visio

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.

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

At Independent Software, our people are the mission. We’ve built a company around collaboration, integrity, and innovation and we make sure our team has the tools and support to grow, succeed, and thrive.

When You Join Us, You Will

• 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.