Software Engineer, Level 3

Independent Software, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training and mentorship

Competitive compensation

Work-life balance

Job summary

Independent Software, Inc. seeks an experienced Software Engineer Level 3 to design and enhance software systems for mission-critical programs. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of fourteen years of software engineering experience and a strong background in C++ and Java.

This role demands a blend of technical leadership and independent work, ensuring high-quality software delivery in a collaborative environment alongside a dedicated engineering team. Competitive benefits and focus on work-life balance are part of the offer.

Qualifications

• Minimum 14 years of experience as a Software Engineer.
• Strong experience with object-oriented programming languages.
• Experience developing software for complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and modify software systems.
• Analyze user requirements to derive software design.
• Provide technical leadership across software development efforts.

Skills

C++

Java

Object-oriented programming

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Software development methodologies

Debugging

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline

Job description

What You Will Do

As a Software Engineer (SWE) Level 3, you will design, develop, integrate, and enhance complex and diverse software systems in support of mission‑critical programs. You will work independently and as part of a collaborative engineering team to deliver high‑quality software solutions, applying appropriate software development methodologies and best practices. This role includes contributing to system design decisions, resolving complex technical issues, and providing technical leadership across software development efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements
• Design, develop, and modify software systems to add new features, improve performance, or adapt to new hardware
• Debug existing software, identify root causes, and correct defects
• Develop and implement algorithms that meet strict performance, timing, and functional constraints
• Integrate existing software into new or modified systems or operating environments
• Design and implement complex database or data repository interfaces and queries
• Develop simple data queries for existing or proposed databases or data repositories
• Assist with developing and executing test procedures for software components
• Review, test, and validate software components for adherence to design requirements
• Write, review, and maintain software and system documentation
• Provide recommendations and implement improvements to software development processes and documentation standards
• Perform quality control on team deliverables to ensure compliance with project standards
• Serve as a technical lead or team lead, as appropriate to the software development process
• Delegate programming and testing tasks and monitor team performance
• Oversee one or more software development teams to ensure work is completed within process constraints
• Confer with system engineers and hardware engineers to derive software requirements and understand system limitations
• Coordinate software system installation and monitor system performance to ensure operational specifications are met
• Recommend new technologies, tools, and processes for complex software projects

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong experience with object‑oriented programming languages such as C++ and Java
• Experience developing software for complex systems, including processing‑intensive applications, real‑time systems, or large data environments
• Proficiency in applying software development methodologies appropriate to the development environment
• Experience with requirements analysis, software design, implementation, testing, and integration
• Ability to design and implement complex algorithms using scientific analysis and mathematical models
• Experience supporting Information Assurance or secure software development environments
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and debugging skills
• Ability to work independently and lead technical efforts across multiple teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documentation and technical collaboration

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related discipline from an accredited college or university
• Four (4) additional years of software engineering experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of fourteen (14) years of experience as a Software Engineer on programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity
• Additional experience with object‑oriented programming languages such as C++ and Java is required

Clearance Requirement

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

Benefits

• 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.