System Engineer, Level 3

Independent Software; Corridor North (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent Software seeks a System Engineer Level 3 to support administration, automation, performance, and security of critical client/server environments across Windows and Linux systems. You will collaborate with a small, mission-focused team, interfacing with users and customer stakeholders to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues.

Key responsibilities include patching, maintaining security configurations, Active Directory/LDAP services, and containerized environments (Kubernetes).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field plus six years of systems engineering experience; or high school diploma plus ten years of experience; or Master’s degree plus four years; or PhD plus two years.

Responsibilities

• Engineer, administer, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows and Linux systems; support automation and operational improvements; maintain system integrity, availability, performance, and security; implement security compliance requirements; patching and security configuration; support networking gear (Cisco, Juniper, Arista); administer Active Directory, LDAP, Centrify, Group Policy services; support Kubernetes and containerized environments; identify and resolve complex system issues; monitor performance and address security concerns; document configurations and issues; communicate risks and escalations to management.

Job description

What You Will Do

At Independent Software, as a System Engineer Level 3, you will support the administration, automation, performance, and security of critical client/server environments. You will work across Windows and Linux systems, networking, security compliance, and enterprise services to maintain reliable and secure system operations.

You will work as part of a small, mission-focused team that regularly interacts with users and customer stakeholders, requiring strong technical troubleshooting, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Engineer, administer, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows and Linux systems
• Support system administration automation and operational improvements
• Maintain system integrity, availability, performance, and security
• Implement and maintain security compliance requirements
• Perform system patching and support security protocols and configuration requirements
• Support networking devices and infrastructure, including Cisco, Juniper, and Arista technologies
• Administer and troubleshoot Active Directory, LDAP, Centrify, Group Policy, and network services
• Support Kubernetes and containerized environments
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex system and infrastructure issues
• Monitor system performance and address operational or security concerns
• Document technical issues, configurations, and resolutions
• Communicate technical issues, risks, and escalations to management and other stakeholders

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong Systems Engineering and System Administration skills and experience
• Strong Windows and Linux system administration skills
• Strong knowledge of security compliance and secure system administration
• Strong knowledge of networking devices and technologies, including Cisco, Juniper, and Arista
• Experience with Active Directory, LDAP, Centrify, Group Policy, and network services
• Strong understanding of security protocols, system patching, and vulnerability remediation
• Familiarity with Kubernetes and containerization
• Experience with system administration automation
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively communicate and elevate technical issues to management
• Ability to work effectively within a small, mission-focused technical team

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a qualified engineering field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university, plus six (6) years of systems engineering experience; or
• High School Diploma or GED, plus ten (10) years of general systems engineering experience across any process area; or
• Master’s degree in a qualified engineering field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university, plus four (4) years of systems engineering experience; or
• PhD in a qualified engineering field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university, plus two (2) years of systems engineering experience.

Qualified engineering fields include, but are not limited to: Aeronautics, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Nuclear, Software, Systems, and Engineering Management. Comparable or closely related engineering degrees will be considered.

Related disciplines include, but are not limited to: Chemistry, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, and Physics. Comparable or closely related degrees will be considered.

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.