System Engineer, Level 4

Independent Software; Corridor North (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent Software is seeking a System Engineer Level 4 to apply systems engineering across all lifecycle phases—concept through retirement. You will provide senior technical leadership, evaluate complex challenges, and ensure integrity and quality of engineering deliverables.

Collaborate with teams, customers, and program personnel to support mission requirements. Responsibilities include leading engineering activities, evaluating designs, and directing standards and processes while

Qualifications

• Experience applying systems engineering throughout the system life cycle.
• Ability to independently resolve complex engineering issues and lead teams.
• Experience developing and evaluating engineering requirements and solutions.
• Strong communication with technical teams, customers, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 15288 and related standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform systems engineering activities across the system life cycle.
• Analyze technical alternatives and recommend solutions for complex challenges.
• Develop and deliver systems engineering work products aligned with ISO/IEC 15288.
• Independently analyze designs and recommend alternatives.
• Develop engineering standards and processes.
• Evaluate technologies for suitability and implementation.
• Lead and coordinate systems engineering activities and personnel.
• Resolve complex engineering issues requiring advanced methods.
• Plan and support enterprise-level projects.
• Brief stakeholders on status, risks, and recommendations.
• Serve as SME in one or more SE process areas.

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering

PhD in Engineering

Tools

ISO/IEC 15288

Engineering standards

Job description

What You Will Do:

At Independent Software, as a System Engineer Level 4, you will apply systems engineering principles throughout all phases of the system life cycle, including concept, development, production, utilization, support, and retirement. You will provide senior-level technical leadership, evaluate complex engineering challenges, and ensure the technical integrity, quality, and completeness of engineering activities and deliverables. You will work closely with technical teams, customer representatives, program personnel, and senior stakeholders to resolve complex engineering issues and develop solutions supporting mission requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform systems engineering activities throughout the system life cycle
• Analyze technical alternatives and recommend solutions for complex engineering challenges
• Develop and deliver systems engineering work products aligned with ISO/IEC 15288 process areas
• Independently analyze technical designs and recommend alternatives
• Develop and recommend appropriate engineering standards and processes
• Evaluate technologies and determine suitability for implementation
• Develop innovative approaches to complex technical and engineering problems
• Lead and coordinate systems engineering activities and the work of other engineers or technical personnel
• Independently resolve complex engineering issues requiring advanced technologies or methodologies
• Plan and support engineering projects involving complex or enterprise-level capabilities
• Brief stakeholders and communicate the technical status, risks, and recommendations for assigned projects
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert in one or more systems engineering process areas

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Extensive experience applying systems engineering principles across the system life cycle
• Experience analyzing complex technical designs, alternatives, and engineering solutions
• Knowledge of systems engineering standards and processes, including ISO/IEC 15288
• Experience developing and evaluating engineering requirements, processes, and technical solutions
• Ability to independently resolve complex systems engineering issues
• Experience leading or coordinating engineering activities and technical personnel
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to technical teams, customers, and senior stakeholders
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills

Education and Experience:

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus ten (10) years of systems engineering experience; OR
• High School Diploma or GED plus fourteen (14) years of general systems engineering experience in any process area; OR
• Master’s degree in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus eight (8) years of systems engineering experience; OR
• PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus six (6) years of systems engineering experience.

Qualified Engineering Fields include Aeronautics, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Nuclear, Software, Systems, and Engineering Management. Similar or comparable degrees will be accepted.

Related disciplines include Chemistry, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, and Physics. Similar or comparable degrees will be accepted.

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

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and be part of something bigger.

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.