System Engineer, Level 5

Independent Software, Inc.; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent Software seeks a Systems Engineer Level 5 to support design, integration, deployment, and sustainment of complex IT systems and SIGINT platforms at FS sites. You will document all phases of design and maintenance while coordinating with government stakeholders and engineers.

You will develop architectures, manage deployments, resolve technical challenges, and ensure rigorous documentation using JIRA, Confluence, Office, and SharePoint throughout the lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a qualified engineering field plus 15 years of systems engineering experience.
• High School Diploma or GED, plus 19 years of general systems engineering experience (any Process Area).
• Master's degree in a qualified engineering field plus 13 years of systems engineering experience.
• PhD in a qualified engineering field plus 11 years of systems engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Document design, implementation, deployment, and maintenance for new or upgraded IT systems and SIGINT platforms.
• Create and update system/network engineering drawings using Visio and Adobe.
• Support architecture, virtualization, and IT infrastructure for SIGINT platforms.
• Administer Linux and Windows systems and networks.
• Integrate, configure, deploy, and sustain network/data processing systems.
• Support Cisco routers, switches, and security protocols.
• Perform rack-and-stack installations, cabling, testing, and deployment.
• Apply cloud computing concepts to design/integration activities.
• Coordinate with government stakeholders and cross-functional teams to resolve issues.
• Maintain documentation using JIRA, Confluence, Office, and SharePoint.

Skills

Systems engineering

Communications technologies

Visio/Adobe drawings

Linux administration

Windows administration

Network integration

Cisco networking

Rack-and-stack installations

Cloud computing concepts

Documentation tooling (JIRA/Confluence

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

High School Diploma or GED with 19 years experience

Master's degree in Engineering

PhD in Engineering

Tools

Visio

Adobe

Job description

What You Will Do:

At Independent Software, as a Systems Engineer Level 5, you will support the design, integration, deployment, and sustainment of complex IT systems and SIGINT platforms. You will be responsible for documenting all phases of system design, implementation, and maintenance associated with deploying new systems or upgrading existing systems at FS sites.

You will work closely with government stakeholders, engineers, and technical teams to develop system architectures, coordinate deployments, resolve technical challenges, and ensure systems are properly documented and maintained throughout their lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain technical documentation for system design, implementation, deployment, upgrades, and sustainment, including Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs) and Mission Transition Plans.
• Design, interpret, and modify system and network engineering drawings using Visio, Adobe, and related tools.
• Support systems architecture, infrastructure engineering, virtualization, and communications technologies for IT systems and SIGINT platforms.
• Perform system and network administration across Linux and Windows environments.
• Integrate, configure, deploy, and sustain network and data processing systems, including hardware and software components.
• Support Cisco networking environments, including routers, switches, and network security protocols.
• Perform and coordinate rack‑and‑stack installations, cabling, system testing, troubleshooting, and deployment activities.
• Apply cloud computing concepts and best practices to system design and integration activities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and government stakeholders to coordinate engineering activities and resolve technical issues.
• Maintain technical documentation, project records, and engineering deliverables using JIRA, Confluence, Microsoft Office, and SharePoint.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Extensive experience with systems engineering, system integration, deployment, and sustainment of complex IT infrastructure.
• Deep understanding of communications technologies, virtualization, systems architecture, and infrastructure supporting IT systems and SIGINT platforms.
• Proficiency creating and modifying system and network engineering drawings using Visio and Adobe.
• Strong Linux and Windows system and network administration experience.
• Experience integrating and configuring network and data processing systems.
• Knowledge of Cisco routers, switches, networking technologies, and security protocols.
• Hands‑on experience with rack‑and‑stack installations, cabling, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of cloud computing concepts and best practices.
• Experience preparing detailed engineering documentation, design reviews, and system transition plans.
• Experience with JIRA, Confluence, Microsoft Office, and SharePoint.
• Strong communication, technical documentation, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Education and Experience:

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Bachelor's degree in a Qualified Engineering Field or related discipline from an accredited college or university, plus fifteen (15) years of systems engineering experience; OR
• High School Diploma or GED, plus nineteen (19) years of general systems engineering experience (any Process Area); OR
• Master's degree in a Qualified Engineering Field or related discipline from an accredited college or university, plus thirteen (13) years of systems engineering experience; OR
• PhD in a Qualified Engineering Field or related discipline from an accredited college or university, plus eleven (11) years of systems engineering experience.

Qualified Engineering Fields:

Qualified Engineering Fields: Aeronautics, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Nuclear, Software, Systems, and Engineering Management. Similar or comparable degrees are acceptable.

Related Disciplines:

Related Disciplines: Chemistry, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, and Physics. Similar or comparable degrees are acceptable.

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.