System Engineer, Level 5

Independent Software, Inc.; Ellicott City (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Generous benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Independent Software, Inc. is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer located in Ellicott City, Maryland. The role involves leading the design, analysis, and enhancement of secure IT systems supporting critical operations. Candidates must have at least ten years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, knowledge of secure wireless technologies, and hold a TS SCI clearance with Polygraph. The position offers competitive compensation and a supportive employee-first culture.

Qualifications

• Ten years of experience with a Bachelor's degree or fifteen years with an Associate's degree.
• Active TS SCI clearance with Polygraph required to be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and enhancement of secure IT systems.
• Support security certification efforts.
• Translate mission needs into scalable technical solutions.

Skills

Linux and Windows system administration

Advanced troubleshooting across enterprise IT environments

Networking knowledge

Secure wireless technologies

IT Service Management (ITSM) processes

Strong problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree with at least ten years of relevant experience

Associate’s degree with at least fifteen years of relevant experience

Tools

Active DoD 8570 / 8140 IASAE Level II certification

Computing Environment Certification (Microsoft or Linux-based)

Job description

What You Will Do

As a Senior Systems Engineer at Independent Software, you will lead the design, analysis, and enhancement of secure, scalable IT systems supporting mission‑critical operations. You will work across the full system lifecycle, translating mission needs into technical solutions while ensuring systems are secure, compliant, and supportable. In this role, you will drive system architecture, support security certification efforts, and collaborate with engineering teams to modernize and optimize enterprise environments. This position requires strong experience in secure wireless technologies and infrastructure design.

Key Responsibilities

• strong experience in systems engineering across enterprise IT environment
• Experience designing and supporting secure wireless (WiFi) networks
• Ability to translate requirements into scalable, secure system architectures
• Knowledge of enterprise infrastructure, networking protocols, and system integration
• Familiarity with IT service frameworks such as ITIL or similar
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to lead technical efforts
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment

Required Skills And Qualifications

• Strong experience with Linux and Windows system administration
• Advanced troubleshooting across enterprise IT environments
• Experience with IT Service Management (ITSM) processes
• Knowledge of networking, storage, and system security practices
• Familiarity with patching, vulnerability management, and compliance requirements
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, classified environment

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with at least ten (10) years of relevant experience
• Associate’s degree with at least fifteen (15) years of relevant experience

Certifications

• MUST hold an active DoD 8570 / 8140 IASAE Level II certification
• Computing Environment (CE) Certification required (Microsoft or Linux‑based)
• OS Certification required

Clearance Requirement

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

When You Join Us

• 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.