Network Engineer, Level 3

Independent Software•Columbia, MD

About The Position

At Independent Software, as a Network Engineer Level 3, you will design, implement, maintain, and optimize enterprise network infrastructure supporting mission-critical operations. You will work across the full network lifecycle—from design and architecture through deployment, troubleshooting, and performance optimization—within complex LAN, CAN, and WAN environments. In this role, you will analyze system requirements, develop network solutions, and ensure secure, high-performance connectivity across distributed systems. You will collaborate with system engineers and mission stakeholders to support dataflow operations, minimize downtime, and maintain compliance with DoD and IC standards.

Requirements

Significant experience designing and supporting enterprise network infrastructure
Strong experience with Cisco and/or Arista network technologies
Experience supporting LAN, CAN, and WAN environments in secure, mission-critical settings
Strong understanding of network protocols and technologies including VPNs, IPSec, GRE, NAT, VoIP, and traffic shaping
Experience with network performance monitoring, optimization, and troubleshooting
Familiarity with SSP documentation and STE/STN compliance requirements
Experience integrating network solutions within DoD/IC environments and regulatory frameworks
Strong understanding of network security principles and COMSEC awareness
Ability to troubleshoot complex issues across network, system, and dataflow layers
Strong documentation, communication, and collaboration skills
Ability to work independently and lead technical efforts in a fast-paced environment
Twelve (12) years of relevant professional experience providing Network Engineering support is required
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in System Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or a related discipline is required
DoD 8570.01-M compliant Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level III certification required
Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, Information Security Systems Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university may be substituted for two (2) years of experience
Five (5) additional years of relevant professional experience providing Network Engineering support may be substituted in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree

Responsibilities

Design, implement, maintain, and upgrade enterprise network infrastructure across LAN, CAN, and WAN environments
Analyze network design specifications and provide input to system and mission architecture
Configure, test, deploy, and maintain network devices including routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers
Optimize network performance by minimizing latency and maximizing throughput using monitoring and analysis tools
Support network scheduling activities including system upgrades, migrations, and cutovers
Design and implement secure network solutions including VPNs, firewall contexts, traffic shaping, VoIP, GRE tunneling, IPSec, NAT, and encryption technologies
Integrate hardware and software solutions to meet ISO 9000 standards and DoD/IC regulatory requirements
Develop, maintain, and update network diagrams, documentation, and accreditation artifacts
Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues across infrastructure and application layers
Coordinate with system engineering and dataflow teams to ensure reliable mission operations and data delivery
Support end-to-end system performance and dataflow management across interconnected systems
Conduct inspections of network equipment and report any suspected tampering or COMSEC incidents in accordance with policy
Design, test, and deploy solutions to resolve network performance and operational issues
Gather and analyze system performance data to define interface and performance requirements
Lead and mentor junior engineers, including tasking, scheduling, and technical guidance