Software Engineer, Level 3

Independent Software•Fort Meade, MD

About The Position

As a Software Engineer Level 3 at Independent Software, you will serve in a highly customer-facing role leading the development, deployment, and evolution of mission-critical systems supporting modern satellite communication technologies. You will work directly with users and stakeholders to analyze requirements, translate mission needs into technical solutions, and deliver high-quality software that operates under strict performance, timing, and reliability constraints. In this role, you will design and implement complex algorithms, develop and enhance C++ software applications, and ensure system robustness through automated testing, debugging, and continuous improvement. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver resilient, scalable, and high-performance solutions that support evolving mission demands. As a Software Engineer, Level 3 at Independent Software, you will serve in a highly customer-facing role leading the development, deployment, and evolution of mission-critical systems supporting modern satellite communication technologies. You will work directly with users and stakeholders to analyze operational needs and translate them into robust, high-performance software solutions. In this role, you will design, develop, and enhance C++ applications, implement complex algorithms, and ensure software reliability through automated testing and rigorous debugging. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure, and performance-optimized systems that operate in timing- and resource-constrained environments.

Requirements

Proficiency in C++ software development with experience building and maintaining complex, high-performance systems.
Strong understanding of real-time systems and performance optimization techniques.
Experience with RF signal analysis or satellite communications system design and theory, with the ability to translate these concepts into software implementations.
Experience designing and implementing complex algorithms under constrained system environments.
Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools, including virtualized environments (VMware) and containerized platforms (Docker and Kubernetes).
Experience with message queue technologies and communication protocols.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, particularly in customer-facing environments.
Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning and technical growth.
Seven (7) years experience as a SWE, in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related discipline from an accredited college or university.
A bachelor's degree may be substituted for four (4) years of additional SWE experience on projects with similar software processes.
Twenty (20) years’ experience as a SWE in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity
Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role
Proficiency in C++ software development for complex, mission-critical systems
Experience designing and implementing algorithms for real-time or performance-constrained environments
Knowledge of RF signal analysis or satellite communications system design and theory
Familiarity with DevOps processes and tools in virtualized and containerized environments, including VMware, Docker, and Kubernetes
Experience with message queue technologies and communication protocols
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to debug complex issues
Excellent communication and collaboration skills in customer-facing environments
Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning
Doctoral Degree plus 4 years of relevant experience
Bachelor’s Degree plus 5 years of relevant experience
Associate Degree plus 7 years of relevant experience
High School Diploma or GED plus 9 years of relevant experience
Relevant experience must be in software engineering, algorithm development, real-time systems, satellite communications, or related technical domains.

Responsibilities

Analyze user requirements to derive software designs for new applications or enhancements to existing systems, ensuring alignment with mission and project objectives.
Design, develop, and maintain high-quality C++ software for satellite communication systems using best practices and coding standards.
Identify, debug, and resolve software defects using effective troubleshooting and root-cause analysis techniques.
Design and implement database or data repository interfaces and queries to support application data management requirements.
Design and implement complex algorithms that operate within strict timing, resource, and interface constraints.
Integrate automated testing into the software development lifecycle, including unit testing and regression testing, to ensure software quality and reliability.
Collaborate with system architects, QA engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure software solutions meet user needs and delivery schedules.
Maintain comprehensive technical documentation covering software designs, interfaces, algorithms, and development processes.
Analyze user requirements to derive software designs for new applications or enhancements to existing systems
Ensure new features and capabilities align with mission objectives and project goals
Develop high-quality, maintainable C++ code for satellite communication and mission-critical applications
Apply best practices, coding standards, and performance optimization techniques
Identify, debug, and resolve software defects using systematic troubleshooting and root-cause analysis
Support sustainment and continuous improvement of existing software baselines
Design and implement database or data repository interfaces and queries to support application data management
Design and implement complex algorithms that meet strict timing, system resource, and interface constraints
Optimize software for high performance, reliability, and real-time operation
Integrate automated testing into the development lifecycle, including unit testing and regression testing
Review and validate software components to ensure adherence to design requirements
Work closely with system architects, QA engineers, and project managers to ensure solutions meet user requirements
Participate in technical reviews and support on-time delivery of high-quality software
Maintain comprehensive technical documentation for software designs, algorithms, processes, and interfaces
Support knowledge sharing and long-term project continuity