Who are we?

Independent Software is a consulting, product, and solutions firm dedicated to the practical application of software and system engineering technologies to solve complex problems. We bring together world class engineers with proven engineering best practices, domain expertise, commercial technologies, and proven agile management approaches to create high value solutions aimed at helping our customers meet their most critical business and mission objectives.

Why Independent Software?

We are focused on continual learning and evolution. We don’t do things because “that’s the way we’ve always done things”; we listen to our employees and adapt to the changing marketplace. We look at the big picture and encourage our engineers to get training and certifications in emerging technologies that will help shape our customer’s mission.

We’ve been profitable year after year. We’re always on the lookout for great engineers to join the team and we recognize that our employees are the heart and soul of what we do. We focus on recruiting talented people, treating them right, and then allowing them to do what they do best. No red tape. No micromanagement. Smart people want to work with smart people, and we love people who are passionate about what they do and finding ways to do it better.

Top Reasons to Work at Independent Software:

Great people deserve even better benefits, from comprehensive healthcare coverage and generous leave time to discounts with all our vendors.
You are not just a job title. That's why we tip the work-life balance scale in your favor. It's not about being billable, it's about being valuable.
Whether you're working on-site or in our offices, your role at Independent Software is just as critical to our success as your coworker's.
We're constantly researching and implementing the latest technology, so you've always got the right tools at your disposal.
As we've grown, we've retained that small company feel. When we say we have an open-door policy, we actually mean it.
Independent Software is comprised of wonderfully generous folks. We believe in supporting the causes our employees care about. Bring us an opportunity to help and we'll listen.
Teamwork got us where we are today. Our collaborative environment allows you to maximize your true potential.
The work we do is exciting, critical stuff. No matter your role at Independent Software, you're helping us keep the nation safe and secure.
We have a history of great achievement, and, with each year, our company gets even bigger and better. As we grow, so does the opportunity for our employees.
We host a variety of fun employee and family events throughout the year to say thanks for all that you do to make Independent Software a technology leader as well as a phenomenal place to work.

Benefits:

Competitive salary
Company Sponsored Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans
Company Paid Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Your retirement plan is an important benefit you shouldn’t overlook. We offer a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust that offers a powerful way to enhance your long-term financial well-being by investing in yourself. We offer immediate eligibility and company matching.
A generous Paid Time Off and Holiday package
Paid training! We encourage all employees to seek out training opportunities like conferences, certification courses and seminars.
We truly believe the right work-life balance can exist, and it's here at Independent Software. Our work is extremely important, but your job is just a part of who you are. When you enjoy your life outside of our walls, you're at your best the next time you walk through our doors. We do all we can to assure that happens every day.

Independent Software is an Equal Opportunity Employer EOE, M/F/D/V.

System Architect, Level 4

Fort Meade, MD

Full Time

System Architect

Experienced

What You Will Do:

Are you ready to shape comprehensive and scalable IT solutions that leverage both Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) and Government Off-the-Shelf (GOTS) technologies? Join Independent Software as a System Architect, where you'll design and refine system architectures that align with enterprise objectives, ensure interoperability, and incorporate strategic integration methodologies. If you thrive on crafting high-level system blueprints that bridge multiple platforms and tools, this is the opportunity for you.

As a Level 4 System Architect at Independent Software, you will take ownership of defining, analyzing, and integrating system requirements for enterprise-wide solutions. You’ll assess the impact of changes on both planned and emergent needs and recommend architectural enhancements. Working solo or collaboratively, you'll apply relevant software development and design methodologies, ensuring seamless COTS–GOTS integration with external systems and compliance with agency IT architecture standards. Your strategic vision will guide both technology and team alignment.

Key Responsibilities:

Define system information needs for enterprise-scale or large-scale information systems through in-depth requirement analysis
Architect systems encompassing software, hardware, communication protocols, and interface components to satisfy end-to-end requirements
Ensure architectural solutions comply with agency-wide IT standards and facilitate interoperability with other systems
Analyze workflows and organizational processes to proactively identify and address systemic issues
Provide daily oversight and direction to staff, ensuring common operating systems remain compliant
Assess the suitability and impact of tool integrations and offer strategic guidance on COTS/GOTS tool usage

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Proven experience in architecting systems that use both COTS and GOTS components
Strong analytical capabilities for evaluating system-wide workflows and planning corrections
Deep knowledge of enterprise architecture standards and systems interoperability
Leadership ability to guide technical teams and ensure operational consistency

Education and Experience:

Associate’s degree with at least ten (10) years of relevant experience, or
Bachelor’s degree with at least six (6) years of relevant experience

Preferred Experience (Based on Assignment)

Active Directory
Identity Management
SCCM, DNS, and Group Policy
Active Role Servers
Privileged Account Management (PAM) Services
MS Exchange

Certifications:

Must meet DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification requirements
Valid Operating Systems Certification, aligned with role requirements

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

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

Apply today.

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.

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