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 Administrator, Level 2

Annapolis Junction, MD

Full Time

System Administrator

Mid Level

What You Will Do:

At Independent Software, we build and support secure, mission-critical Linux infrastructure across cloud, containerized, and virtualized enterprise environments. As a Level 2 System Administrator, you will work hands-on in primarily Linux-based systems, supporting secure platforms that require strong compliance, networking, and cryptographic expertise.

This role is deeply focused on Linux administration within complex environments that include container platforms, cloud infrastructure, virtualization stacks, enterprise storage systems, IP networking, and firewall technologies. You will play a key role in maintaining secure, compliant systems aligned with SSP documentation and STE/STN requirements.

If you thrive in highly secure Linux environments, enjoy deep troubleshooting across infrastructure layers, and want to expand your expertise in automation and secure system design, this position offers a strong technical growth path.

Key Responsibilities:

Deploy, configure, harden, and maintain Linux-based systems across cloud, containerized, and virtualized environments
Administer and support container platforms (e.g., Kubernetes, Podman, Docker) within secure Linux environments
Manage and troubleshoot cloud-hosted Linux infrastructure
Support enterprise storage management solutions (SAN, NAS, network-attached and virtualized storage platforms)
Maintain and troubleshoot virtualization environments (KVM, VMware, or similar hypervisors)
Configure and support IP networking, routing, switching, and firewall technologies within Linux-centric environments
Apply and maintain SSP documentation requirements and enforce STE/STN compliance standards on Linux systems
Implement and maintain system hardening, crypto policies, and secure configuration baselines
Support application deployments and provide advanced troubleshooting across OS, network, storage, and security layers
Diagnose and resolve complex infrastructure and application issues in secure environments
Support lifecycle management including patching, upgrades, vulnerability remediation, and configuration management
Contribute to automation initiatives using tools such as Ansible or similar platforms
Maintain detailed system documentation and operational procedures

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Strong enterprise Linux system administration experience (RHEL/CentOS/other enterprise distributions)
Experience supporting Linux systems in containerized and cloud environments
Solid experience with storage management and virtualization platforms
Hands-on experience with IP networking and firewall configuration/troubleshooting
Strong understanding of PKI, TLS, cryptographic principles, and Linux crypto policies
Experience supporting SSP compliance documentation and STE/STN security requirements on Linux systems
Proven ability to troubleshoot across infrastructure layers (OS, network, storage, application)
Experience supporting enterprise applications in secure Linux environments

Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, Information Security Systems Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university and ten (10) years of relevant professional experience providing Network Engineering support and training commensurate with network engineering curriculum; OR
A Bachelor’s degree in System Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university and twelve (12) years of relevant professional Network Engineering experience; OR
Sixteen (16) years of relevant professional Network Engineering experience in lieu of a degree, along with an industry-recognized certification such as Arista Configuration Essentials, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), or a Juniper Certification Track (Automation & DevOps, Cloud, Data Center, Design, Enterprise Routing and Switching, Junos Security, or Service Provider Routing and Switching).

Certifications:

DoD Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level III baseline certification required in accordance with DoD 8570.01-M

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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