Independent Software

Entry Level Network Engineer

Columbia, MD
Firewall Switch Router SONET DS3 T1 KG-175 MPLS BGP VPN
Description

Network Engineer, Entry Level

Location: Columbia, MD

Department: Network Engineering

What You Will Do:

As a Telecommunications Network Engineer,  Level 0  with Independent Software, you will perform maintenance, sustainment, and troubleshooting of existing networks while ensuring issues are identified, documented, and corrected in a timely manner. You will support mission-critical voice and data networks by operating analyzers, test equipment, and simulators while following established procedures.

This role requires attention to detail, adherence to DoD and customer standards, and the ability to collaborate with users, vendors, and internal teams to resolve network problems and maintain availability.

Key Responsibilities: 

 

  • Perform maintenance and sustainment of existing networks, identifying and correcting issues.
  • Resolve routine network problems; operate network analyzers, WAN test equipment, and network simulators.
  • Monitor data and voice system networks for alarms, error messages, or performance issues. Confirm the accuracy and severity of alarms and initiate resolutions as appropriate.
  • Troubleshoot issues using scripts and standard procedures, escalating unresolved problems as necessary.
  • Document alarms, issues, and corrective actions; communicate results to stakeholders.
  • Execute scheduled maintenance routines per established procedures; escalate unresolved issues when required.
  • Activate and deactivate network lines per scheduled requirements.
  • Perform first- and second-level problem determination (first level is help desk).
  • Interface with users and/or network vendors.
  • Follow detailed work instructions to ensure consistency and compliance.

Required Skills and Qualifications:
 
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
  • Experience with network monitoring, troubleshooting, and problem resolution.
  • Familiarity with the installation and configuration of network devices (firewalls, switches, routers, cabling).
  • Ability to support WAN technologies such as SONET (OC3, OC48, OC192), DS3, T1.
  • Knowledge of Taclanes/KG-175, MPLS, BGP, VPNs.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills to interface with vendors and users.
  • Ability to work an 8-hour shift between 6 AM and 6 PM.
Education and Experience:
 
  • Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology from an accredited college is required.
  • In lieu of a degree: two (2) additional years of network engineering experience may be substituted.
Certifications: 
 
  • IAT Level II baseline certification required (per 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.

Independent Software
Independent Software

0 applies

0 views

There are more than 50,000 engineering jobs:

Subscribe to membership and unlock all jobs

Engineering Jobs

60,000+ jobs from 4,500+ well-funded companies

Updated Daily

New jobs are added every day as companies post them

Refined Search

Use filters like skill, location, etc to narrow results

Become a member

🥳🥳🥳 452 happy customers and counting...

Overall, over 80% of customers chose to renew their subscriptions after the initial sign-up.

To try it out

For active job seekers

For those who are passive looking

Cancel anytime

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We prioritize job seekers as our customers, unlike bigger job sites, by charging a small fee to provide them with curated access to the best companies and up-to-date jobs. This focus allows us to deliver a more personalized and effective job search experience.
  • We've got over 200,000 jobs from 15,000+ vetted companies. No fake or sleazy jobs here!
  • We aggregate jobs from 15,000+ companies' career pages, so you can be sure that you're getting the most up-to-date and relevant jobs.
  • We're the only job board *for* software engineers, *by* software engineers… in case you needed a reminder! We add thousands of new jobs daily and offer powerful search filters just for you. 🛠️
  • Every single hour! We add 2,000-3,000 new jobs daily, so you'll always have fresh opportunities. 🚀
  • Typically, job searches take 3-6 months. EchoJobs helps you spend more time applying and less time hunting. 🎯
  • Check daily! We're always updating with new jobs. Set up job alerts for even quicker access. 📅

What Fellow Engineers Say