> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2025588-software-engineer-level-3-forecasted](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2025588-software-engineer-level-3-forecasted). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Software Engineer, Level 3 (FORECASTED)

- **Company:** Independent Software
- **Location:** Fort Meade, MD, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Java (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Software Applications, Automation of Tests, Bash Shell, C++ (Programming Language), Databases, Database Queries, Software Debugging, Monitoring of Systems, Hibernate (Java), Spring Framework, Python (Programming Language), Nagios, OpenShift, Performance Tuning, Systems Development Life Cycle, Software Engineering, Software Systems, SonarQube, SQL Databases, Systems Architecture, System Testing, Scripting, Data Server Interface, Grafana, Containerization, Gitlab-ci, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Performance Monitor, Kibana, Docker, Jenkins, Programming Languages, Microservices
- **Published:** August 11, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9086950/software-engineer-level-3-forecasted

## About the Role

* Strong experience with one or more programming languages (Java, Python, C, or C++)
 * Experience designing, developing, testing, and debugging complex software systems
 * Experience with software development lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies
 * Experience working with databases and writing complex queries (SQL or similar)
 * Strong understanding of system architecture, integration, and performance optimization
 * Demonstrated experience leading software development teams and providing technical direction
 * Ability to work independently and lead technical efforts across teams
 * Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Preferred Skills:

 * Experience with Java frameworks (Spring, Hibernate)
 * Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, SonarQube)
 * Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift)
 * Experience with microservices architecture
 * Experience with monitoring tools (Kibana, Grafana, Nagios)
 * Scripting experience (Python, Bash, or Shell)

Education and Experience:

 * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required

OR

 * Twenty (20) years of Software Engineering experience

OR

 * Four (4) additional years of Software Engineering experience may be substituted for a degree

Clearance Requirement:

 * Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role

## Description

As a Software Engineer Level 3 at Independent Software, you will lead the development, maintenance, and enhancement of complex software systems supporting mission-critical operations. You will provide technical leadership across multiple teams, drive architectural decisions, and ensure high-quality software delivery in performance-driven environments.

You will serve as a technical lead, guiding development efforts, selecting appropriate technologies, and ensuring alignment with mission requirements. Your role will include oversight of development teams, coordination with stakeholders, and driving innovation across software solutions., * Analyze user requirements and translate them into software design and performance solutions

 * Design, develop, test, and maintain complex software applications and components
 * Debug software and resolve defects across development and production environments
 * Modify existing software to improve performance, scalability, and functionality
 * Integrate software into new or existing systems and environments
 * Design and implement database queries and data interfaces
 * Contribute to system architecture and design decisions, including trade-offs and reuse
 * Lead software development efforts and serve as technical lead for one or more teams
 * Oversee development activities and ensure alignment with project requirements and timelines
 * Guide architectural decisions, technology selection, and system design
 * Delegate development and testing tasks to team members and monitor performance
 * Ensure quality control across all developed and modified software
 * Develop and execute test procedures and support system validation activities
 * Analyze system performance and recommend improvements
 * Create and maintain technical documentation
 * Collaborate with system engineers, hardware engineers, and other stakeholders
 * Coordinate with stakeholders to define requirements, constraints, and system capabilities
 * Recommend new technologies and process improvements for complex software projects
 * Oversee installation, integration, and operational readiness of software systems


## Related Videos

- [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers)
- [Debug a Kubernetes Operator](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/487-debug-a-kubernetes-operator)
- [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered)
- [You’re a great coder? That alone won’t get you far: The soft skills secret in IT success](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1076-you-re-a-great-coder-that-alone-won-t-get-you-far-the-soft-skills-secret-in-it-success)
- [Add Location-based Searching to Site with ElasticSearch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/77-add-location-based-searching-to-site-with-elasticsearch)
- [Docker build without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100114-docker-build-without-docker)

## Related Articles

- [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer)
- [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)
- [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)
- [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? Realistic Software Engineering Salaries](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/425-how-much-does-a-software-engineer-make-realistic-software-engineering-salaries)
- [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023)
- [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers)