Hardware Engineer, Level 1

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
  
  


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  Employee Assistance Program
  
  


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  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.
  
  


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  A generous Paid Time Off and Holiday package
  
  


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  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.

Hardware Engineer, Level 1

Annapolis Junction, MD



Full Time



Hardware Engineering



Mid Level



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What You Will Do:

At Independent Software, as a RF Hardware Engineer Level 1, you will design, install, test, and maintain advanced RF and SATCOM systems supporting mission-critical operations. You will work across the full lifecycle of RF systems, ensuring reliable performance across multiple frequency bands including C-, X-, Ku-, Ka-, and Q/V-band.

In this role, you will support complex RF system deployments in both controlled and austere environments, applying deep technical expertise to optimize system performance and ensure operational readiness. You will collaborate with system engineers, program teams, and field personnel to deliver high-performance communication capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:
 

• Design, install, and test RF and SATCOM hardware systems across multiple frequency bands (C-, X-, Ku-, Ka-, Q/V-band)
• Account for environmental and signal propagation factors including atmospheric attenuation, ionospheric effects, rain fade, and polarization mismatch
• Conduct site surveys and support installation activities including antenna alignment, hardware rack and stack, and system integration
• Operate and maintain earth-terminal control systems to establish and sustain communication links
• Perform preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance on RF systems and components
• Troubleshoot and resolve RF hardware issues in real-time, including degraded signal performance and system faults
• Apply anti-jamming techniques and enforce operational and safety procedures
• Utilize RF test equipment such as Keysight PNA-X, FieldFox, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and BER testers
• Perform RF measurements including S-parameters, P1dB, TOI, noise figure, phase noise, and group delay
• Conduct non-linear analysis including intermodulation distortion (IMD) and spectral regrowth
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including schematics, diagrams, engineering plans, and test reports
• Create AutoCAD and Visio drawings and support as-built documentation and system design packages
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including system engineers, program managers, and test personnel
• Support installations, testing, and maintenance activities in remote or field environments (up to 15% travel)
• Lead or support inspection and maintenance teams, and provide guidance to site personnel as needed

Required Skills and Qualifications:
 

• Strong experience in RF system design, installation, and testing, with a focus on SATCOM systems
• Experience working with RF hardware across multiple frequency bands (C-, X-, Ku-, Ka-, Q/V-band)
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and BER testers
• Knowledge of RF signal propagation, interference, and environmental impacts on system performance
• Experience troubleshooting complex RF systems and implementing corrective actions
• Ability to perform hardware installation, antenna alignment, and system integration activities
• Experience developing maintenance procedures and conducting system inspections
• Strong understanding of RF measurement techniques and performance analysis
• Ability to produce technical documentation, engineering plans, and reports
• Strong communication skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to work independently in dynamic and field-based environments
• Physical ability to climb antennas, lift equipment, and perform hands-on installation work

Education and Experience:
 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university
• Relevant experience supporting RF systems design, installation, and maintenance may be substituted for a degree
• Experience supporting SATCOM systems and field deployments is highly preferred

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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Do you possess an active and current Polygraph?*
-- No answer --Yes CI PolygraphYes Full Scope PolygraphNo



If yes, please specify the agency that conducted your polygraph (e.g., NSA, CIA, DIA, NGA, etc.).

Note: The Department of Defense (DoD) itself does not conduct polygraphs. Please list the specific agency within the IC that issued your polygraph.*




How many years of professional experience do you have supporting RF and/or SATCOM systems?*




List any current certifications relevant to RF, SATCOM, or networking (if applicable):




What SATCOM frequency bands do you have hands-on experience designing, installing, or testing?*




Have you used a vector network analyzer (e.g., Keysight PNA-X) to measure RF parameters such as S-parameters (S11/S21)?*
-- No answer --YesNo



Which of the following RF test instruments have you used hands-on? (Check all that apply)*
Spectrum analyzerVector Network Analyzer (e.g., Keysight PNA-X)Signal Generator (RF)OscilloscopeBER testerFieldFox (or equivalent portable RF analyzer)Power Meter / RF Power SensorNoise Figure AnalyzerNone of the above



Have you measured or analyzed any of the following RF parameters? (Check all that apply)*
P1dB compressionThird-order intercept (TOI/IP3)Noise figure (NF)Phase noiseGroup delayS-parameters (S11, S21)Gain / insertion lossNone of the above



Have you performed SATCOM link-budget analyses that account for rain-fade, atmospheric attenuation, or polarization mismatch?*
-- No answer --YesNo



Have you conducted site surveys, climbed antennas, or physically aligned RF/SATCOM antennas?*
-- No answer --YesNo



Have you performed preventive or corrective maintenance on operational RF or SATCOM systems?*
-- No answer --YesNo



Have you conducted or supported intermodulation distortion (IMD) testing using two-tone or similar methods?*
-- No answer --YesNo



Have you created RF design or engineering documentation (e.g., schematics, block diagrams, AutoCAD or Visio drawings)?*
-- No answer --YesNo



Have you independently troubleshot and resolved RF or SATCOM system issues in an operational environment?*
-- No answer --YesNo



Are you able and willing to travel up to 15% worldwide and work in remote or austere environments?*
-- No answer --YesNo

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