Independent Contractor Computer Science Jobs in Washington, DC

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. Cryptologic Computer Scientist, Level 3 Fort Meade, MD Full Time Cybersecurity Experienced Share What You Will Do: As a Cryptologic Computer Scientist, Level 3 at Independent Software, you will bring advanced computer science and software engineering expertise to some of the nation’s most complex technical challenges. We are a mission-first company where talented engineers are empowered to own their work, innovate with autonomy, and directly support national security outcomes. If you are looking for a role where your technical contributions drive real impact within a collaborative, high-performing team, this is the place for you. In this role, you'll work at the intersection of software development, data science, cryptologic computer science, and mission analytics. You will support a senior Data Science lead in designing and building analytics platforms, developing tools to process and model large datasets, and creating scalable solutions that support national security efforts. Your experience in data-driven systems, algorithm development, vulnerability research, reverse engineering, exploitation, and analytic pipelines will be key in enabling advanced cryptologic, cybersecurity, and Computer Network Operations (CNO) missions. You will apply a scientific and mission-focused approach to design, develop, and deliver solutions in areas such as forensics, attack attribution, critical network protection, penetration testing, vulnerability research, exploitation, and operational cyber support. Your work will enable state-of-the-art cryptologic and cybersecurity missions, providing the tools, techniques, and operational capabilities necessary to protect critical systems, uncover adversary tactics, and support offensive and defensive cyber operations. Key Responsibilities:  * Collaborate closely with a Data Science Lead to build and support advanced analytics pipelines and data models
* Design, develop, deliver, and operate solutions to complex cryptologic computer science problems
* Apply software engineering best practices to mission-driven data science challenges
* Develop scalable, secure, and mission-aligned tools that support complex analytic systems
* Perform advanced tasks in forensics, attack attribution, network protection, warning indicators, penetration testing, and knowledge discovery
* Conduct analysis, modeling, simulation, and reverse engineering to inform mission outcomes
* Work with large-scale structured and unstructured datasets to uncover insights that support national security missions
* Provide support for CNO tools, mission systems, and operational cyber activities Required Skills and Qualifications:
 
* Expertise in operating systems, algorithm analysis and design, programming languages, and data structures
* Strong software engineering and development skills, particularly for data-driven or analytics-focused systems
* Significant experience with data science, including data wrangling, machine learning, modeling, and analytic tool development
* Knowledge of compiler theory, computer architecture, database theory, and discrete mathematics
* Experience solving problems involving modeling, simulation, reverse engineering, or hardware/software development
* Experience developing software, scripts, tools, or capabilities supporting Computer Network Operations (CNO), cyber mission activities, or operational mission requirements * Familiarity with CNO tools, operational support activities, and mission-focused cyber environments * Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-driven environmentEducation and Experience: Candidates must meet one of the following:
* Doctoral degree plus 4 years of relevant experience
* Master’s degree plus 6 years of relevant experience
* Bachelor’s degree plus 8 years of relevant experience
* Associate degree plus 10 years of relevant experienceAdditional requirements:
* Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or closely related field
* Must include at least one programming course and four upper-level math courses (Calculus level or higher)Relevant experience must include at least one of the following:
* Theoretical or applied computer science
* Modeling or simulation development
* Algorithm analysis, design, or evaluation
* Reverse engineering
* Vulnerability research or exploitation * Computer Network Operations (CNO) support
* Design, development, or evaluation of computer or information systems (software or hardware)
* Development of software, scripts, tools, or operational capabilities supporting cyber, cryptologic, or intelligence missionsClearance 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. Share Apply