Senior Operational Test and Evaluation Engineer

Job Description

Our client is a fast growing research and management consulting company focused on the challenging research problems for both government and private sector clients. They focus on the intersection of technology and national security.

The Senior Engineer is responsible for planning, conducting, and analyzing tests of homeland defense technology systems to ensure operational effectiveness, reliability, and suitability throughout their lifecycle. This role focuses on evaluating systems designed to secure U.S. borders and facilitate the lawful flow of commerce, ensuring compliance with DHS policies and operational requirements in realistic environments. The position is located at a government site located near Sterling, VA.

Role & Responsibilities :

• Test Planning and Strategy Development :   Design, develop, and direct operational test plans for homeland defense technologies, such as border surveillance systems, non-intrusive inspection equipment, and trade facilitation systems. Ensure adherence to DHS Acquisition Management Directive (MD 102-01) and CBP's Operational Requirements Document (ORD) processes.
• Test and Evaluation Coordination :   Develop and coordinate Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs), test concepts, and detailed test plans aligned with DHS Directive 026-06 (Test and Evaluation) and CBP mission needs. Collaborate with CBP's Office of Acquisition and operational stakeholders to align testing with mission objectives.
• System Performance Evaluation :   Collect and analyze test data to assess the performance, reliability, and suitability of systems like integrated fixed towers, remote video surveillance systems, and cargo scanning technologies in operational border environments.
• Documentation and Reporting :   Maintain critical documentation, including test plans, reports, and recommendations for system improvements. Prepare Operational Test Reports (OTRs) and briefings for CBP leadership and DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to support acquisition decisions.
• Stakeholder Collaboration :   Work with CBP officers, engineers, program managers, and DHS components to ensure effective testing. Engage with external partners, such as other DHS components or interagency partners, to align testing with broader homeland security objectives.
• Test Event Leadership :   Execute and chair test events, including integrated test planning meetings, Deficiency Review Boards, Safety Review Boards, and Operational Readiness Reviews. Participate in critical design reviews and other meetings to support OT&E execution for border security and trade systems.
• Compliance and Risk Management :   Ensure testing adheres to DHS policies, including the DHS Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC) and the DHS Risk Management Framework. Address risks related to border security operations and trade facilitation

Requirements

Desired Qualifications :

Benefits

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include, but are not limited to : healthcare reimbursement, lifestyle & wellness reimbursement, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), tuition assistance, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off for vacation / sick leave, in addition to 12 holidays per calendar year.

About Our Client

Our client combines mission and business insights with advanced technologies to deliver measurable performance improvements for their clients. Our client is dedicated to surpassing client expectations by always living by their core values of integrity, professionalism, and resilience. Their extensive experience in Government, Military, Commercial, and Academic environments is unique among small businesses and a core differentiator of their solutions. Their multidisciplinary background allows us to solve diverse and complex problems. Most importantly, they work closely with our clients to frame problems correctly, optimize processes, leverage technologies, and implement enduring solutions. Labs are where ideas are born, experiments occur, and breakthroughs happen. It is the hallmark of our client's culture.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and retain a DHS Suitability / CBP Background Investigation. Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. 10+ years of relevant experience in test design, data analysis, and statistical methods for evaluating complex systems. Hands-on experience with homeland defense technology systems, such as border surveillance, non-intrusive inspection technologies, or trade compliance systems. Strong analytical skills for evaluating system performance and excellent written and verbal communication skills to provide actionable recommendations. Able to work fully onsite based on client needs. Desired Qualifications : Active CBP Background Investigation or an Active Top Secret clearance. In-depth understanding of DHS policies, including MD 102-01 (Acquisition Management), DHS Directive 026-06 (Test and Evaluation), and the DHS SELC framework. Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools, digital engineering, or data management platforms to support testing. Familiarity with data analytics tools for processing large datasets from border security operations or trade compliance systems. Experience leading teams, and leading or participating in working groups or cross-agency technical initiatives. Knowledge of interagency coordination with entities like the Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of Justice (DOJ) for joint homeland security missions.