Operational Test and Evaluation Engineer

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative, producing Results that Matter. The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID supports missions in national security, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). CIG brings expertise in countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, nuclear non-proliferation, and transportation safety, delivering high-quality modeling, simulation, software, and analytical products.

About the role

The Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Engineer will support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mission, planning, conducting, and analyzing tests of homeland defense technology systems to ensure operational effectiveness, reliability, and suitability throughout their lifecycle. This role evaluates systems designed to secure U.S. borders and facilitate lawful commerce, ensuring compliance with DHS policies and operational requirements in realistic environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop operational test plans for homeland defense technologies, such as border surveillance systems, non-intrusive inspection equipment, and trade facilitation systems, ensuring adherence to DHS Acquisition Management Directive (MD 102-01) and CBP’s Operational Requirements Document (ORD) processes.
• 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.
• 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.
• Maintain critical documentation, including test plans, reports, and recommendations for system improvements, and support preparation for Operational Test Reports (OTRs) and briefings for CBP leadership and DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T).
• Work with CBP officers, engineers, program managers, and DHS components to ensure effective testing, engaging with external partners to align testing with broader homeland security objectives.
• Support test events, including integrated test planning meetings, Deficiency Review Boards, Safety Review Boards, and Operational Readiness Reviews, and participate in critical design reviews to support OT&E execution for border security and trade systems.
• Support testing that adheres to DHS policies, including the DHS Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC) and the DHS Risk Management Framework, addressing risks related to border security operations and trade facilitation.

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.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in test design, data analysis, and statistical methods for evaluating complex 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.

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.
• Hands-on experience with homeland defense technology systems, such as border surveillance, non-intrusive inspection technologies, or trade compliance systems.
• 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.

Benefits

• Health insurance, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Life and disability insurance programs.
• Paid and unpaid time away from work.
• Competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

Pay

Salary range: $90,000 – $115,000 per year.

Schedule

Fully onsite, based on client needs in the Northern Virginia area.