5+ years of experience in applied engineering, technology evaluation, or systems development
Familiarity with DHS or DOD acquisition processes, including SELC and test planning
Excellent analytical, communication, and technical writing skills
Experience working across technical and operational teams in mission-driven environments
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or related technical field preferred
Responsibilities
Apply subject matter expertise to evaluate a wide range of border security technologies
Evaluate technical content from industry and government sources
Plan and execute technical demonstrations, field tests, and system evaluations
Conduct structured technology assessments and capability reviews
Translate operational and mission needs into technical requirements
Develop technical reports, white papers, and decision briefings
Support engineering and program planning by contributing to key program artifacts
Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to track progress and resolve technical issues
Benefits
Opportunity to work on mission-critical national security challenges
Engagement with a multidisciplinary team
Potential for professional growth in a government contract environment
Involvement in cutting-edge technology assessments and evaluations
Travel opportunities to remote and rugged areas
Full Job Description
Xenith Solutions is seeking an inspired candidate to join our team in support of a government contract for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Job Description: Applied Mission Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team supporting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Program Management Office (PMO). This role is ideal for engineers who are passionate about applying technical expertise to real-world national security challenges and advancing mission-critical capabilities through research, evaluation, and informed decision-making. This position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a CBP Background Investigation (BI) is required; active CBP BI preferred. This position requires 20% travel that may entail remote and rugged areas.
The Applied Engineer will work closely with CBP stakeholders, program managers, and technical experts to assess technologies, guide development efforts, inform program strategies, and enable effective deployment of integrated systems. This includes both field-focused technical assessments and the development of supporting engineering and programmatic documentation. The ideal candidate has experience with research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E), and can bridge the gap between emerging capability and mission utility.
Responsibilities:
Apply subject matter expertiseand evaluate a wide range of border security technologies to inform investment decisions, support test and evaluation, and ensure operational relevance. Areas of focus may include:
Surveillance Systems: Day/night electro-optical (EO) cameras, infrared (IR) and thermal imaging systems, wide-area motion imagery (WAMI), and ground surveillance radar.
Sensor Networks: Seismic, acoustic, and vibration-based ground sensors; sensor towers; and integrated multi-sensor systems for tracking and perimeter awareness.
Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (cUAS): RF detection and mitigation systems, radar tracking, EO/IR cueing sensors, and kinetic or non-kinetic interceptors.
Mobile and Fixed Platforms: Surveillance-equipped vehicles, unmanned ground systems (e.g., robotic scouts), and autonomous observation towers or drones.
Biometric and Identity Solutions: Facial recognition systems, mobile biometric collection kits, and multimodal screening technologies.
Non-Intrusive Inspection Systems (NII): Vehicle and cargo scanning systems using X-ray, gamma-ray, or neutron-based inspection technologies, as well as trace detection for narcotics or explosives.
Environmental and Infrastructure Technologies: Terrain monitoring tools, smart barriers, and environmental sensors that affect system placement, coverage, and performance.
Evaluate technical content from industry and government sources, including RFI responses, proposals, white papers, technology demonstration plans, and contractor deliverables.
Plan and execute technical demonstrations, field tests, and system evaluations, including data collection, performance analysis, and results interpretation.
Conduct structured technology assessments and capability reviews to identify and analyze emerging technologies with potential mission impact.
Translate operational and mission needs into technical requirements and actionable engineering guidance in collaboration with CBP mission stakeholders.
Develop technical reports, white papers, and decision briefings to support investment planning and acquisition strategies.
Support engineering and program planning by contributing to key program artifacts, including: Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC) tailoring plans, Systems Engineering Plans (SEP), Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP), and Integrated Master Schedules (IMS)
Assist in the development of supporting documentation, including Statement of Objectives (SOO), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Functional Requirements Documents (FRDs), Concepts of Operation (CONOPS)
Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to track progress, resolve technical issues, and support informed decision-making throughout program execution.
Required Experience in years:
5+ years of experience in applied engineering, technology evaluation, or systems development
Familiarity with DHS or DOD acquisition processes, including SELC and test planning
Excellent analytical, communication, and technical writing skills
Experience working across technical and operational teams in mission-driven environments
Education Requirements:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or related technical field preferred
Security Requirements:
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a CBP Background Investigation (BI) is required; active CBP BI preferred.
