Applied Mission Engineer

Xenith Solutions•Washington, DC

21h•$120,000 - $130,000

About The Position

Xenith Solutions is seeking an Applied Mission Engineer to support a government contract for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), working with the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Program Management Office (PMO). The role is part of a multidisciplinary team assessing technologies, guiding development, informing program strategies, and supporting deployment of integrated systems. It combines field-focused technical assessment with engineering and programmatic documentation, applying research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) experience to connect emerging capabilities with mission needs. The position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a CBP Background Investigation (BI); an active CBP BI is preferred. It requires 20% travel, which may include remote and rugged areas.

Requirements

At least 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.
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a CBP Background Investigation (BI).

Nice To Haves

Active CBP Background Investigation (BI).
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Apply subject matter expertise to evaluate border security technologies, inform investment decisions, support testing and evaluation, and assess operational relevance.
Evaluate surveillance systems, sensor networks, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, mobile and fixed platforms, biometric and identity solutions, non-intrusive inspection systems, and environmental and infrastructure technologies.
Review technical material 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 interpretation of results.
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.
Contribute to program planning 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 developing supporting documents, including Statements of Objectives (SOO), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Functional Requirements Documents (FRDs), and Concepts of Operation (CONOPS).
Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to track progress, resolve technical issues, and support informed decisions throughout program execution.