Senior Systems-of-Systems SME Lead

Xenith Solutions • Washington, DC

3d • $140,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Xenith Solutions is seeking an Applied Mission Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team supporting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Program Management Office (PMO). The role applies technical expertise to national security challenges and supports mission-critical capabilities through research, evaluation, and informed decision-making. The engineer will work with CBP stakeholders, program managers, and technical experts to assess technologies, guide development efforts, inform program strategies, and support deployment of integrated systems. Work includes field-focused technical assessments and engineering and programmatic documentation. The position requires 20% travel, which may involve remote and rugged areas. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a CBP Background Investigation (BI) are required; an active CBP BI is preferred.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in applied engineering, technology evaluation, or systems development.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain a CBP Background Investigation (BI).
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field is preferred.
• 20% travel, which may entail travel to remote and rugged areas.

Nice To Haves

• Active CBP Background Investigation (BI).
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Apply subject matter expertise to evaluate border security technologies, inform investment decisions, support test and evaluation, and assess operational relevance across 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.
• 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 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 documentation, 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 decision-making throughout program execution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior