Operational Testing and Evaluation (OT&E) SME

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Summary
Hive Group is seeking a Operational Testing and Evaluation Subject Matter Expert to join our existing team providing financial and project management support to a federal agency in Washington, DC. The SME Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Engineer will support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mission and will be responsible for planning, conducting, and analyzing data collected from operational tests of homeland defense technology systems to determine the operational effectiveness, suitability, and cyber resiliency. This role focuses on evaluating systems designed to secure U.S. borders and facilitate the lawful flow of commerce. Hive Group is seeking individuals that are proactive and energetic, with excellent communication skills This work has a 100% on-site requirement, so candidates must reside in the Washington, DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area.

Position Description
Acquisition Program Planning and Test Strategy Development

• Coordinate with key stakeholders including Government Test Director, Acquisition Program Managers, and Team Leads to identify, plan, coordinate, execute, analyze, and report testing in support of required program acquisition milestone and review requirements.
• Ensure adherence to DHS Acquisition Management Directive (MD 102-01) and CBP’s Operational Requirements Document (ORD) processes.
• Identify test plan and test execution impacts and recommend courses of action based on rapidly evolving DHS and CBP Acquisition policy and guidance.
• Develop test and evaluation strategies and support the development of Test and Evaluation Master Plans for homeland defense technologies, such as border surveillance systems, non-intrusive inspection equipment, and trade facilitation systems.

Test and Evaluation Planning

• Develop test concepts briefs and detailed test plans, aligned with DHS Directive 026-06 (Test and Evaluation) and CBP mission needs, which document the test scenarios and methods used to collect test data.
• Participate in test planning meetings, including T&E Integrated Product Team meetings and Operational Test Readiness Review meetings to inform all stakeholders of operational test planning progress.
• Collaborate with CBP’s Office of Acquisition and operational stakeholders to ensure operational test scenarios align with CBP mission objectives.

Test Event Execution

• Provide oversight for the operational test team while onsite during test execution to ensure all data is collected in accordance with the test plan.

System Evaluation Analysis

• Collect and analyze test data to assess the effectiveness, suitability, and cyber resiliency of systems like integrated fixed towers, remote video surveillance systems, and cargo scanning technologies in operational border environments.

Evaluation Reporting

• Maintain critical documentation, including test plans, reports, and recommendations for system improvements.
• Prepare Operational Test and Evaluation Reports (OTERs) and briefings that clearly identify the observed system capabilities and limitations observed during operational testing and recommendations for system improvement 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.

Qualifications
Required

• 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.
• 12+ 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 and travel based on client needs.

Desired

• Active CBP Background Investigation or 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.

Compensation and Benefits
The estimated compensation range for this position is between $141,000 and $150,000 annually, based on benchmarks in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This range reflects a good faith estimate for all experience levels. At Hive Group, salary decisions are influenced by several factors, including but not limited to the role, location, and the combination of education, training, skills, certifications, competencies, and relevant work experience.
Hive Group offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), life and disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, federal holidays, professional development opportunities, and lifestyle benefits.

A Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Hive Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer dedicated to fair and unbiased employment decisions. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex (including gender and transgender status), age, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, domestic partner or civil union status, gender identity, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Our hiring and promotion decisions are based exclusively on an individual’s qualifications and suitability for the role.

Protecting Your Information
Stay vigilant against fraudulent job offers and individuals impersonating Hive Group Talent Acquisition Specialists. Hive Group will never request payment details or money during the application process. Official communications will only come from email addresses ending in @hive-llc.com or @applytojob.com — not from free email services like Gmail or messaging platforms such as WhatsApp.

If you receive suspicious messages requesting payment or personal information, please report them immediately to talentacquisition@hive-llc.com.

Hive Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer dedicated to making all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex (including gender and transgender status), age, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender identity, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Hive Group hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.

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