Senior Operational Test and Evaluation Engineer (DHS/CBP)

Job Description

Job DescriptionOverview:

The Senior Operational Test and Evaluation Engineer will be responsible for planning, conducting, and analyzing tests of homeland defense technology systems to ensure operational effectiveness, reliability, and suitability throughout their lifecycle. This role focuses on evaluating systems designed to secure U.S. borders and facilitate the lawful flow of commerce, ensuring compliance with DHS policies and operational requirements in realistic environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Test Planning and Strategy Development: Design, develop, and direct operational test plans for homeland defense technologies, such as border surveillance systems, non-intrusive inspection equipment, and trade facilitation systems. Ensure adherence to DHS Acquisition Management Directive (MD 102-01) and CBP’s Operational Requirements Document (ORD) processes.
• Test and Evaluation Coordination: 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.
• System Performance Evaluation: 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.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain critical documentation, including test plans, reports, and recommendations for system improvements. Prepare Operational Test Reports (OTRs) and briefings 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.
• Test Event Leadership: Execute and chair test events, including integrated test planning meetings, Deficiency Review Boards, Safety Review Boards, and Operational Readiness Reviews. Participate in critical design reviews and other meetings to support OT&E execution for border security and trade systems.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure testing adheres to DHS policies, including the DHS Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC) and the DHS Risk Management Framework. Address risks related to border security operations and trade facilitation

Required Qualifications:

• 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.
• 10+ 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 based on client needs.

Desired 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.
• 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 $105,000 and $113,000 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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