Job Description
Job Description
Test & Evaluation Engineer (DHS/CBP Systems)
Company: Think Evolutionary (on behalf of our client, C2C)
Location: Remote (U.S.) with travel to DHS/CBP sites; potential future hybrid in Washington, DC
Clearance / Suitability Requirement: Ability to obtain and maintain a CBP Background Investigation (BI); active Top Secret (TS) clearance is strongly preferred to reduce onboarding timelines
Terms: Full-Time (Employed by the Client)
Reports To: Program Manager / Senior Test & Evaluation Lead
Travel: Typically 25–30% to ports of entry and operational sites (may be higher for candidates who enjoy travel)
Compensation: Targeting $65K-$85K/Year (flexible for the right candidate)
Benefits: 3 weeks PTO, 401(k) with up to 8% match, and ICHRA medical reimbursement up to $1,000/month (health/dental)
About Think Evolutionary
Think Evolutionary is a strategic talent intelligence consultancy built on over 20 years of leadership in Infrastructure, Innovation, and Impact. We architect resilient teams for mission-critical industries, including Government Contracting, Engineering, and Utilities. By integrating behavioral science through the Predictive Index (PI) and deep technical foresight, we ensure every placement is precision-engineered for long-term growth and organizational evolution.
The Opportunity
Think Evolutionary is supporting our client, C2C, in hiring a Journeyman Test & Evaluation (T&E) Engineer supporting the DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mission. This role focuses on real-world operational testing of homeland security systems used at ports of entry and border environments—ensuring systems are effective, reliable, and ready for mission use.
If you enjoy hands-on testing, travel to major U.S. cities, and contribute to high-visibility operational outcomes, this is a strong fit. Travel is often to urban centers such as El Paso, Nogales, San Diego, and Detroit (and similar locations), supporting CBP operations and deployments.
Job Overview
The Journeyman Test & Evaluation Engineer plans, supports, executes, and documents tests of CBP operational technology systems across the system lifecycle. You will contribute to test planning and reporting, collect and analyze data, and execute field testing at ports of entry and other operational environments. This is system-level testing (not software QA-only), focused on evaluating end-to-end performance and operational suitability.
Examples of systems may include:
- Port of entry solutions (e.g., tariff collection systems)
- Non-intrusive inspection/cargo scanning systems (e.g., scanning portals)
- Border surveillance systems (e.g., tower-based radar/camera integrations)
Key Responsibilities
Test Planning & Coordination
- Support development of test concepts and detailed test plans aligned to DHS/CBP mission needs and policy guidance (e.g., DHS test and evaluation direction).
- Coordinate with program stakeholders to align test objectives, schedules, sites, and required resources.
Field Test Execution & Data Collection
- Execute field testing at ports of entry and operational locations, following approved test procedures and safety requirements.
- Collect quantitative and qualitative results (observations, performance data, reliability/suitability indicators) and ensure traceability to requirements.
Analysis, Findings & Recommendations
- Analyze results to assess system performance, reliability, and operational suitability.
- Identify issues, trends, and improvement opportunities; support corrective action recommendations and retest planning.
Documentation, Reporting & Briefing Support
- Maintain critical test documentation, including test plans, test procedures, test logs, and test reports.
- Contribute to (and at times author) test reports and briefings for leadership and acquisition decision support.
Job Scope
- Work environment: Primarily remote, with recurring travel to operational test sites. The role is currently telework-based, with the possibility of a future requirement to report to an office in downtown Washington, DC if government direction changes.
- Independence: Journeyman-level personnel are expected to manage themselves, execute tasks independently, and deliver high-quality outputs with minimal supervision.
Skills & Experience
Required Qualifications
- Experience: Typically 3–10 years supporting testing, evaluation, data collection, and/or operational fielding of technology systems (journeyman level).
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to test plans and test reports and to execute tests in the field as directed.
- Hands-on experience working with hardware/software systems in operational environments (systems integration exposure strongly valued).
- Strong written communication skills for producing clear, defensible documentation (test reports, findings, recommendations).
- Clearance / Suitability: Ability to obtain and maintain a CBP Background Investigation (BI).
Strongly Preferred
- Active TS clearance (helps accelerate adjudication timelines; BI may otherwise take many months).
- Prior DHS/CBP operational exposure (border security, ports of entry, trade/inspection mission environments).
Preferred Technical Skills
- Familiarity with data tools for organizing and analyzing results (e.g., Excel; Python/Power BI/R a plus).
- Exposure to relevant system areas such as EO/IR surveillance, radars, UGS/UAV concepts, or non-intrusive inspection systems.
EEO Statement
Think Evolutionary is an equal opportunity employer and a strategic partner in fostering diverse, resilient workforces. We are committed to a workplace that values inclusion and equal access to opportunity. Employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.