Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Engineer

OT&E (SME)

Job Description

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.  ensuring compliance with DHS policies and operational requirements in realistic environments.

Primary responsibilities will fall within the following areas:

• Test Strategy Development: 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. Ensure adherence to DHS Acquisition Management Directive (MD 102-01) and CBP’s Operational Requirements Document (ORD) processes.
• 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 performance, 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.

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 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.