Applied Mission Engineer

Xenith Solutions; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Xenith Solutions in Washington, DC seeks an Applied Mission Engineer to support the DHS CBP PMO. You will apply technical expertise to assess border security technologies, influence investments, and drive demonstrations and evaluations that inform fielding decisions.

The role emphasizes collaboration with cross‑functional teams, data-driven analysis, and preparation of technical reports. U.S. citizenship is required with CBP BI eligibility and up to 20% travel.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in applied engineering, technology evaluation, or systems development.
• 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 and inform investment decisions.
• Plan and execute technical demonstrations, field tests, and system evaluations with rigorous data collection and analysis.
• Translate operational needs into technical requirements and guidance for CBP mission stakeholders.
• Develop technical reports, white papers, and decision briefs to support investment planning and acquisition strategies.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to track progress and resolve issues.

Skills

5+ years experience

DHS/DOD familiarity

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Cross-team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Xenith Solutions is a small family focused business where we focus on taking care of our employees and customers equally. We are focused on serving Federal / Civilian, Defense, and Intelligence organizations with superior service. If you want to be a part of a rapidly growing business with an exceptional culture, then you want to be a part of the Xenith Solutions family.

Xenith Solutions is seeking an inspired candidate to join our team in support of a government contract for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Applied Mission Engineer

to join a multidisciplinary team supporting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Program Management Office (PMO). This role is ideal for engineers who are passionate about applying technical expertise to real-world national security challenges and advancing mission-critical capabilities through research, evaluation, and informed decision-making. This position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a CBP Background Investigation (BI) is required; active CBP BI preferred. This position requires 20% travel that may entail remote and rugged areas.

Responsibilities

• Apply subject matter expertise and evaluate a wide range of border security technologies to inform investment decisions, support test and evaluation, and ensure operational relevance. Areas of focus may include:
  • Surveillance Systems: Day-night electro-optical (EO) cameras, infrared (IR) and thermal imaging systems, wide-area motion imagery (WAMI), and ground surveillance radar.
  • Sensor Networks: Seismic, acoustic, and vibration-based ground sensors; sensor towers; and integrated multi-sensor systems for tracking and perimeter awareness.
  • Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (cUAS): RF detection and mitigation systems, radar tracking, EO/IR cueing sensors, and kinetic or non-kinetic interceptors.
  • Mobile and Fixed Platforms: Surveillance-equipped vehicles, unmanned ground systems (e.g., robotic scouts), and autonomous observation towers or drones.
  • Biometric and Identity Solutions: Facial recognition systems, mobile biometric collection kits, and multimodal screening technologies.
  • Non-Intrusive Inspection Systems (NII): Vehicle and cargo scanning systems using X-ray, gamma-ray, or neutron-based inspection technologies, as well as trace detection for narcotics or explosives.
  • Environmental and Infrastructure Technologies: Terrain monitoring tools, smart barriers, and environmental sensors that affect system placement, coverage, and performance.
• 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 results interpretation.
• 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.
• Support engineering and program planning by contributing to key program 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 the development of supporting documentation, including Statement of Objectives (SOO), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Functional Requirements Documents (FRDs), 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.

Required Experience in years

• 5+ years of experience in applied engineering, technology evaluation, or systems development
• 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

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or related technical field preferred

Security Requirements

• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a CBP Background Investigation (BI) is required; active CBP BI preferred.

Xenith Solutions LLC is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business founded in 2019. We provide comprehensive, timely and relevant Solutions and Business Consulting support to our customers as a key partner. Our leadership brings over a century of combined experience in Defense and Civilian markets. Our employees possess experience in all aspects of solution development from requirements creation, development, test and evaluation, fielding, and sustainment. At the core of our offerings, we provide strategy and technology solutions, giving our customers valuable insights and thought leadership on the best application of information technology to drive business objectives.

Xenith focuses on solving complex business challenges facing our customers. Our "Success Through Achievement" work ethic means our customer receive quality solutions through our commitment. We pride ourselves on tackling some of the most difficult operational requirements our customers have - ensuring an appropriate match between the mission requirements, financials, schedule, and security.

EEO

Xenith Solutions provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

EEO IS THE LAW

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Xenith Solutions.

E-Verify

As a Federal Contractor, Xenith Solutions is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.

Affirmative Action Plan

As a federal government contractor and based on Executive Orders and applicable laws and regulations, Xenith Solutions develops and maintains annual written Aff…