Systems Engineer
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Location: Washington, D.C. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Acquisition, Systems Engineering Division)
Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Acquisition, Systems Engineering Division, located in Washington, D.C.
Duties
Joining Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Office of Acquisition, will allow you to utilize your expertise in engineering to oversee various engineering projects, initiatives, and policies that support the entire Acquisition workforce. This position starts at a salary of $121,785.00 (GS‑13, Step 1) to $187,093.00 (GS‑14, Step 10). Apply for this opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to perform homeland security functions. In this Systems Engineering position you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals involved in performing analysis and evaluation of System Engineering activities; supporting the preparation and presentation of authoritative advice and recommendations; and formulating and exploring new theories as well as developing, advising, testing new approaches, providing expertise, and writing policy. Typical work assignments include: providing Systems Engineering oversight of CBP Programs to ensure their technical aspects are viable and completed in accordance with DHS and CBP policies and procedures; including working across DHS, CBP and applicable components to establish and/or strengthen the application of Systems Engineering in CBP Acquisition Programs across the Systems Engineering Life Cycle. Providing support and guidance to officials, program managers, and the acquisition workforce on the implementation, management, and operation of the systems engineering (SE) process within the Component, with particular emphasis on Research and Development (R&D), System Engineering Life Cycle (requirements, design, interoperability, Test and Evaluation (T&E), Risk Management, Configuration Management and other lifecycle logistics processes). Utilizing SE industry and government best practices including Modeling and Simulation, Model Based Systems Engineering, and Systems Architecture to provide support to acquisition programs; involving overseeing, analyzing, and reporting on the plans, monitoring, management, and conduct of SE work for the acquisition of prototype, new, fielded, or modified systems—including information technology (IT) systems. Overseeing the creation, analysis, assessment, and evaluation of SE plans, reports, and other related program documentation; developing and recommending changes, as appropriate, to existing Component SE policies, procedures and guidelines, and preparing policies and directives relating to SE matters for signature by Component leadership. Providing analysis and assessment of the performance and trends in individual programs such as Analysis of Alternatives and Program Implementation Reviews, as well as across the Component's portfolio, supporting the Office of Acquisition, and may act as liaison to other offices within CBP, DHS, other Government entities, and/or industry.
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service. Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years is required. All pre‑employment processes will be conducted in English. You may be required to pass a background investigation. CBP follows the DHS Drug‑Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures. As an employee of CBP, you will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. DHS uses E‑Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Financial Disclosure is required. This position is not covered under a bargaining unit.
Qualifications
Basic Requirement: Provide supporting documentation to show that you meet the basic requirement. A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must lead to a bachelor’s degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first‑year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: statics, dynamics; strength of materials; fluid mechanics, hydraulics; thermodynamics; electrical fields and circuits; nature and properties of materials; and any other comparable area. OR B. Combination of education and experience—college‑level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering and a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1. Professional registration or licensure—current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE). 2. Written Test—evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or other written test required for professional registration. 3. Specified academic courses—successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences that meet the specified requirements. 4. Related curriculum—successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate scientific field, provided the applicant has had at least one year of professional engineering experience under supervision. You qualify for this position if you meet the basic requirement and possess one year of specialized experience as described below. Specialized Experience: GS‑13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as using directives and guidebooks to run Analysis of Alternatives or Program Implementation Reviews; interpreting and implementing Systems Engineering Policies and Processes; developing and providing systems engineering artifacts, reviews, and assessments; conducting analysis to support evidence‑based decisions; and executing Systems Engineering activities under supervision. GS‑14: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as developing directives, policies, and guidebooks; reviewing and developing Systems Engineering Policies and Processes; providing feedback on systems engineering artifacts; developing analysis to support evidence‑based decisions; and executing Systems Engineering activities with minimal supervision. Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work such as Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. All qualifying experience, including volunteer experience, will be credited. Must meet all qualification requirements within any required verification period.
Note:
If you are a political appointee, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation is required.
Education
Residency: Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States for at least three of the last five years. If you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver. Probationary Period: All new federal employees must serve a one‑year probationary period during the first year of their initial permanent federal appointment.
Additional Information
Promotion Potential: Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied. Telework: No. Security Clearance: Requires a Top Secret security clearance. GS‑13 DHS Certification: Requires DHS Level II certification in Systems Engineering or Test and Evaluation within 18 months of placement; a secondary certification in Program Management, Systems Engineering, Test and Evaluation, or Life Cycle Logistics is highly desired. GS‑14 DHS Certification: Requires DHS Level III certification in Systems Engineering or Test and Evaluation within 24 months of placement; a secondary certification in Program Management, Systems Engineering, Test and Evaluation, or Life Cycle Logistics is highly desired. Essay Questions: The vacancy questionnaire includes four short, free‑response essay questions. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. Apply at https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12931326. The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), as well as disabled veterans with a compensable service‑connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non‑competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click the relevant links or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed above.
213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service‑connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR
315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non‑competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
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Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Acquisition, Systems Engineering Division, located in Washington, D.C.
Duties
Joining Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Office of Acquisition, will allow you to utilize your expertise in engineering to oversee various engineering projects, initiatives, and policies that support the entire Acquisition workforce. This position starts at a salary of $121,785.00 (GS‑13, Step 1) to $187,093.00 (GS‑14, Step 10). Apply for this opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to perform homeland security functions. In this Systems Engineering position you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals involved in performing analysis and evaluation of System Engineering activities; supporting the preparation and presentation of authoritative advice and recommendations; and formulating and exploring new theories as well as developing, advising, testing new approaches, providing expertise, and writing policy. Typical work assignments include: providing Systems Engineering oversight of CBP Programs to ensure their technical aspects are viable and completed in accordance with DHS and CBP policies and procedures; including working across DHS, CBP and applicable components to establish and/or strengthen the application of Systems Engineering in CBP Acquisition Programs across the Systems Engineering Life Cycle. Providing support and guidance to officials, program managers, and the acquisition workforce on the implementation, management, and operation of the systems engineering (SE) process within the Component, with particular emphasis on Research and Development (R&D), System Engineering Life Cycle (requirements, design, interoperability, Test and Evaluation (T&E), Risk Management, Configuration Management and other lifecycle logistics processes). Utilizing SE industry and government best practices including Modeling and Simulation, Model Based Systems Engineering, and Systems Architecture to provide support to acquisition programs; involving overseeing, analyzing, and reporting on the plans, monitoring, management, and conduct of SE work for the acquisition of prototype, new, fielded, or modified systems—including information technology (IT) systems. Overseeing the creation, analysis, assessment, and evaluation of SE plans, reports, and other related program documentation; developing and recommending changes, as appropriate, to existing Component SE policies, procedures and guidelines, and preparing policies and directives relating to SE matters for signature by Component leadership. Providing analysis and assessment of the performance and trends in individual programs such as Analysis of Alternatives and Program Implementation Reviews, as well as across the Component's portfolio, supporting the Office of Acquisition, and may act as liaison to other offices within CBP, DHS, other Government entities, and/or industry.
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service. Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years is required. All pre‑employment processes will be conducted in English. You may be required to pass a background investigation. CBP follows the DHS Drug‑Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures. As an employee of CBP, you will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. DHS uses E‑Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Financial Disclosure is required. This position is not covered under a bargaining unit.
Qualifications
Basic Requirement: Provide supporting documentation to show that you meet the basic requirement. A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must lead to a bachelor’s degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first‑year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: statics, dynamics; strength of materials; fluid mechanics, hydraulics; thermodynamics; electrical fields and circuits; nature and properties of materials; and any other comparable area. OR B. Combination of education and experience—college‑level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering and a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1. Professional registration or licensure—current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE). 2. Written Test—evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or other written test required for professional registration. 3. Specified academic courses—successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences that meet the specified requirements. 4. Related curriculum—successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate scientific field, provided the applicant has had at least one year of professional engineering experience under supervision. You qualify for this position if you meet the basic requirement and possess one year of specialized experience as described below. Specialized Experience: GS‑13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as using directives and guidebooks to run Analysis of Alternatives or Program Implementation Reviews; interpreting and implementing Systems Engineering Policies and Processes; developing and providing systems engineering artifacts, reviews, and assessments; conducting analysis to support evidence‑based decisions; and executing Systems Engineering activities under supervision. GS‑14: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as developing directives, policies, and guidebooks; reviewing and developing Systems Engineering Policies and Processes; providing feedback on systems engineering artifacts; developing analysis to support evidence‑based decisions; and executing Systems Engineering activities with minimal supervision. Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work such as Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. All qualifying experience, including volunteer experience, will be credited. Must meet all qualification requirements within any required verification period.
Note:
If you are a political appointee, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation is required.
Education
Residency: Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States for at least three of the last five years. If you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver. Probationary Period: All new federal employees must serve a one‑year probationary period during the first year of their initial permanent federal appointment.
Additional Information
Promotion Potential: Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied. Telework: No. Security Clearance: Requires a Top Secret security clearance. GS‑13 DHS Certification: Requires DHS Level II certification in Systems Engineering or Test and Evaluation within 18 months of placement; a secondary certification in Program Management, Systems Engineering, Test and Evaluation, or Life Cycle Logistics is highly desired. GS‑14 DHS Certification: Requires DHS Level III certification in Systems Engineering or Test and Evaluation within 24 months of placement; a secondary certification in Program Management, Systems Engineering, Test and Evaluation, or Life Cycle Logistics is highly desired. Essay Questions: The vacancy questionnaire includes four short, free‑response essay questions. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. Apply at https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12931326. The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), as well as disabled veterans with a compensable service‑connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non‑competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click the relevant links or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed above.
213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service‑connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR
315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non‑competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
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