Job Requirements
Washington, DC
Dept of Homeland Security Polygraph not specified
Mid Level Career (5+ yrs experience)
$120,000 - $140,000
Job Description
About Bright Star
Bright Star is a forward-thinking technology consultancy that specializes in harnessing the power of data and AI to solve complex business challenges. Our team of experts combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight to deliver innovative solutions that drive meaningful impact for our clients. Role Description
Bright Star is recruiting an experienced Applied Mission Engineer to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The role supports the design and construction of tactical technology infrastructure along the borders of the United States. The Applied Mission Engineer will apply subject matter expertise to evaluate a wide range of border security technologies, assess their operational relevance, and provide technical insight to support investment decisions, test and evaluation, and implementation of technologies that support border security operations. This is a full-time hybrid position based in the Washington, DC area.
Key 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 (NII) Systems: 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 Statements of Objectives (SOO), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Functional Requirements Documents (FRDs), and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS)
• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to track progress, resolve technical issues, and support informed decision-making throughout program execution
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field
• 3+ 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
• U.S. citizenship required
• This position is contingent on passing a CBP Background Investigation (BI). Applicants selected for this position will be subject to a comprehensive government security investigation. The background investigation includes financial, criminal, residential, educational, foreign affiliation, and employment verifications.
Preferred Qualifications
• Highly Preferred: Active/Full U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) BI
• Experience working across technical and operational teams in mission-driven environments
Bright Star is a forward-thinking technology consultancy that specializes in harnessing the power of data and AI to solve complex business challenges. Our team of experts combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight to deliver innovative solutions that drive meaningful impact for our clients. Role Description
Bright Star is recruiting an experienced Applied Mission Engineer to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The role supports the design and construction of tactical technology infrastructure along the borders of the United States. The Applied Mission Engineer will apply subject matter expertise to evaluate a wide range of border security technologies, assess their operational relevance, and provide technical insight to support investment decisions, test and evaluation, and implementation of technologies that support border security operations. This is a full-time hybrid position based in the Washington, DC area.
Key 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 (NII) Systems: 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 Statements of Objectives (SOO), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Functional Requirements Documents (FRDs), and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS)
• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to track progress, resolve technical issues, and support informed decision-making throughout program execution
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field
• 3+ 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
• U.S. citizenship required
• This position is contingent on passing a CBP Background Investigation (BI). Applicants selected for this position will be subject to a comprehensive government security investigation. The background investigation includes financial, criminal, residential, educational, foreign affiliation, and employment verifications.
Preferred Qualifications
• Highly Preferred: Active/Full U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) BI
• Experience working across technical and operational teams in mission-driven environments
group id: 91142906