Sr. Systems Engineer

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. Our team is known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and a clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic and analytical support to customers with missions in national security, including DHS, HHS, and the FAA. The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields such as countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, nuclear non-proliferation, weapons deployment programs, and transportation safety. CIG staff collaborate closely with our clients to provide high-quality modeling, simulation, software, and analytical products to meet the most demanding government standards and timelines.

We have an upcoming need for a Sr. Systems Engineer to provide onsite/hybrid support in the Northern VA area.

Responsibilities

• Join the DHS Acquisition Management team to provide expert systems engineering support focused on DHS policies, governance, and oversight of Major and Non-Major acquisition programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze, evaluate, and optimize acquisition processes, ensuring compliance with Federal regulations and DHS directives.
• Support senior leadership in data-driven decision-making to drive effective program execution, mitigate risks, and enhance mission outcomes in homeland security initiatives.
• Develop, interpret, and apply DHS acquisition policies, including DHS Instruction 102-01 (Acquisition Management) and related directives, to guide program planning, execution, and oversight.
• Ensure alignment with Federal standards such as the FAR and DHS-specific guidelines.
• Conduct comprehensive reviews and assessments of Major and Non-Major acquisition programs, including requirements analysis, risk management, and performance metrics.
• Identify gaps in systems engineering practices and recommend improvements to enhance program lifecycle management from concept through sustainment.
• Provide technical analyses, briefings, and recommendations to DHS senior executives and program managers to inform strategic decisions.
• Synthesize complex data on program status, cost, schedule, and technical performance to facilitate informed oversight and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with acquisition teams to implement systems engineering best practices, such as model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
• Monitor program milestones, evaluate trade-offs, and support corrective actions to address deviations and improve outcomes.
• Perform verification and validation of acquisition artifacts, ensuring adherence to governance frameworks.
• Develop mitigation strategies for technical, schedule, and budgetary risks across DHS programs, including cybersecurity, border security, and emergency response systems.
• Interface with internal CBP components (e.g., OFO, USBP, AMO) and external partners to foster collaboration and resolve systems engineering challenges.
• Prepare reports and presentations for oversight bodies like the Acquisition Review Board (ARB).
• Stay abreast of emerging systems engineering trends, tools, and methodologies relevant to DHS missions.
• Contribute to policy updates, training programs, and process enhancements to elevate acquisition maturity.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years in systems engineering, with 5+ years focused on Federal acquisition programs, preferably within DHS or DoD.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing Major Acquisition Programs (e.g., ACAT I/II equivalents) and familiarity with the DHS Acquisition Lifecycle Framework (ALF).
• Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) or equivalent.
• CBP Background Investigation or Active Top Secret clearance.
• Strong knowledge of DHS policies, including MD 102-01 and related acquisition instructions.
• Superior communication skills for briefing senior leaders and drafting technical documents.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment with competing priorities.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and influencing outcomes in complex programs.
• Ability to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired Qualifications

• Masters degree.
• DHS Acquisition Certification (e.g., Level III in Systems Engineering or Program Management).
• Experience with agile acquisition practices in government settings.
• Test and Evaluation management and/or metric development experience.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity integration in acquisition programs (e.g., NIST frameworks, FISMA).
• Prior involvement in DHS-specific programs such as biometric systems, border security, and immigration systems.

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $125k-$165k

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $125,000.00/Yr. - USD $165,000.00/Yr.