Applied Mission Engineer

We are seeking an 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.

The Applied Engineer will work closely with CBP stakeholders, program managers, and technical experts to assess technologies, guide development efforts, inform program strategies, and enable effective deployment of integrated systems. This includes both field-focused technical assessments and the development of supporting engineering and programmatic documentation. The ideal candidate has experience with research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E), and can bridge the gap between emerging capability and mission utility.

LMI is a consultancy dedicated to powering a future-ready, high-performing government, drawing from expertise in digital and analytic solutions, logistics, and management advisory services. We deliver integrated capabilities that incorporate emerging technologies and are tailored to customers' unique mission needs, backed by objective research and data analysis. Founded in 1961 to help the Department of Defense resolve complex logistics management challenges, LMI continues to enable growth and transformation, enhance operational readiness and resiliency, and ensure mission success for federal civilian and defense agencies.

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.

Qualifications

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

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

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

Target salary range: $108,324 - $186,052

Disclaimer: The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.