Systems Planning & Analysis ยท 6 hours ago
Senior Systems Engineer
Alexandria, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
10+ years expSystems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. The Senior Systems Engineer will provide expert systems engineering support focused on DHS policies and governance, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance acquisition processes and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
AnalyticsInformation Technology
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Provide expert systems engineering support focused on DHS policies, governance, and oversight of both 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, driving effective and efficient program execution, mitigating risks, and enhancing overall mission outcomes in homeland security initiatives
Develop, interpret, and apply DHS acquisition policies, including the DHS Instruction 102-01 (Acquisition Management) and related directives, to guide program planning, execution, and oversight
Ensure alignment with Federal standards such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (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), to ensure programs are executed efficiently
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 diverse DHS programs, including cybersecurity, border security, and emergency response systems
Interface with internal CBP components (e.g., OFO, USBP, AMO) and external partners (e.g., contractors, interagency groups) 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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's 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 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
Able to work fully onsite based on client needs
Preferred
Master's degree
DHS Acquisition Certification (e.g., Level III in Systems Engineering or Program Management)
Experience with agile acquisition practices in government settings
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
Company
Systems Planning & Analysis
Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) is a leading global provider of data-driven analytical insights for critical national security programs.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2021-10-06Acquired
Leadership Team
Rich Sawchak
Chief Executive Officer
Bruce Phillips
Vice President, Emerging Markets Growth
Recent News
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2025-12-13
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2025-10-10
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