Sr. Digital Engineer

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing results that matter. We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets.

The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic and analytical support to customers with missions in national security to include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields of countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, nuclear non‑proliferation, weapons deployment programs, and transportation safety.

In addition to management and advisory services, 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 immediate need for a Sr. Digital Engineer to support DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) customers located in Washington, DC. This position allows for a hybrid work schedule.

• Provide senior‑level engineering support to CBP, contributing to the full lifecycle development of complex CBP systems—from architecture and requirements development through modeling and simulation (M&S), testing and assessment, and operational rollout, focusing on aligning new and existing capabilities with mission needs through enterprise‑level engineering and systems analysis.
• Develop and maintain enterprise architecture products, including operational, system, and capability views in accordance with frameworks such as DoDAF.
• Support analysis of CBP acquisition programs and initiatives to assess alignment with strategic capability priorities, identify gaps and overlaps across programs, and recommend integration strategies.
• Apply MBSE practices and digital engineering tools (e.g., Innoslate, Cameo, or similar solutions) to create system models and simulations that inform systems development.
• Participate in CBP‑wide working groups to drive the adoption of consistent digital engineering practices across the enterprise.
• Leverage architectural data to develop and run M&S to assess new operational concepts, evaluate proposed system enhancements, and identify potential risks.
• Support evaluation of emerging technologies through pilot efforts and operational demonstrations.
• Work with CBP stakeholders to capture operational needs, define technical requirements, and assess feasibility and suitability.
• Conduct market research, draft technical specifications, and contribute to test planning and results analysis.

Required:

• U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and retain a DHS Suitability and/or CBP Background Investigation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in systems engineering, including full systems lifecycle support.
• Experience supporting government acquisition programs; familiarity with DHS Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC) framework.
• Proficiency in developing architecture views aligned with DoDAF or other Federal architecture frameworks.
• Hands‑on experience with MBSE (Innoslate, Cameo) and M&S tools (such as Spectrum‑E, Arena, or AFSIM).
• Working knowledge of scripting or analytical languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to present technical findings to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Able to work on‑site based on client needs.

Desired:

• Master’s degree in a technical or engineering…