🎁 Before you apply, rehearse this interview. Create your free WorkMundi account and get an Interview Training on HelpsYouSpeak — no cost, no card. I want my training →
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 . Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and 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 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 Systems Engineer to provide onsite/hybrid support in the DC/Northern Virginia Area. Responsibilities We are seeking a Systems Engineer to join the DHS Acquisition Management team. This role is pivotal in providing systems engineering support focused on DHS policies, governance, and oversight of both Major and Non-Major acquisition programs. Will collaborate with cross-functional teams to support analysis, evaluation, and optimization of acquisition processes, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and DHS directives. This position plays a critical role in supporting effective and efficient program execution, mitigating risks, and enhancing overall mission outcomes in homeland security initiatives. Ths candidate will s upport 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. C ollaborate 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. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. 3+ years of experience in systems engineering, with experience supporting Federal acquisition programs, preferably within DHS or DoD. U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and retain a DHS Suitability/CBP Background Investigation. Knowledge of DHS policies, including MD 102-01 and related acquisition instructions. Superior communication skills for working with team members and drafting technical documents. Able to work in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment with competing priorities. Able to work fully onsite based on client needs. Desired 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. Prior involvement in DHS-specific programs such as CBRN systems, border security, and immigration systems. 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. Washington, DC, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $85,000.00/Yr. - USD $115,000.00/Yr.
Here's how to pick the right one and stand out in your application.
144.883Jobs
31.687IN
81%EN
That number is real. WorkMundi's database shows 144,883 open engineer roles across the world. India has the most with 31,687 jobs, followed by the United States with 30,084. If you just finished reading one job ad and felt paralyzed by choice, you're not alone—but this scale is actually an advantage. It means you can afford to be selective.
Start by geography and language. The majority of engineer ads—117,837 of them—have the job posting text written in English. Use that as one filter, but remember: the ad text language tells you nothing about whether the role actually requires you to speak English day-to-day. Read the job description carefully. Then check which countries have the volume you're targeting. Singapore, Poland, and Australia round out the top five after India and the US.
Next, learn who's hiring. Accenture has posted 2,801 engineer roles. andurilindustries, speechify, and jobgether are also actively recruiting. If you're applying to one of these names, research their hiring patterns and interview style before you apply. That homework pays off.
When you interview, expect the question every engineer hears: 'Tell me about a time you had to debug a problem that wasn't in your job description.' Have a specific story ready—not a general one. Name the tools, the deadline pressure, and what you learned. Hiring managers listen for whether you see problem-solving as part of the role itself, not a favour.