Diplomatic Security: Foreign Service Security Engineering Officer (FS-2550)

Summary

The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Foreign Service Security Engineering Officer vacancies based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about a career in the Foreign Service and about the Bureau of Diplomatic Security by clicking provided links. There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation. A recruitment incentive may be available.

Duties

• Foreign Service Security Engineering Officers (SEOs) are members of the Diplomatic Security team who protect U.S. Department of State personnel, facilities, and sensitive information against acts of crime, terrorism, and technical espionage. SEOs carry out this mission at over 275 U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, as well as offices in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area and Fort Lauderdale, FL. SEOs are deemed essential security personnel whose duties can vary according to the size of the U.S. presence, the requirements of the specific diplomatic facility, and known threats. The following are the duties and tasks of all the SEO jobs in the Department at all locations and levels to provide a complete understanding of work throughout a career based on the most recent job analysis. Managing Engineering Offices Oversees security networks. Plans the layout of facilities. Determines required work. Plans projects, oversees project planning on other areas, and documents completed activities. Distributes workload. Coordinates the flow of activities. Identifies and monitors needed resources. Reports office activities. Evaluates assigned employees. Advocates employee concerns and recognizes employee contributions. Ensures and promotes equal employment opportunities. Manages office safety program. Creates and maintains web sites. Manages accountable property. Providing Technical Support Throughout Geographic Region Serves as the security engineering subject matter expert in a geographic region. Monitors the technical security status of constituent posts. Determines required support. Coordinates planned travel. Authorizes and directs regional travel. Designates team leaders. Identifies support and safety requirements. Installs and replaces security equipment. Oversees equipment testing and maintenance. Addresses emergencies on a timely basis. Supports crisis management. Completing Assessments and Evaluations of Security Provides technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM). Performs TSCM inspections at embassies and consulates. Conducts annual technical security assessments. Completes computer security assessments. Ensures material and equipment security. Considers improvements in the technology of adversaries. Completes inspection and assessment reporting. Serves as a non-professional diplomatic courier. Overseeing the U.S. Department of State's Regional Computer Security Officer Program Serves as a regional computer security officer. Inspects regional computer facilities. Formally evaluates information technology assessments. Designs, improves, or modifies information technology networks. Manages cyber security programs. Directing Engineering Disciplines Works as a design engineer. Works as a systems engineer. Works as a radio-frequency engineer. Works as a project engineer. Works as a network engineer. Works as an emanations engineer. Works as a biometrics countermeasures/verification engineer. Develops requests for proposals. Serves on technical evaluation panels. Serves as a contracting officer's representative. Serves on interagency committees. Develops special projects for physical security in high threat posts. Monitors the development of new equipment. Evaluates equipment proposed for controlled access areas. Designs installation guidance plans. Specifies equipment, supplies, and installation material. Applies systems engineering to the computerized maintenance management system. Addresses computerized maintenance management system support requirements. Representing the U.S. Department of State on Committees Represents the U.S. Department of State on technical and physical security issues with allied nations. Represents the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in committee work. Participates in international and interagency exercises. Evaluating Technical Security and Construction Projects for the Department or Other Government Agencies Reviews engineering drawings. Performs quality assurance…

Key requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
• Be able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• Be able to meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
• Be able to meet the supplemental physical qualification standards.
• Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
• Be at least 20 years old at application and 21 years old to be appointed.
• Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***
• Possess and maintain a valid/current U.S. Driver&#8217
• s License.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the education requirement, candidates must meet the experience requirements below for the following grade levels: FP-06 0-2 yrs of experience FP-05 3-4 yrs of specialized experience; or Masters in one of the required degrees and at least one year of specialized experience FP-04 4+ yrs of specialized experience; or PhD in one of the required degrees and at least one year of specialized experience Candidates for this position should have academic achievements and/or job-related experiences that reflect the following knowledge and skills. For experienced candidates, showing progressively increasing levels of performance and responsibility is required. Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Knowledge of networks and cyber security assessments and testing. Understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum, and RF interrelationships and characteristics as it relates to the design and operation of electronic and electromagnetic systems. Hands-on experience in the operation and use of electronic instrumentation such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzer, sound pressure level meters, time-delay reflectors, network analysis and similar equipment that may be applied to test, certify, and troubleshoot electrical, electronic, mechanical, electromechanical and computer systems. Knowledge and hands-on familiarity of computer systems, computer security, and familiarity with operating systems, hardware platforms, and networks. Ability to read, interpret, create electrical and electromechanical schematics and architectural drawings, including electrical/mechanical building systems drawings. Knowledge of project management to include root cause analysis, project planning and process management. Applying technical security policies, guidance, and standards to risk analysis and risk management. Managing a budget to include cost analysis, logistics and travel requirements. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) The Department bases its hiring decisions on extensive job analysis research to identify the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and other attributes that lead to successful performance in this position. Hiring officials will evaluate each candidate's education, work experience, and other qualifications against these KSA-based criteria. For experienced candidates, showing progressively increasing levels of performance and responsibility is desirable. Knowledge of Engineering and Technology Knowledge of engineering principles and practices, including relevant disciplines such as electronics and the electromagnetic spectrum. Knowledge of information technology equipment, networks and network protocols, and basic cybersecurity concepts. Ability to use and understand computer programs and apply risk analysis to technical systems and operations. Technical Skills Ability to read, interpret, and develop schematic diagrams, electrical drawings, and building plans. Skill in selecting, operating, and maintaining electronic equipment and related tools. Ability to use and, when necessary, help develop test equipment and diagnostic tools. Skill in surveying, evaluating, and documenting technical conditions or systems. Ability to use computer software for analysis, documentation, and reporting. Project Management Skills Ability to plan and organize projects, including defining scope, timelines, and deliverables. Skill in developing action plans and setting schedules, priorities, and goals. Ability to identify and solve problems using sound judgment and structured analysis. Skill in making informed decisions under time and information constraints. People Management and Interpersonal Skills Ability to supervise, motivate, and lead employees or project teams. Skill in fostering teamwork and collaboration across diverse groups. Ability to resolve conflicts and maintain productive relationships. Skill in delivering effective customer service to internal and external stakeholders.…

Education

Candidates must have a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, Master of Science (MS), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or Physics, from a school with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), or evidence of successfully passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by a state, District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico engineering licensure board. A current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any state, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico may also be used to fulfill the education requirement. Submit evidence of licensure at time of application, if applicable. Candidates entering their junior year in the fall of 2026, in an engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, or physics program or beginning a master's degree program in one of those disciplines beginning in the fall of 2026 may apply as long as the school has at least one program accredited by ABET. Degrees must be granted by December 31, 2028. Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of program completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign Education Foreign education acquired outside of any state of the U.S., the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or any territory or possession of the U.S. must be evaluated by a member organization of one of the two national associations of credential evaluation services (NACES or AICE) in order to be given credit towards qualification. The accredited interpretation must include the summary and the foreign education transcripts. Foreign education transcripts that have not been evaluated by a credential evaluation service will not be accepted and the…