About Bright Star
Bright Star is a forward-thinking technology consultancy that specializes in harnessing the power of data and AI to solve complex business challenges. Our team of experts combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight to deliver innovative solutions that drive meaningful impact for our clients.
Role Description
Bright Star is seeking a Test & Evaluation Engineer to support a federal border security program. This is a mid-level, hands-on Test & Evaluation (T&E) role responsible for supporting the planning, execution, and reporting of operational and developmental test activities for fielded technology systems.
This is not a software QA or application testing role. Candidates whose experience is limited to software-only testing should not apply.
The Test & Evaluation Engineer will work closely with senior test leadership, federal program staff, engineers, contractors, and operational users to help ensure systems are tested safely, thoroughly, and effectively in real-world environments.
This role supports test events that directly inform system performance, operational readiness, and deployment decisions for mission-critical federal programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Support Test & Evaluation activities for operational technology systems supporting federal mission needs.
- Assist in developing and maintaining Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP), Test Plans, Test Procedures, and Test Reports.
- Participate in field and operational test events, including test preparation, execution, data collection, and analysis.
- Participate in field testing activities, which may include working in outdoor environments and walking extended distances under varying field conditions.
- Support Test Planning Working Groups (TPWG) and coordination across government, contractor, and operational stakeholders.
- Help plan and schedule test events, identify risks, dependencies, and impacts to scope and schedule.
- Support live operational test events in field environments under the direction of test leadership.
- Work with operational users to ensure test objectives reflect real-world mission requirements.
- Contribute to briefings and written reports summarizing test objectives, execution, and results.
- Assist in translating technical test data into clear findings for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Travel domestically up to 25% to support test planning and execution.
Required Qualifications
- U.S. citizenship required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Background Investigation (BI).
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physical Sciences, or related technical field.
- 5 years of professional experience supporting Test & Evaluation activities for federal government systems or programs.
- Experience participating in operational, field, or developmental test events.
- Experience contributing to Test Plans, Test Procedures, and Test Reports.
- Experience and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and Microsoft Teams preferred.
- Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in operational or field environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Active CBP BI, DHS suitability, or other DHS clearance STRONGLY preferred.
- Experience supporting sensing, detection, or infrastructure-related systems.
- Familiarity with testing distributed or networked physical systems.
- Experience working with operational end users during test events.
- Background in data analysis or performance assessment of operational systems.
- Familiarity with MS Office, Sharepoint, and TEAMS.
Details
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $120,000 – $140,000 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Test & Evaluation: 5 years
Ability to Commute:
Ability to Relocate:
- Washington, DC: Relocate before starting work
Work Location:
- Hybrid remote in Washington, DC
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear
- Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
- Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
- Occasionally participate in field tests in varying terrain conditions
- Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
To Apply
Equal Employment Opportunity
Bright Star is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Due to the nature of our work as a government contractor, all employees are required to have full U.S Citizenship at the time of hire. Are you a U.S Citizen?
- Do have hold an active CBP clearance or other DHS clearance? Provide a detailed explanation. Response to this question is required to be considered for this position.
Experience:
- Test & Evaluation: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20004
