Diplomatic Security: Foreign Service Security Engineering Officer

Duties

Foreign Service Security Engineering Officers (SEOs) are members of the Diplomatic Security team who protect Department of State personnel, facilities, and sensitive information against acts of crime, terrorism, and technical espionage. Security Engineering Officers carry out this mission at over 275 U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, as well as offices in the metropolitan Washington, DC 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

1. Oversees security networks.
2. Plans the layout of facilities.
3. Determines required work.
4. Plans projects, oversees project planning on other areas, and documents completed activities.
5. Distributes workload.
6. Coordinates the flow of activities.
7. Identifies and monitors needed resources.
8. Reports office activities.
9. Evaluates assigned employees.
10. Advocates employee concerns and recognizes employee contributions.
11. Ensures and promotes equal employment opportunity.
12. Manages office safety program.
13. Creates and maintains web sites.
14. Manages accountable property.

Providing Technical Support throughout Geographic Region

1. Serves as the security engineering subject matter expert in a geographic region.
2. Monitors the technical security status of constituent posts.
3. Determines required support.
4. Coordinates planned travel.
5. Authorizes and directs regional travel.
6. Designates team leaders.
7. Identifies support and safety requirements.
8. Installs and replaces security equipment.
9. Oversees equipment testing and maintenance.
10. Addresses emergencies on a timely basis.
11. Supports crisis management.

Completing Assessments and Evaluations of Security

1. Provides technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM)
2. Performs TSCM inspections at embassies and consulates.
3. Conducts annual technical security assessments.
4. Completes computer security assessments.
5. Ensures material and equipment security.
6. Considers improvements in the technology of adversaries.
7. Completes inspection and assessment reporting.
8. Serves as a non-professional diplomatic courier.

Overseeing the State Department’s Regional Computer Security Officer Program

1. Serves as a regional computer security officer.
2. Inspects regional computer facilities.
3. Formally evaluates information technology assessments.
4. Designs, improves, or modifies information technology networks.
5. Manages cyber security programs.

Directing Engineering Disciplines

1. Works as a design engineer.
2. Works as a systems engineer.
3. Works as a radio-frequency engineer.
4. Works as a project engineer.
5. Works as a network engineer.
6. Works as an emanations engineer.
7. Works as a biometrics countermeasures/verification engineer.
8. Develops requests for proposals.
9. Serves on technical evaluation panel.
10. Serves as a contracting officer’s representative.
11. Serves on interagency committees.
12. Develops special projects for physical security in high threat posts.
13. Monitors the development of new equipment.
14. Evaluates equipment proposed for controlled access areas.
15. Designs installation guidance plans.
16. Specifies equipment, supplies, and installation material.
17. Applies systems engineering to the computerized maintenance management system.
18. Addresses computerized maintenance management system support requirements.

Representing the Department of State on committees

1. Represents the Department of State on technical and physical security issues with allied nations.
2. Represents the Department of State and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in committee work.
3. Participates in international and interagency exercises.

Evaluating Technical Security and Construction Projects for the Department or Other Government Agencies

1. Reviews engineering drawings.
2. Performs quality assurance inspections.
3. Participates in the accreditation process.
4. Develops technical security standards and policies.
5. Oversees compliance with department security standards.
6. Manages the security of construction sites.
7. Leads in the commissioning of new embassies/consulates/missions.
8. Prepares decommissioning plans.

RequirementsConditions of Employment

• Be a U.S. citizen and available for worldwide service.*
• Be able to obtain Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance.
• Be able to obtain an appropriate Foreign Service Medical Clearance.
• Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
• Be at least 20 years old and at least 21 years old to be appointed.
• Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***

Applicants must be available for worldwide service and be able to tolerate intensive world travel, potentially living away from family, and possibly working and living in difficult and/or isolated conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a strong command of the English language to include grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A Foreign Service Specialist must consistently display a high standard of written English (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling, and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity, and succinctness).

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the education requirement, applicants must meet the experience requirements below for the following grade levels:

• FP-06      0-2 years of experience
• FP-05      3-4 years of specialized experience; or Masters in one of the required degrees and at least one year of specialized experience
• FP-04      4+ years of specialized experience; or PhD in one of the required degrees and at least one year of specialized experience

Applicants 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:

1. Knowledge of networks and cyber security assessments and testing.
2. Understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum, and RF interrelationships and characteristics as it relates to the design and operation of electronic and electromagnetic systems.
3. 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.
4. Knowledge and hands-on familiarity of computer systems, computer security, and familiarity with operating systems, hardware platforms, and networks.
5. Ability to read, interpret, create electrical and electromechanical schematics and architectural drawings, including electrical/mechanical building systems drawings.
6. Knowledge of project management to include root cause analysis, project planning and process management.
7. Applying technical security policies, guidance, and standards to risk analysis and risk management.
8. Managing a budget to include cost analysis, logistics and travel requirements.

In addition, the applicant’s experience, education, and training must show they have an in-depth knowledge of their field and possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) appropriate to this Foreign Service position.  The applicant MUST have the ability to:

1. Think logically and objectively analyze problems, apply sound judgment in assessing possible solutions, adjust to changing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
2. Present technical findings in a clear and concise manner to non-technical personnel.
3. Work and deal effectively with others.
4. Obtain cooperation and confidence from co-workers, supervisors (including professors and teachers) and subordinates as well as non-technical individuals.
5. Work with minimum job supervision and a willingness to accept responsibility.

Essential Physical Requirements

Some of the essential functions of the job have a physically demanding component.  Listed below are the requirements:

1. Ability to see objects that are near, far, or at night.
2. Ability to hear speech or other sounds, possibly including sufficient sensitivity to hear sounds of low volume or in noisy environments.
3. Ability to speak clearly enough so others will understand, including speaking to groups.
4. Ability to walk moderate distances, climb stairs, or access workstations and vehicles.
5. Ability to lift, push, pull, carry, climb ladders, or balance.
6. Ability to bend, stretch, stoop, twist, or reach.
7. Ability to manipulate small objects with hands or fingers.
8. Endurance to perform movements repeatedly or continually, possibly including the ability to stand for extended periods or take frequent extended trips by plane or car.
9. Mental endurance to maintain attention for extended periods or work long hours.
10. Ability to tolerate heat, cold, noise, or pollution.
11. Ability to lift with or without assistance.
12. Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and other inclines.
13. Ability to crawl under, around, or over objects.

A physical examination of each applicant offered a position is required to ensure that the candidate meets the essential physical and medical requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the job and can meet the required minimum medical qualification standards. In addition, candidates must have vision that is correctable to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other, no color blindness, adequate night vision, and good peripheral vision.

• Note:  Lasik surgery and implantable lens are permitted. Surgical and follow-up reports will be required.  Candidates must also have good hearing with no loss of greater than 30 decibels at 500, 1000, or 2000, Hz level.
• Note:  Use of hearing appliances is not allowed. The musculoskeletal system should have no deformities, diseases, or limiting conditions that would interfere with the performance of duties.

Note: The medical examination is required only after a candidate has successfully passed the assessments. It is not part of the initial application package.

The supplemental standards for the SEO position can be found at https://careers.state.gov/downloads/ under Documents and Forms/DS Supplemental Medical Standards/Security Engineering Officers/Supplemental Standards.

Education

Applicants 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.

Applicants entering their junior year in the fall of 2023 or entering an engineering, computer science, physics or cybersecurity master’s degree program beginning the fall of 2023 may apply as long as the school has at least one program accredited by ABET. Degrees must be granted by December 31, 2025.

Official or unofficial transcripts must be submitted with your application to demonstrate you meet the required educational achievement in the Science, Physics, Cybersecurity, or Engineering fields. Transcripts must include your name, the school’s name, the degree, and date awarded. A transcript missing any of these elements or any pages will not meet the minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level.

Final acceptance will be predicated on receipt of the degree. Your transcript must include your name, the school's name, the degree, and date awarded.

Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the U.S. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted.

NACES: https://www.naces.org/index

AICE: https://aice-eval.org/

For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.

OPM: www.opm.gov

U.S. Department of Education: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.

Additional information

*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILIY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.

U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.

**The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/

***For more information about Veteran’s Preference and how it is applied in the selection process, visit Veteran Programs - Careers (state.gov).

No applicant will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.

A Foreign Service Specialist separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 may not re-apply to be a Foreign Service Specialist in the same skill code but may apply for another skill code or to be a Foreign Service Generalist.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.

The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to qualified candidates with disabilities.  Procedures vary by test type, and all candidates must request reasonable accommodations in advance.  See What is the Assessment Center’s policy on reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or those who have medical conditions or other needs, such as the use of medical devices or access to a lactation room?      - Careers (state.gov) for more information.