Clarification from the agency
Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements and understand a Foreign Service career.
Applicants may not reapply for one year after their previous application for the same position.
If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years, you may not apply (except Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs).
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
- 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 opportunity.
- 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 State Department’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 panel.
- 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 Department of State on committees
- Represents the Department of State on technical and physical security issues with allied nations.
- Represents the 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 inspections.
- Participates in the accreditation process.
- Develops technical security standards and policies.
- Oversees compliance with department security standards.
- Manages the security of construction sites.
- Leads in the commissioning of new embassies/consulates/missions.
- Prepares decommissioning plans.
Conditions 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:
- 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.
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:
- Think logically and objectively analyze problems, apply sound judgment in assessing possible solutions, adjust to changing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Present technical findings in a clear and concise manner to non-technical personnel.
- Work and deal effectively with others.
- Obtain cooperation and confidence from co-workers, supervisors (including professors and teachers) and subordinates as well as non-technical individuals.
- 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:
- Ability to see objects that are near, far, or at night.
- Ability to hear speech or other sounds, possibly including sufficient sensitivity to hear sounds of low volume or in noisy environments.
- Ability to speak clearly enough so others will understand, including speaking to groups.
- Ability to walk moderate distances, climb stairs, or access workstations and vehicles.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, carry, climb ladders, or balance.
- Ability to bend, stretch, stoop, twist, or reach.
- Ability to manipulate small objects with hands or fingers.
- 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.
- Mental endurance to maintain attention for extended periods or work long hours.
- Ability to tolerate heat, cold, noise, or pollution.
- Ability to lift with or without assistance.
- Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and other inclines.
- 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.
Benefits
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas, tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
Additional Salary Information
The salary listed is based on the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. SEOs are hired at the FP-04, FP-05, or FP-06 grade based on education and experience. The starting step is determined in part by the highest educational level achieved and specialized experience level beyond the minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on their highest previous rate as a federal employee. For information on salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/fs-entry-salaries/
Review our benefits
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated. You may preview questions for this vacancy.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded (not linked) and the application is complete before the closing deadline of this announcement. Documents sent via link will not be accepted. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will disqualify the application from further consideration.
- Résumé from USAJobs Résumé Builder, the only résumé format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
- Complete online application, including the required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest narratives.
- All required supporting documentation, including proof of educational achievements, certifications, professional licenses, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement. Transcripts must include name, school's name, credit hours, and if applicable, degree and date awarded. Evidence of licensure at time of application should also be provided. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted.
- Veteran’s Preference documentation for applicants aged 60 to 64. If claiming a 5 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 that includes character of service (e.g., Service 2 or Member 4 copy) or Certification of service at the time of your application. If claiming a 10 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the date the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.
Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest
These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming a Foreign Service Specialist. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters). You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.
Accomplishments Questionnaire
1. Substantive Knowledge: Using your knowledge and application of engineering and technical principles, practices, and equipment, provide your best example of a situation where you found a solution to mitigate a security threat. Indicate the nature of the problem, who was affected by the problem and in what way, and the results or benefits of your solution. The best examples highlight your knowledge of physical/technical security, IT, electronics, or materials to solve a practical problem.
2. Intellectual Skills: Describe a time when you had to analyze a situation and make a quick decision. Describe the circumstances that made this an important decision. What process did you follow for making the decision and were you satisfied with the results?
3. Interpersonal Skills: Provide an example that demonstrates you are good at communicating, building consensus, and achieving buy-in from others in difficult work situations. What exactly did you do that shows your ability to motivate others toward a common goal?
4. Communication Skills: Describe a situation where you used your verbal, written, or foreign language communication skills to describe a technical issue to a non-technical audience. How do you know if your skills contributed to an increased understanding of the issue?
5. Managerial Skills: Describe your management of people, money, or programs. What planning tools and techniques did you use to manage the resources and achieve a successful outcome? Be specific in describing how you used them.
6. Leadership Skills: What are your experiences and strengths as a leader? Describe a time when you demonstrated those strengths to identify and solve a serious problem that required immediate action.
Statement of Interest
Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:
- Motivation for joining the Foreign Service;
- Relevant work experience, including any unique strengths not described elsewhere, such as special skills (e.g. computer), current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position;
- Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in the United States.
Submit your application early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.
1. From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Login screen and log in to your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
2. Follow the USAJobs Application Process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume.
3. USAJobs will transfer you to the State Department agency online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions to answer the online questions. Your Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You may save your work and can return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
4. Submit required documentation using one of the three methods the application system allows: Transfer documents from a USAJOBS portfolio; upload documents from your computer; or resubmit documents from a previous application. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted.
5. After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review the entire application packet, including the links for submitted documents.
6. Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are submitted and the application is complete before the closing deadline. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further. There are no exceptions.
Submit your application early and verify that your documents are attached. You may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
For more information on the Foreign Service Specialist hiring process, please visit our FAQs at FSS Selection Process - Careers (state.gov).
Next steps
After the close of the announcement, the application status in USAJobs will say "Reviewing Applications." This status on USAJobs will not be updated further. You can click on "Track this application" for more information. Applicants will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your applications.
For more information on the selection process, please visit FSS Selection Process - Careers (state.gov).
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