Diplomatic Security: Foreign Service Security Engineering Officer (FS-2550) Job in Department of State Posts - Overseas and Domestic

Vacancy No. SEO-2025-0001 Department Department of State - Agency Wide
Salary $57,932.00 to $128,106.00 Grade 04 to 06
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/1/2024 Close Date 9/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Department of State Posts - Overseas and Domestic


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 (SEO) positions. Learn more about Foreign Service careers at https://careers.state.gov and the Law Enforcement and Security - Careers (state.gov).

There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation. 

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Must be a U.S. citizen. Candidates should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements. Candidates may reapply one year after their most recent DS Security Engineering Officer Test (DSSEOT) for the same position. Candidates may not apply if a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years for any position, (except if the denial was for a DS Special Agent (SA) candidate 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 U.S. 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 U.S. Department of State’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 U.S. Department of State on committees

  1. Represents the U.S. Department of State on technical and physical security issues with allied nations.
  2. Represents the U.S. 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.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • 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’s License.

Candidates 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, candidates 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

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:

  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.
    Knowledge of project management to include root cause analysis, project planning and process management.
  6. Applying technical security policies, guidance, and standards to risk analysis and risk management.
  7. Managing a budget to include cost analysis, logistics and travel requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Department has conducted extensive job analysis research to determine Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes conducive to successful performance in this position. A candidate’s education level, work experience, and other qualifications will be considered as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria.

In addition, the candidate’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 candidate 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.
  6. Tolerance for international career: Accepting assignments based on the needs of the Foreign Service, experiencing frequent global travel. Upon completing orientation and initial training in Washington, D.C., employees are assigned to two sequential tours, typically two-years each, directed by the Department. These entry-level assignments may be overseas or in the United States. After the initial two tours, employees have greater choice as to the location, length, and substantive nature of assignments.

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 candidate 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/career-paths/foreign-service/specialist/law-enforcement-and-security/security-engineering-officer/ under Document Diplomatic Security Engineering Officer Supplemental Standards.

Education

At the time of application, 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 2024, or entering an engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, or physics master’s degree program beginning the fall of 2024 may apply as long as the school has at least one program accredited by ABET. Degrees must be granted by December 31, 2026.

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, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.

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 candidacy will be terminated.

For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management, Foreign Education section, 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.

Please refer to the Required Documents Section on how to submit the required educational documentation for this position.

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 U.S. 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 candidate 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 U.S. 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. For more information visit Requesting Reasonable Accommodations - Careers (state.gov). Decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.

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 extracted from 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/benefits/.

Review our benefits

How You Will Be Evaluated

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, awards, 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.

The Department of State prohibits candidates from plagiarizing any portion of their employment application materials to include responses to questions in which candidates must provide a narrative response. Candidates must create their own responses originally and not copy or adapt them from other sources. The Department analyzes candidate submissions for plagiarism and will discontinue any individual’s candidacy if found to have violated this plagiarism policy.

While the Department of State encourages candidates to create their narratives with great care, including correct use of grammar and style, candidates are prohibited from using any artificial intelligence (AI) tool, to include but not limited to ChatGPT, to aid in their written responses. The Department will discontinue any individual’s candidacy if found to have violated this prohibition on use of AI tools in the application process.

REQUIRED TRAINING

Selected candidates will complete approximately twelve months of specialized training in addition to orientation. The selected candidate must complete the Technical Security Training Path (TSTP) in Springfield, VA. This specialized initial training provides the candidate with the knowledge and skills to operate, install, maintain, and repair technical security systems at post. The second phase of this training is at the Interagency Training Center in Fort Washington, Maryland. Failure to successfully complete any portion of the TSTP is grounds for separation. 


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Required Documents

It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that the application is complete. 

Candidates must answer all questions, include 10-years of work history, and complete the Personal Narrative Questions and Statement of Interest. Applications missing any responses will be terminated.

  1. Personal Narrative Questions

These questions provide an opportunity to describe examples/accomplishments from the candidate’s education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate their qualifications for becoming a SEO. Examples may be from any part of the candidate’s professional/personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words. Compose carefully, as one of the skills necessary is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Information in cover letters, resumes, or CVs will not be accepted/reviewed.

    1. Substantive Knowledge: Describe an accomplishment from your past of using your knowledge and application of engineering and technical principals, practices, and equipment 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 example highlights your knowledge of physical/technical security, IT, electronics, or materials to solve a practical problem.
    2. Intellectual Skills: Describe an experience when you used your intellectual skills (meaning gathering and analyzing information, critical thinking, and active learning) to analyze a technical problem and found a solution. What was the problem and what process did you follow for finding a solution?
    3. Interpersonal Skills: Provide an example that demonstrates you are good at communicating, understanding the perspectives and emotions of others, building relationships, and achieving consensus and buy-in from others in difficult situations. What exactly did you do that shows your ability to motivate others toward a common goal?
    4. Communication Skills: Describe a situation in which you used your communication skills to describe a technical issue to a non-technical audience. Be specific as to how you translated the technical terms and concepts without “dumbing-down” the content.
    5. Managerial Skills: Describe a project you directly managed or helped to manage and the techniques and tools you utilized to achieve the project’s goals. Describe how this demonstrated your project management skills.
    6. Leadership Skills: What are your experiences and strengths as a leader? Describe a time when you identified a serious problem that required immediate action. How did you apply your leadership ability to solve the problem, such as initiative, judgment, teambuilding, and inspiring others?

2. Statement of Interest

This required narrative should discuss:

  • Motivation for joining the Foreign Service.
  • Relevant work experience, including unique strengths not previously mentioned, special skills, current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position.
  • Experience living/working in a multicultural environment, overseas, or in the United States.
  1. Education Documents

Candidates with qualifying DSSEOT scores must submit the following documentation to demonstrate they possess the educational level required for this position when requested. Candidates should add *@state.gov as a trusted sender. Neither the Department of State nor Pearson Vue are responsible for the failure of candidates’ internet service provider to deliver messages.

  • Official/unofficial college/university transcripts. Do not submit university diplomas in lieu of higher education transcripts.

Transcripts must comply with the following requirements to be accepted:

  • Must be sent in PDF format. Other formats will be rejected.
  • Must be sent as an attachment. Documents sent via link, secured message, or other non-attachment format, or sent directly from credential evaluation services will be rejected.
  • Must include candidate’s name, school’s name, degree and date awarded/conferred (if applicable).
  • Must have no missing pages.
  • Must be legible.
  • All foreign education transcripts must adhere to additional requirements. See Education Requirements section.
  1. Submit Veteran’s Preference documentation in PDF format for candidates aged 60 to 64 when requested.

If claiming Veteran’s Preference, a copy of the candidate’s DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" that must include the candidate’s Character of Service must be submitted with the application. If claiming a 10-point Veteran’s Preference, the candidate’s VA letter and SF-15 must be submitted in addition to the DD-214. A certification from the armed forces is required only if a veteran has not yet received the DD-214. It must confirm that the service member is expected to be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted and include service dates, expected discharge date, character of service, and any applicable disability rating.

How to Apply

Submit your application and register to take the Diplomatic Security, Security Engineering Officer Test (DSSEOT) as indicated in step 1 below. Do not apply through USAJobs.

  1. Visit pearsonvue.com/DSSEOT.
  2. Create a web account.
  3. Follow the instructions to complete and submit the online application.
  • Answer all self-assessment questions.
  • Include work history with a description of your work duties, accomplishments, skills, and knowledge for the past ten (10) years.
  • Complete the Personal Narrative questions and Statement of Interest. (Please see the Required Documents section for more information.)
  • Applications are automatically saved. Candidates may pause the application process and return to it as many times as needed until the application is submitted.
  • Complete, review, and submit the application. Submitted applications cannot be edited. Application packages must be complete before candidates can register for the DSSEOT test.
  • The submitted application will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this .
  • Candidates have six months to register for and take the DSSEOT after submitting their eligibility verification. Candidates must restart the application process if they have not taken the DSSEOT within this six-month window.
  1. Select an appointment to take the DSSEOT at one of Pearson Vue’s test centers. The test is an important part of the selection process, covering the Job Knowledge, English Expression, and Situational Judgment necessary to perform the functions of this position.


Candidates experiencing technical difficulties with the application process must contact the Pearson Vue Customer Service Desk by calling 1-866-389-8339 (toll free), 1-952-905-7483 (toll) or by utilizing the Chat function on www.pearsonvue.com. The Department of State does not have access to the Pearson Vue System. The Help Desk is available Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time and is closed on local holidays.

For more information on the Foreign Service Specialist hiring processes, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs. 

Agency contact information

DS Recruitment
Phone
000-000-0000
Fax
202-261-8841
Email
DSRecruitment@state.gov
Address
U.S. Department of State
2401 E Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20522
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Candidates with qualifying DSSEOT will be notified by email from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Human Resources Office requesting documentation by a specific deadline. Candidates should add the U.S. Department of State domain name (*.state.gov) as an approved sender. Check the spam/junk mail folder to ensure receipt of email messages regarding candidacy status.

Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all candidates to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before candidates are informed of the application results.

For more information, please visit Our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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