Remote Optical Engineer Intern Jobs in Washington

We are seeking an Applied Mission Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team supporting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Program Management Office (PMO). This role is ideal for engineers who are passionate about applying technical expertise to real-world national security challenges and advancing mission-critical capabilities through research, evaluation, and informed decision-making. This position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a CBP Background Investigation (BI) is required; active CBP BI preferred. This position requires 20% travel that may entail remote and rugged areas.

The Applied Engineer will work closely with CBP stakeholders, program managers, and technical experts to assess technologies, guide development efforts, inform program strategies, and enable effective deployment of integrated systems. This includes both field-focused technical assessments and the development of supporting engineering and programmatic documentation. The ideal candidate has experience with research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E), and can bridge the gap between emerging capability and mission utility.

LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with innovation and speed. Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and mission-ready AI to federal agencies at commercial speed.

Leveraging our mission-ready technology and solutions, proven expertise in federal deployment, and strategic relationships, we enhance outcomes for the government, efficiently and effectively. With a focus on agility and collaboration, LMI serves the defense, space, healthcare, and energy sectors-helping agencies navigate complexity and outpace change. Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, LMI is committed to delivering impactful results that strengthen missions and drive lasting value.

• Apply subject matter expertise and evaluate a wide range of border security technologies to inform investment decisions, support test and evaluation, and ensure operational relevance. Areas of focus may include:
• Surveillance Systems: Day/night electro-optical (EO) cameras, infrared (IR) and thermal imaging systems, wide-area motion imagery (WAMI), and ground surveillance radar.
• Sensor Networks: Seismic, acoustic, and vibration-based ground sensors; sensor towers; and integrated multi-sensor systems for tracking and perimeter awareness.
• Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (cUAS): RF detection and mitigation systems, radar tracking, EO/IR cueing sensors, and kinetic or non-kinetic interceptors.
• Mobile and Fixed Platforms: Surveillance-equipped vehicles, unmanned ground systems (e.g., robotic scouts), and autonomous observation towers or drones.
• Biometric and Identity Solutions: Facial recognition systems, mobile biometric collection kits, and multimodal screening technologies.
• Non-Intrusive Inspection Systems (NII): Vehicle and cargo scanning systems using X-ray, gamma-ray, or neutron-based inspection technologies, as well as trace detection for narcotics or explosives.
• Environmental and Infrastructure Technologies: Terrain monitoring tools, smart barriers, and environmental sensors that affect system placement, coverage, and performance.
• Evaluate technical content from industry and government sources, including RFI responses, proposals, white papers, technology demonstration plans, and contractor deliverables.
• Plan and execute technical demonstrations, field tests, and system evaluations, including data collection, performance analysis, and results interpretation.
• Conduct structured technology assessments and capability reviews to identify and analyze emerging technologies with potential mission impact.
• Translate operational and mission needs into technical requirements and actionable engineering guidance in collaboration with CBP mission stakeholders.
• Develop technical reports, white papers, and decision briefings to support investment planning and acquisition strategies.
• Support engineering and program planning by contributing to key program artifacts, including: Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC) tailoring plans, Systems Engineering Plans (SEP), Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP), and Integrated Master Schedules (IMS)
• Assist in the development of supporting documentation, including Statement of Objectives (SOO), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Functional Requirements Documents (FRDs), Concepts of Operation (CONOPS)
• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to track progress, resolve technical issues, and support informed decision-making throughout program execution.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or related technical field preferred
• 5+ years of experience in applied engineering, technology evaluation, or systems development
• Familiarity with DHS or DOD acquisition processes, including SELC and test planning
• Excellent analytical, communication, and technical writing skills
• Experience working across technical and operational teams in mission-driven environments
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a CBP Background Investigation (BI) is required; active CBP BI preferred.

Target salary range: $108,324 - $186,052

Disclaimer: 

The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for a U.S. Government security clearance. Only US Citizens are eligible for a security clearance. For this position, LMI will only consider applicants with security clearances or applicants who are eligible for security clearances, due to the nature of the work.