Transportation Security Equipment (TSA) Architect SME

Position Overview

Diaconia is seeking an experienced Transportation Security Equipment (TSE) Architect SME to support our federal client. This senior technical leader will drive Transportation Security Equipment architecture and modernization initiatives by translating screening mission needs into technical solutions that improve security, interoperability, and operational effectiveness.

The TSE Architect SME will evaluate current and emerging screening technologies, support Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), develop modernization strategies, assess system integration and interoperability, and provide technical recommendations that align with client mission objectives, DHS standards, and enterprise architecture guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Transportation Security Equipment (TSE) architecture and modernization initiatives.
• Translate screening mission requirements into technical capabilities and architecture recommendations.
• Evaluate current and emerging screening technologies to support modernization planning.
• Support Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), technology assessments, and investment decision activities.
• Assess system integration, interoperability, interface, and operational impacts across TSE environments.
• Develop open architecture, API, interface, and data exchange strategies.
• Support development of TSE data standards, technical documentation, and architecture products.
• Conduct technical risk, impact, and feasibility assessments for proposed solutions.
• Develop modernization roadmaps and transition strategies for screening technologies.
• Collaborate with leadership, engineering teams, manufacturers, technology vendors, and industry partners.
• Ensure alignment with client enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and technical standards.
• Evaluate emerging technologies including AI, automation, biometrics, and advanced screening capabilities.
• Provide technical guidance and recommendations to senior Government stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in systems engineering, enterprise architecture, transportation security technology, mission systems architecture, systems integration, or technical modernization.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex technical architecture and modernization initiatives.
• Experience evaluating technology alternatives and developing technical recommendations.
• Experience conducting technical risk, impact, and interoperability assessments.
• Experience defining system integration, interface, and architecture strategies.
• Experience briefing senior Government and technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related technical field.
• Experience supporting screening operations or Transportation Security Equipment (TSE).
• Experience with aviation or surface transportation security technologies.
• Experience developing open architecture and API/interface strategies.
• Knowledge of TSE data standards and interoperability frameworks.
• Experience with biometrics, advanced imaging technologies, AI, automation, or human factors engineering.
• Experience supporting technology research, pilot programs, and modernization initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with client organizations, manufacturers, technology vendors, and industry partners.

Preferred Certifications

• TOGAF
• FEAF or DoDAF
• INCOSE Certification
• CISSP
• CompTIA Security+
• Cloud Certification (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)
• ITIL Foundation
• Agile or Scrum Certification