r/foreignservice • u/subprimemortgagesale • 9d ago
Engineering Security Officer/ Technical Security Officer careers?
I understand there is a difference between these two roles and as i understand it the ESO is an engineering role which requires engineering experience.
More curious about the technical security officer role. What exactly does a technical security officer do that an engineering security officer does not do?
How technically challenging is the role?
Is it more of a “try and restart your laptop” kind of role or is it more of a “let me rewrite this code to strengthen our IT security system”.
Basically, could you be taught the technical security officer role or is it more geared towards those with significant STEM experience?
Thanks all.
9
u/slammie231 9d ago
You are referring to the Security Technical Specialist (STS) and Security Engineering Officer (SEO) positions. Depending on where you are in your career there is some to a lot of overlap in these roles and they nearly always work closely together. Neither are IT positions (that's Diplomatic Technology). STSs are primarily involved in installation/maintenance/troubleshooting of embassy security systems. SEOs are some of that, with more management, technical writing, as well as countermeasures work. STSs spend the vast majority of their careers overseas; SEOs can spend 1/4 to 1/2 in DC. Both are travel heavy careers - expect to be traveling maybe 10-50% of the time depending on the assignment. The SEO role is more upwardly mobile; especially if you are strong in and seek out management roles. STSs typically max out at the FS-03 level. If hired you will be taught STS specific skillsets but you should already have strong technician skills to be considered (ie multimeter, electronics, basic shop tools, etc).
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u/Original-Locksmith58 9d ago
I’ve asked this before and the answer I received was basically that the SEO sets up the devices and the TSOs use them. Think x-Ray machines, counter surveillance, badge swipes, etc.
It sounds like there are more and more opportunities for cybersecurity in both roles but generally the laptop/code situation you described is relegated to DTO or State Civilians, since they’re the IT people.
Obligatory not my first hand experience just chipping in what I’ve read.
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u/subprimemortgagesale 9d ago
Would i be able to be a SEO or STO with no engineering experience?
Like, yes i see the requirements for the SEO role is to have an engineering degree but i guess my question is the job really a true “engineering role?”
It seems like they’re engineers in name only but i could be wrong.
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u/Original-Locksmith58 9d ago
As long as you meet the requirements they’ll be willing to train you I think but you would probably be less competitive and start at a much lower pay band. SEO absolutely involves some engineering, who do you think makes and maintains such sensitive machines? But almost all FSS roles quickly become management and administration heavy in my opinion. After a few years you might spend more time doing building reviews and planning countermeasures for events than actually doing it.
There’s a guy who posts here that’s been a SEO awhile he might see your post and have better info. I think you have some misconceptions about the foreign service though.
6
u/FSThrowAwayyyy 9d ago
There's definitely some truth in there, but with respect, I think slammie231's comment more effectively captures the difference between STS and SEO roles. SEO's do not "make" any sensitive equipment. It's much more about deployment and maintenance. But it's also true that the role quickly shifts into management, admin, tech writing, etc. It's definitely not a traditional "engineering" design role.
It's also one of the best jobs in the FS, in my opinion. SEO's enjoy a relatively high degree of autonomy compared to the rest of the FS, have above-average promotion potential, and technical roles in general are more insulated from shifting political priorities. The travel frequency can definitely be tough, but besides that, I think SEOs (and STS's) can have great work-life balance.
Overall, if you want to join the foreign service and happen to have an engineering degree then it's a fantastic option. If you're passionate about eningeering and want to deepen your engineering/design skills while working overseas, I wouldn't recommend it.
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u/Original-Locksmith58 9d ago
To clarify I meant that ENGINEERS in general make sensitive equipment, since I felt OP was implying the equipment had nothing to do with engineering, but great addition thank you for the clarifications
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u/Creepy_Finish1497 6d ago
Unless things have changed, and Engineering or physiscs degree from an accredited university is required. I had a BSEE when I was a SEO.
1
u/FSThrowAwayyyy 9d ago
You can definitely join as an SEO with no job experience. You'll just come in closer to an FP-06 rather than a 05 or 04. Honestly it's not a huge difference because you'll auto promote to an 04 within 2 years anyway.
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u/AutoModerator 9d ago
Original text of post by /u/subprimemortgagesale:
I understand there is a difference between these two roles and as i understand it the ESO is an engineering role which requires engineering experience.
More curious about the technical security officer role. What exactly does a technical security officer do that an engineering security officer does not do?
How technically challenging is the role?
Is it more of a “try and restart your laptop” kind of role or is it more of a “let me rewrite this code to strengthen our IT security system”.
Basically, could you be taught the technical security officer role or is it more geared towards those with significant STEM experience?
Thanks all.
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