SKILLBRIDGE.MIL DATALAST SYNC 2026-07-23
SkillBridgeConnectby Civic HackingPrograms
Programs / Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
In official directorySynced 2026-07-23

Physical Scientist – CBRNE - Job Training Program

USAFUSAUSCGUSMCUSNUSSF
Program summary

Candidates for this and every DoD SkillBridge internship opportunity with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are able to intern for 180, 120, and 90 days and MUST be at least 11 MONTHS away from (outside of) separation. Why 11 months? We are able to host SkillBridge interns for their final 180, 120, and/or 90 days on active-duty depending on the individual service-member’s situation. We use the time prior to their finite internship dates to complete our required HR actions to include getting them in front of hiring managers, having interviews conducted, selection decisions being made, “Qualifications Reviews” successfully completed on their resumes clearly demonstrating that they have the required experience, etc. for the positions for which they are being considered, along with a 3 to 5 month (on average) full CBP Background Investigation (BI) that MUST be completed prior to internship start dates.MAJOR DUTIESThis apprenticeship is within the Teleforensic Center (TC), Laboratories and Scientific Services Directorate (LSSD), Operations Support Office (OS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and is located in Sterling, VA. The prospective apprentice will be taught in-person to conduct expert-level analyses and threat assessments of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) materials utilizing detection systems using data generated in the CBP national security and countermeasure programs. This position requires professional knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics, or experience in various specialized fields such as explosives, drugs, and nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC) warfare, with special emphasis on radiological spectra analysis.

Roles & job description

KSAs provided in this DoD SkillBridge apprenticeship include: Learn requirements needed for employment in the federal government. Trained on DHS CBP government systems related to CBRNE. Train on interpretation of radiological spectra. Learn to address issues that are of concern in accomplishing the CBP mission with respect to national security. Serves as a technical advisor that provides 24/7 monitoring of CBP CBRNE systems, Provide around-the-clock technical assistance to field officers to evaluate/triage detection alarms. Serves as a technical liaison to DHS and other government, state, and local agencies in the area of CBRNE detection and crisis response. Receives technical assistance inquiries from field officers and evaluates accompanying scientific and entry information to identify threat materials. Operates and maintains several scientific instruments used to scan conveyances and cargo for the presence of radioactive materials, chemical/biological agents, explosives, or controlled substances. Trains D

Eligibility notes

Candidates for this and every DoD SkillBridge internship opportunity with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are able to intern for 180, 120, and 90 days and MUST be at least 11 MONTHS away from (outside of) separation. Why 11 months? We are able to host SkillBridge interns for their final 180, 120, and/or 90 days on active-duty depending on the individual service-member’s situation. We use the time prior to their finite internship dates to complete our required HR actions to include getting them in front of hiring managers, having interviews conducted, selection decisions being made, “Qualifications Reviews” successfully completed on their resumes clearly demonstrating that they have the required experience, etc. for the positions for which they are being considered, along with a 3 to 5 month (on average) full CBP Background Investigation (BI) that MUST be completed prior to internship start dates.

Additional notes

Candidates for this and every DoD SkillBridge internship opportunity with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are able to intern for 180, 120, and 90 days and MUST be at least 11 MONTHS away from (outside of) separation. Why 11 months? We are able to host SkillBridge interns for their final 180, 120, and/or 90 days on active-duty depending on the individual service-member’s situation. We use the time prior to their finite internship dates to complete our required HR actions to include getting them in front of hiring managers, having interviews conducted, selection decisions being made, “Qualifications Reviews” successfully completed on their resumes clearly demonstrating that they have the required experience, etc. for the positions for which they are being considered, along with a 3 to 5 month (on average) full CBP Background Investigation (BI) that MUST be completed prior to internship start dates.

Candidate reviews

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Interview prep for this program
Ask them
  • ▸ "How many of your past SkillBridge interns received full-time offers?" — a serious program knows the number.
  • ▸ "Who will my day-to-day mentor be, and what does week one look like?"
  • ▸ "The listing says 121 - 150 days — can that flex to my approved window if my command shortens it?"
  • ▸ "Is relocation expected for a full-time offer, or can I convert where I am?"
  • ▸ Confirm the eligibility notes above — ask exactly what they need from you and when.
Bring to the conversation
  • ✓ Your projected start window and separation date (from your profile)
  • ✓ Your command's approval status — even "packet drafted" signals you're serious
  • ✓ Your civilian-translated resume bullets (generate them here)
  • ✓ A written training-plan ask — you'll need it for your packet anyway
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