Federal

Principal Continuity Communications Engineer #5539

Senate · Legislative Branch
📍 Washington, District of Columbia AD-00 $130,469 - $181,570/yr
Posted: Apr 14, 2026 Deadline: Apr 28, 2026 (Closes in 14 days days left)

About This Position

The Senate Sergeant at Arms is seeking a Principal Continuity Communications Engineer.

The complete vacancy announcement and application can be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/1VNZQ. This vacancy announcement closes at 7pm EST on the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.

Qualifications

Other Duties/ Responsibilities Assists the Communication Resilience Manager with coordinating team schedules and deliverables. Required Work Experience GED with 11-15 years of relevant work experience; Bachelor's with 8-11 years of relevant work experience; Master's with 6-8 years of relevant work experience. Required Special Skills/ Knowledge As part of our hiring process, we may conduct a skills assessment to better understand an applicant’s proficiency in key areas relevant to the role.

Knowledge of current and emerging secure and emergency communication technologies and principles of information technology management. Knowledge of capabilities and requirements of various computer platforms in centralized, distributed, and client server and stand-alone operating environments. Knowledge of project management principles and practices; ability to set goals and to plan, monitor and evaluate project or contract budgets; ability to organize and coordinate resources to achieve project and organizational goals and objectives efficiently and effectively.

Knowledge of current industry best practices for business continuity, resilience, and recovery. Ability to plan, manage, and supervise various COOP exercises and events. Ability to provide budgetary forecasting and written justifications of expenditures.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Senate staff. Ability to communicate effectively. Desired Qualifications Ability to climb ladders. Ability to work in confined spaces.

Ability to drive and operate a Mobile Communications Vehicle (Commercial Driver’s License not required) . Working Conditions This position directly supports essential services of the U.S. Senate. As such, this position requires the employee be available and prepared to work during a lapse, in inclement weather, on holidays, weekends, and during late nights to ensure essential services to the Senate continue without interruption.

In the context of government furloughs, this position is considered excepted.

This position may require the incumbent to be available for sudden recall in response to emergency events affecting the Senate campus/community, which may include after-hours or weekend work, and to potentially deploy to alternate sites in support of the Senate’s contingency operations. Work is performed primarily on-site with some flexibility to work remotely. Work requires occasional walking, standing, bending, safely carrying items less than 25 pounds, and may require extended periods of computer use.

Security Clearance This position requires that the applicant obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Government security clearance.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens in order for the SAA to submit your application for a security clearance.

Major Duties

Engineers and designs secure and deployable communications infrastructure in support of Continuity Communications initiatives. Develops infrastructure drawings and operational documentation. Ensures device availability, integrity, and user confidence; maintains and reports situational awareness of procurement avenues; provides escalation troubleshooting support; coordinates regular functional testing.

Leads Communications Security (COMSEC) initiatives; ensures Senate office compliance with established COMSEC policies and rectifies discrepancies with established NSA policies. Serves as an alternate Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) Manager. Assists managing programs to ensure sufficient safeguards are in place to protect sensitive information, personnel, and property against unauthorized access.

This includes developing policies and procedures. Leads continuity communications exercises and drills with internal and external stakeholders. This includes coordinating feedback from stakeholders to draft COOP plans and after-action reports.

Manages and utilizes emergency management notification systems and software to improve situational awareness during day-to-day operations and emergency events. Coordinates implementation of communications resources with other Senate and Legislative Branch stakeholders. Leads and participate in various communication.

Other duties as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma/GED.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application will be evaluated by a panel on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Highly qualified candidates may be interviewed and a reference check conducted.

Additional Information

The Sergeant at Arms is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the requirements of Senate rules, regulations, and applicable Federal Laws. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.

Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email [email protected] with “Applicant Accommodation” in the subject line. No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses will be paid for this position, or while in application for this position.

How to Apply

All applicants must apply for jobs online using this link: https://sen.gov/YO0NL. Paper application materials, resumes and attachments that are sent via email, mail or brought in-person will not be considered or accepted. All applicants MUST attach their documents to the online employment application.

Required Documents

Subject to background/security investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Principal Continuity Communications Engineer #5539 position at Senate?
The salary range for this position is $130,469 - $181,570/yr. This is a AD-00 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Principal Continuity Communications Engineer #5539 job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Other Duties/ Responsibilities Assists the Communication Resilience Manager with coordinating team schedules and deliverables. Required Work Experience GED with 11-15 years of relevant work experience; Bachelor's with 8-11 years of relevant work experience; Master's with 6-8 years of relevant work experience. Required Special Skills/ Knowledge A...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Apr 28, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What does AD-00 mean?
AD-00 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.