Senior Program Manager – Residential Security System Program

Agency: Office of the Sergeant at Arms (United States Senate)
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Salary Range: $130,469 – $181,570 per year
Job Grade/Pay Band: AD
Position Type: Full-Time, Excepted Service
Clearance Requirement: Top Secret
Closing Date: November 10, 2026

The United States Senate Office of the Sergeant at Arms (SAA) is seeking an exceptional security professional to serve as Senior Program Manager for the Residential Security System Program. Based in the heart of Washington, D.C., this vital leadership role serves as the premier subject matter expert responsible for directing physical security solutions protecting key Capitol Hill figures.

Operating at the intersection of executive protection, government administration, and advanced security infrastructure, the Senior Program Manager manages comprehensive project lifecycles from concept to execution. For security experts seeking a career with direct impact on national legislative operations, this position offers significant responsibility, dynamic work, and competitive compensation.

About the Agency: Office of the Sergeant at Arms

The Office of the Sergeant at Arms (SAA) is the largest administrative and security organ of the United States Senate. Serving as the chief law enforcement officer and protocol officer of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms maintains a multi-faceted mission that ensures the safety, technology support, and operational continuity of legislative proceedings.

The SAA workforce supports essential Senate infrastructure across multiple specialized divisions, including:

Capitol Facilities & Operations: Overseeing physical infrastructure, access control, and logistics.
Information Security & Customer Relations: Maintaining robust cybersecurity and technical operations.
Protective & Security Operations: Collaborating closely with the U.S. Capitol Police to maintain top-tier physical security for Senators and key personnel.

As an agency within the legislative branch, employment with the SAA falls under the Excepted Service, offering a unique operational environment focused on constitutional continuity and fast-paced public service.

Key Job Responsibilities

As the Senior Program Manager, you will serve as the principal advisor and manager for the Senate's residential physical security efforts. Primary duties encompass:

Program Leadership: Managing complex physical security initiatives from initiation through completion, maintaining alignment with budget, schedule, and scope constraints.
Technical Subject Matter Expertise: Serving as the central authority on residential physical security systems, access controls, environmental design, and protective measures.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Coordinating seamlessly with external security vendors, internal Senate stakeholders, protective security details, and law enforcement partners.
Contracting Oversight: Utilizing Contracting Officer Representative (COR) principles to draft technical requirements, evaluate vendor performance, and manage expenditures.
Executive Intelligence Summaries: Authoring high-level intelligence assessments, threat reports, and executive briefings for senior leadership.
Field Risk Assessments: Conducting hands-on physical security evaluations across targeted locations, identifying vulnerabilities, and recommending risk-mitigation strategies.

Requirements & Qualifications

To qualify for this high-responsibility role, candidates must demonstrate a strong balance of educational achievement and practical leadership experience in high-security environments.

Education and Experience Matrix

Required Education Level	Minimum Years of Relevant Experience
High School Diploma / GED	10+ years of progressive physical security leadership
Associate Degree	8 to 10 years of direct technical/project management experience
Bachelor's Degree	5 to 8 years of specialized security program management

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Security Clearance: Must be a U.S. citizen capable of securing and retaining a Top Secret U.S. Government clearance.
COR Certification: Capability to obtain and maintain Contracting Officer Representative (COR Level I/II) status.
Project Management Proficiency: Demonstrated mastery of budgeting, risk analysis, scheduling, and resource allocation.
Excepted & Essential Personnel Status: Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and periods of government lapses, to maintain continuous Senate readiness.
Travel Requirements: Willingness to travel frequently to conduct site assessments and supervise security installations.

Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience managing physical security or protective risk programs in government or high-threat corporate settings.
Professional certifications in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) or formal physical security survey methodologies.
Advanced communication skills suited for briefing congressional leaders and technical partners alike.

Salary Overview & Compensation

This position offers an executive salary structure under the Senate's AD pay plan, ranging between $130,469 and $181,570 annually. Salary determination within this broad band is governed by prior experience, relevant technical certifications, and established budget guidelines.

Because this is an essential role within the legislative branch, compensation remains predictable, with structured advancement opportunities tied to performance excellence and security program enhancements.

Employee Benefits & Work Environment

Employees of the Senate Sergeant at Arms enjoy robust federal benefits designed to support career longevity and personal well-being:

Health & Wellness: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program with extensive provider options, plus supplemental dental and vision plans (FEDVIP).
Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%.
Work-Life Balance: Hybrid telework arrangements tailored around the official Senate calendar, combined with generous paid leave benefits.
Work Environment: Primary office environment in Washington, D.C., balanced by active site visits and collaborative security operations.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

To ensure your application receives full consideration by the hiring panel, follow these steps:

Visit the Official Senate Portal: Access the vacancy announcement online at the official United States Senate Career portal.
Prepare Professional Documentation: Resume must comprehensively detail your physical security, risk management, and budget oversight experience.
Highlight Key Credentials: Include documentation for certifications such as PMP, CPTED, or COR certifications.
Submit Online: Attach all documents to your online application profile. Note: Paper resumes, hand deliveries, and direct emails will not be processed.
Adhere to Deadlines: Complete your submission prior to 11:59 PM EST on November 10, 2026.

Application Tips for Success

Detail Program Scope: Clearly quantify past roles by noting project budgets, facility sizes, or team numbers managed.
Address Executive Competencies: Incorporate examples of briefing executive leaders, drafting intelligence summaries, or managing multi-agency projects.
Emphasize Physical Security Standards: Directly connect your work history to protective operations, access control installations, or vulnerability assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this job open to the public?

Yes, this position is open to all qualified U.S. citizens meeting the experience and security requirements.

Q: Does this position require travel?

Yes, frequent travel is required to conduct physical security assessments and oversee residential system installations.

Q: Will relocation expenses be paid?

No. Relocation, moving, or interview travel costs are not reimbursed by the Senate Sergeant at Arms.

The Senior Program Manager for the Residential Security System Program represents an elite career opportunity for dedicated security leaders. By joining the U.S. Senate Office of the Sergeant at Arms, you play a pivotal role in protecting public servants while guiding complex technical programs. Prepare your application today to take the next step in your public service career.

Why This Senior Program Manager, Residential Security System Program #5454 Job Matters

Step into a critical leadership role safeguarding the U.S. Senate as a Senior Program Manager overseeing high-profile residential security initiatives in Washington, D.C.

Senior Program Manager, Residential Security System Program #5454 Job Overview

The Office of the Sergeant at Arms (SAA) for the United States Senate is searching for an accomplished Senior Program Manager to direct the Residential Security System Program. Positioned within the legislative branch's largest administrative and security entity, this executive role leads end-to-end physical security project lifecycles, manages complex stakeholder interactions, and ensures protective operational readiness for Senate leadership. Candidates must hold or be eligible for a Top Secret security clearance and possess strong expertise in physical security, risk analysis, and federal contracting operations.

Requirements for Senior Program Manager, Residential Security System Program #5454

U.S. Citizenship is strictly required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Must meet one of the following experience/education tiers: High School Diploma with 10+ years of relevant experience, Associate Degree with 8-10 years, or Bachelor's Degree with 5-8 years.
Ability to obtain and maintain Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Level I/II certification.
Proven expertise in project management principles, including budget oversight, resource scheduling, staffing, and risk mitigation.
Demonstrated ability to write executive-level threat and intelligence summaries.
Willingness and capability to undertake frequent travel for security evaluations and system installations.
Designated as Essential Services personnel, requiring availability during non-standard hours, emergencies, and Senate sessions.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Program Manager, Residential Security System Program #5454

Demonstrated experience managing physical security, protective operations, or risk management within government or high-security law enforcement environments.
Formal certifications or training in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) or structured physical security surveys.
Exceptional briefing skills with a track record of presenting complex technical and threat information to senior executive leaders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary within the AD pay plan ($130,469 - $181,570 per year).
✓Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
✓Flexible work schedule options including telework opportunities based on the Senate calendar.
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.

💡 How to Apply Senior Program Manager, Residential Security System Program #5454 Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Program Manager, Residential Security System Program #5454 Job

Review the official vacancy announcement online via the U.S. Senate Career Page.
Prepare your updated resume highlighting relevant security program management, budget oversight, and COR experience.
Assemble required supporting documentation, including official transcripts or proof of certifications (e.g., CPTED, PMP).
Submit your complete application package exclusively through the online Senate recruitment portal before 11:59 PM EST on November 10, 2026.
Acknowledge that late, emailed, mailed, or hand-delivered application materials will not be considered.

💡 General Tips

Quantify your project management success by stating budget sizes, team counts, and program scope in previous security roles.
Clearly highlight your experience with physical security standards, residential assessments, or CPTED methodologies.
Ensure your written application reflects executive-level communication skills, as written assessments may be part of the evaluation process.
Explicitly detail your security clearance history to streamline the background investigation phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What security clearance is required for this position?

This position requires an active Top Secret U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens for the Sergeant at Arms to initiate the clearance process.

Is remote work or telework available?

This position offers hybrid telework flexibilities dependent on the official Senate legislative calendar. However, full remote work is not available due to regular travel and on-site security operations.

What does 'Excepted Service' status mean for Senate employees?

Employment with the Senate Sergeant at Arms is in the Excepted Service, meaning it does not confer standard Civil Service Competitive Status. Excepted positions support essential constitutional functions and may operate under unique legislative branch HR rules.

Are relocation expenses covered for selected candidates?

No, relocation, moving, or pre-employment travel expenses are not covered or reimbursed for this position.