Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Cyber Security Systems Engineer to join the Research Office Information Technology Division at the Applied Research Laboratory. This role requires leading IT engagement with researchers by translating complex research requirements into actionable IT strategies, proactively identifying IT needs, and providing broad technical support to enable key research functions.

Highlights

Lead communication between researchers and ITS to translate research needs into IT strategies.
Proactively identify IT needs and co-create solutions aligned with sponsor goals.
Provide comprehensive technical support including system design, operations, maintenance, and documentation.
Advanced skills in Linux administration, IT hardware, scripting (Bash, PowerShell, Python), and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes, etc.).
Strong ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Networking expertise and collaborative problem-solving abilities.
Current eligibility for TS/SCI clearance or higher; may require government background investigation.
Preferred experience includes DCSA/DoD/IC authorization processes, CI/CD pipeline support, automation tools, vulnerability scanning, and cloud computing environments.
Minimum education requirements: Master's degree with 8+ years experience or Bachelor's degree with 6+ years experience.
Salary range spans from $86,300 to $164,000, with a competitive benefits package including medical coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Cyber Security Systems Engineer Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a self-motivated Cyber Security Systems Engineer to join our Research Office Information Technology Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The Research Office Information Technology Division provides systems design, administration, and support services for the enablement of key research functions. This is a research support position where building sustained awareness of research activities, documenting emerging needs, and advocating effectively to ensure that critical dependencies are resourced and addressed is paramount. Ideal candidates will possess a broad scope of information technology (IT) skills, the ability to establish and grow partnerships, and adapt quickly to emerging and complex needs.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

Lead ITS's engagement with the Research Office to:
- Bridge communication between researchers and ITS; translating complex research requirements into actionable, prioritized IT strategies
- Surface IT needs proactively and co-create solutions
- Develop a robust understanding of sponsor and research objectives to anticipate IT dependencies and construct/align technical solutions with sponsor goals
- Demonstrate understanding of research needs and priorities by acting as a partner in problem solving to identify solutions
- Develop and maintain documentation of current and emerging IT needs and priorities
- Advocate for research needs within ITS while providing information to support prioritization at the Lab leadership level
Provide a broad scope of technical support for research related operations
Ensure IT hardware and software follow proper system design, operations, configurations, and maintenance
Generate and maintain system and process documentation
Provide general consultative services to researchers on a broad scope of technology
Provide field testing support at off-site locations

Required skills/experience areas include:

Advanced Linux administration and support
Broad scope of IT hardware (server, workstation, networking, peripherals, etc.)
General scripting languages (Bash, PowerShell, Python, etc.)
Containerization technologies (Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, Rancher, etc.)
Ability to communicate clearly with technical and non-technical audiences in written and verbal form
Exceptional ability to translate complex research objectives and technical requirements to both technical and non-technical audiences
Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to leverage them to resolve technical and procedural issues
Networking concepts and technologies
Demonstrated ability to problem solve collaboratively, build relationships, and foster cohesion
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the TS/SCI level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

Familiarity with DCSA, DoD, and/or IC Authorization to operate processes, procedures and framework
Support of CI/CD pipelines (Bamboo, Jenkins, GitLab, etc.)
Automation and management of Linux and Windows system configurations with scripting, policy, and management tools (shell scripting, Satellite, Puppet, Ansible, MCM, system and group policy, etc.)
Vulnerability and security scanning tools (ACAS, Nessus, SCC, Trivy, Grype, SCAP, OpenSCAP, Evaluate STIG, etc.)
Commercial, government, and DoD cloud computing environments
Support of research computing environments and projects

Your working location can be hybrid on-site/work from home located in State College, PA. This position may require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Cyber Security Systems Engineer - Principal Professional, this position

requires:Master's Degree8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Cyber Security Systems Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $164,000.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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Original Job Description