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Pennsylvania State University

Information Systems Security Manager

🇺🇸 Hybrid - University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $97K - $146K 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ February 18th, 2026
CISSP VMWare

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Information Systems Security Manager to lead the Cybersecurity Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). This role involves managing cybersecurity programs for unclassified and collateral spaces, developing policies, performing risk assessments, overseeing compliance audits, and ensuring effective cyber communications across ARL.

Highlights
  • Lead and manage a team of cybersecurity professionals, including hiring and performance management.
  • Develop, validate, submit, and maintain security plans and certification packages for compliance.
  • Oversee risk assessments and monitor system/network compliance with cybersecurity policies.
  • Develop training materials to support compliance and audit requirements for employees.
  • Perform vulnerability scanning, security/event log review, network analysis, and incident response as needed.
  • Ensure clear communication of cyber requirements to operational and research leadership.
  • Require eligibility for Top-Secret or higher security clearance with possible government background investigation.
  • Technical expertise in CMMC, RMF, NIST/ISO standards, DoD directives, Windows and Linux operating systems.
  • Prefer candidates with experience in vulnerability scanning tools (Nessus, Retina), SEIM technologies (Splunk, ELK), networking fundamentals, and VMware.
  • The position offers a salary range of $97,100 to $145,700 with a competitive benefits package including medical coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount.

Information Systems Security Manager Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:


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 Information Systems Security Manager to join our Cybersecurity Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This position will have a focus on the unclassified and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) spaces, but will operate within and support both unclassified and collateral spaces. The ISSM will oversee the unclassified and collateral programs at ARL from a cybersecurity and compliance perspective. You and your team are responsible for policy development/documentation, recommendations, assessments and auditing, and ensuring cyber communications throughout ARL.

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

You will:
  • Lead a team of cybersecurity professionals, to include hiring, professional development, and performance management
  • Develop, validate, submit, and maintain information system security plans, certification and authorization packages, and plans of action and milestones in support of compliance requirements
  • Develop and maintain security documentation
  • Oversee development and implementation of risk assessments against information systems in all phases
  • Monitor and assist in the assessment and review of current and new systems and networks to ensure compliance with current cybersecurity policies, concepts, and measures
  • Develop training material related to compliance and audit requirements to assist employees in individual compliance/audits
  • Assist in technical responsibilities, including vulnerability scanning, review of security/event logs, network analysis, and incident response as-needed
  • Ensure cyber requirements are effectively and efficiently communicated to operational and research leadership to ensure integration into respective team processes

Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top-Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
  • Assessment and authorization of systems and networks using CMMC and RMF
  • NIST/ISO standards (e.g. 800-53 and 800-171), Department of Defense directives, DISA STIG, and regulatory requirements
  • Strong technical background with significant experience using multiple operating systems, such as Windows and Linux
  • Policy, procedure, plan of action and milestone, risk assessment, and security plan development with experience monitoring for compliance
  • Working knowledge of system functions, security policies, technical security safeguards, and operational security measures
  • Management or leadership experience in the information technology and security space
  • The ability to certify and maintain information security related certifications (eg. Security+ and CISSP)
  • Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
  • Aptitude to work independently, as well as in diverse teams across multiple disciplines in the Lab

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • A Bachelor's degree in Information Security, Information Technology, or Computer Science
  • Vulnerability scanning and mitigation utilizing Nessus, Retina, GFI Languard, or a similar tool
  • Networking fundamentals, including various concepts, tools, and administrative functions
  • SEIM management or use for analysis, such as Splunk, ELK, or Alienvault
  • VMWare and management of Virtual Machines
  • Training material development

Your working location will be hybrid on-site/work from home located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Occasional travel to satellite offices in may be required.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory 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/CLEARANCESEmployment 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 & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $97,100.00 - $145,700.00.**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.