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Pennsylvania State University

Network Engineer

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $68K - $115K 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ February 17th, 2026
DHCP Top Secret

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Network Engineer to join the Information Technology Services Office at its Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). The role involves providing high-level network administration, development, and design support for secure collateral networks and other enterprise network areas to enable key research and administrative functions.

Highlights
  • Administer and secure ARL's collateral network infrastructure
  • Respond to and remediate complex system and network security vulnerabilities
  • Implement, test, and support new technologies while ensuring compliance with security best practices
  • Analyze network traffic and resolve escalated network and performance issues
  • Conduct risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies
  • Design and oversee installation and configuration of networks and secure enclaves compliant with government regulations
  • Present network security principles to diverse audiences
  • Maintain eligibility for Top Secret (Tier 5) clearance and ability to obtain DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification within one year
  • Experience preferred with DoD environments, NIST/ISO standards, COMSEC administration, WAN/LAN routing, Palo Alto firewalls, VLANs, and network supporting services (IPAM, NAC, DNS, DHCP)
  • Salary range $68,200 to $115,100 with competitive benefits including tuition discounts and retirement plans

Network Engineer 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 a Network Engineer to join our Information Technology Services Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will provide high-level network administration, development, and design assistance for ARL's secure collateral networks. It will also support additional enterprise network areas as needed, to ensure ARL's enablement of key research and administrative functions.

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

You will:
  • Administer, ensure operations, and secure configuration of ARL's collateral network infrastructure
  • Respond and remediate to complex/escalated system and network security vulnerabilities
  • Implement, test, and support new and emerging technologies while applying security best practices, and required compliance measures
  • Analyze network traffic and diagnose/correct escalated network and performance issues
  • Conduct risk assessments to determine residual level of risk and any required mitigations
  • Present network security principles and technology solutions to diverse audiences
  • Design and provide oversight of the installation and configuration of networks, and secure enclaves, to comply with government and federal regulations
  • Participate in the implementation of required policies, procedures, and configurations; make recommendations for improvements
  • Assist in the development and acquisition of network management tools

Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret (Tier 5) level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
  • Demonstrated experience operating and providing network administration and support in a high-security research computing environment
  • Ability to obtain (within a year from start date) and maintain a current DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification, or higher (Security+, CASP+, CySA+)
  • Maintenance of secure Windows and Linux servers
  • Ability to work independently to plan, identify problems, and produce results
  • Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Experience working within a DoD (or similar) environment
  • NIST/ISO standards, DoD directives, and regulatory requirements (800-171/53 and STIGs)
  • Experience as a primary or alternate COMSEC technical administrator or KMS account manager
  • Enterprise WAN/LAN switching and routing
  • Next generation layer 7 firewalls (Palo Alto)
  • Advanced knowledge within the development and deployment of secure enclaves and VLANs
  • Management of other network supporting services within a secure environment (IPAM/NAC/DNS/DHCP)
Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. Opportunities for hybrid work may be an option after acclimating to the role. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Network Engineer - Senior Professional, this position 
requires:Bachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Network Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ 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 $68,200.00 - $115,100.00.**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.