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Pennsylvania State University

Systems Administrator

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $62K - $90K 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ February 25th, 2026
Ansible PK

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Systems Administrator. The role involves providing systems administration and computing support for research and administrative functions at the Applied Research Laboratory, focusing on security, compliance, functionality, and reliability of Windows and Linux systems through hands-on configuration and collaboration with IT colleagues.

Highlights
  • Administer and secure Windows and Linux operating systems following DoD compliance guidelines.
  • Serve as primary contact for enterprise systems including physical and virtual infrastructures.
  • Respond to and remediate system and network security vulnerabilities.
  • Participate in the installation, configuration, and policy implementation for government regulation compliance.
  • Collaborate on design of technical infrastructures and provide stakeholder support via ticketing system.
  • Required skills include active Secret security clearance, ability to obtain DoD 8140/8570 certification within one year, and enterprise-level Windows Server administration experience.
  • Knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, NTFS permissions, DNS, and maintaining secure Windows servers is necessary.
  • Preferred experience with Microsoft Entra, Identity and Access Management principles, Linux administration, PowerShell scripting, and enterprise storage and systems management software.
  • Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree and at least 1 year of relevant experience or an equivalent combination.
  • The salary range is $61,800 to $89,600, with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount.

Systems Administrator 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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

We are searching for a highly motivated Systems Administrator to join our Networks and Servers Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will provide systems administration, computing support, and specialized support services for the enablement of key research and administrative functions by ensuring the security, compliance, functionality, and reliability of research and administrative systems through hands on configuration and support. 

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

You will:

  • Administer and secure configurations of various Windows and Linux operating systems following DoD compliance guidelines

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for Enterprise systems, maintaining both physical and virtual infrastructures

  • Respond and remediate system and network security vulnerabilities

  • Participate in the installation and configuration of systems to comply with government regulations

  • Collaborate with IT colleagues on the design of technical infrastructures, targeting specific goals

  • Ensure proper operational support of systems, servers, and hardware while engaging with stakeholders through ticketing system

  • Generate and maintain system, security, and process documentation

  • Be responsible for the installation and configuration of systems to comply with government regulations

  • Collaborate with IT colleagues on the design of technical infrastructures targeting specific goals

  • Participate in the implementation of required policies, procedures, and configurations; make recommendations for improvements

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher

  • Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD 8140/8570 certification or higher (Security+, CASP+, CySA+), within one year of start date

  • Demonstrated experience in the enterprise level administration of Windows Servers

  • Knowledge and experience with Infrastructure Core Services: Active Directory management; Group Policy; Windows Server Administration; NTFS Permissions; DNS; and maintenance of secure Windows servers

  • Experience operating in, and leading, technical projects in a high-security research computing environment

  • Success in an environment where various forms of communication and organizational skills are crucial to be effective

  • Demonstrated ability to work through difficult problems, using proper steps to identify, define, and formulate ideas that produce results

  • Systems integration in a heterogeneous network environment

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • Microsoft Entra Administration (Entra ID, Exchange Online, Teams)

  • A strong understanding of principles behind Identity and Access Management and PKI Infrastructure

  • Enterprise level administration of both Windows and Linux systems

  • PowerShell scripting, system maintenance, and automation of tasks

  • Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining secure Windows and Linux system baseline configurations

  • Enterprise storage resources (ECS, Unity, PowerScale, Isilon)

  • Enterprise systems management software (SCCM, Ansible, Redhat IDM)

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. Hybrid work opportunities 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 CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree1+ 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 $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.**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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