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Pennsylvania State University

Systems Administrator

🇺🇸 Keyport, NJ

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $86K - $146K

💻 Information Technology

🗓️ December 15th, 2025

Ansible Python

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Systems Administrator to support the Applied Research Laboratory's West Coast operations in Keyport, Washington. The role involves providing extensive IT and technical support, maintaining and updating test and evaluation systems, consulting researchers on various technologies, and supporting testing of underwater vehicles.

Highlights
  • Provide broad IT and technical support for ARL’s West Coast operations.
  • Ensure proper system design, configuration, and maintenance of IT hardware and software.
  • Update and maintain test and evaluation systems for reliable operation.
  • Generate and maintain system and process documentation.
  • Consult with researchers on technology solutions.
  • Support field and in-water testing of underwater vehicles related to vehicle development.
  • Required skills include advanced Linux and Windows administration, networking fundamentals, and IT hardware expertise.
  • Preferred skills include eligibility for Secret or higher security clearance, familiarity with DoD and IC frameworks, scripting and automation tools (e.g., Puppet, Ansible), and knowledge of scripting languages like Bash, PowerShell, and Python.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain government security clearance; background check and drug screening required.
  • Salary range is $86,300 to $145,700, with a competitive benefits package including tuition discounts and retirement plans.

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
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a self-motivated, customer service focused Systems Administrator to join our Research Operations Information Technology (IT) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. This position will support ARL's West Coast operations, with the primary location being in Keyport, Washington. The Research Office IT Division provides systems design, administration, and support services for the enablement of key research functions.

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

You will:
  • Provide a broad scope of IT and technical support for ARL's West Coast operations
  • Ensure IT hardware and software follow proper system design, operations, configurations, and maintenance requirements
  • Update, modernize, and maintain existing test and evaluation systems to ensure reliable operation
  • Generate and maintain system and process documentation
  • Provide general consultative services to researchers on a broad scope of technology
  • Support field/in-water testing of underwater vehicles geared towards vehicle development

Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Advanced Linux and Windows administration and support
  • Fundamental understanding of networking concepts and technologies
  • Broad scope of IT hardware (server, workstation, networking, peripherals, etc.)
  • Demonstrated ability to work through difficult technical problems, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution
  • Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
  • Familiarity with DCSA, DoD, and/or IC Authorization to operate processes, procedures, and frameworks
  • 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.)
  • Host firewalls, endpoint security, and vulnerability scanning tools
  • Research computing environments and projects
  • Knowledge of general scripting languages (Bash, PowerShell, Python, etc.)

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in Keyport, Washington. This position will require <20% periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Systems Administrator - 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 Systems Administrator - Principal Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree8+ 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 & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $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.