Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Systems Architect. The role involves designing, configuring, and maintaining data center and IT/software engineering laboratory facilities, as well as developing IT system architectures for integrating multiple platforms across a classified enterprise. The Systems Architect also manages network infrastructures, implements security hardening measures, troubleshoots technical issues, and may lead and represent the organization on projects.

Highlights

Design and maintain data center, IT, and Software Engineering Laboratory facilities and network infrastructure.
Develop IT system architecture for integration across classified enterprise platforms and operating systems.
Implement system hardening requirements such as DISA STIGs and SRGs.
Identify and resolve information security and program support deficiencies.
Utilize enterprise IT assets including Dell servers and Cisco network architecture.
Require experience with classified DoD systems and security accreditation processes; active TS/SCI security clearance required.
Strong skills in IPv4 networking, federated and multi-factor authentication, Windows and Linux system troubleshooting, virtualization technologies like Kubernetes and VMware.
Preferred skills include SD-WAN networking, Virtual Desktop Interface administration, and hybrid cloud architectures (e.g., AWS Snowball, AWS Direct Connect).
Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years (Senior level) or 8+ years (Principal level) of relevant experience; no certifications required.
Salary range between $76,700 and $145,700 with benefits including medical, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount.

Systems Architect 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 highly motivated Systems Architect to join our Joint Mission Integration and Experimentation Division (JMIE) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. JMIE specializes in rapid development of warfighter capabilities in an aggregated and integrated multidomain environment.

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

You will:

Design, configure, improve, and maintain Data Center and IT/Software Engineering Laboratory facility requirements such as use-cases, floorplans, layouts, diagrams, and rack elevations
Develop and implement information technology system architecture for integration of multiple platforms, operating systems, and applications across the classified enterprise
Determine and document systems specifications, input/output processes, and working parameters for hardware/software compatibility and maintenance of system security
Design, configure, and maintain network infrastructure; including routers, switches, firewalls
Implement hardening requirements on systems and devices such as DISA STIGs, SRGs, etc.
Identify, analyze, and resolve information security and program support deficiencies
Troubleshoot and develop solutions to complex technical problems
Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information
Be responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Lab
Be expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practice
May function in a leadership role and provide direction and guidance to lower level professional and support staff
May represent the organization as a primary technical contact on projects to outside vendors and customers

Required skills/experience areas include:

Data center, engineering, or test laboratory design and implementation
Enterprise level IT assets such as Dell servers or Cisco network architecture
Classified DOD systems and the security accreditation process
Authentication principles including federated authentication and multi-factor authentication
IPv4 networks and associated network protocols and practices to include encryption for classified networks
Virtualization technologies for Windows and Linux hosts (e.g. Kubernetes Containers and VMWare)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux troubleshooting and management
Windows 10/11/Server troubleshooting and management
Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

SD-WAN Networking Experience (Design, Implement or Use)
Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI) Administration Experience
Hybrid-Cloud Architectures (e.g. AWS Snowball, AWS Direct Connect)

Your working location will be on-site in San Diego, CA, with project-dependent ability for hybrid work. 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 - Principal Professional, this position

requires:Bachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf 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: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 $76,700.00 - $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.

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Original Job Description