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Pennsylvania State University

Systems Engineer

🇺🇸 University Park, PA

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $86K - $146K

💻 Information Technology

🗓️ December 15th, 2025

Ansible Top Secret VMWare

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Systems Engineer to join the Information Technology Services Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). The role involves hands-on systems administration and configuration to ensure secure, compliant, and reliable operation of research and administrative IT systems supporting advanced research activities.

Highlights
  • Administer and securely configure various operating system distributions.
  • Respond to and remediate system and network security vulnerabilities.
  • Implement, test, and support new technologies while ensuring security and compliance.
  • Conduct risk assessments and participate in installations to meet government regulations.
  • Collaborate on technical infrastructure design and provide operational system support.
  • Required skills include willingness to obtain TOP SECRET (Tier 5) clearance and Security+ certification, knowledge of NIST/ISO standards, DoD directives, and experience in high-security environments.
  • Preferred expertise in Linux/Windows automation, VMware administration, LDAP, enterprise storage, and systems management tools like SCCM and Ansible.
  • Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree with 3+ years (Advanced Professional) or 6+ years (Senior Professional) relevant experience or equivalent.
  • Salary range: $86,300 to $145,700, subject to geographic differential.
  • Position is fully on-site at State College, PA; U.S. citizenship required and pre-employment background checks and drug screening are mandatory.

Systems 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 Systems Engineer for our highly secured environments to join our Information Technology Services Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. Information Technology Services provides ARL's administrative and research computing environments and capabilities, delivering secure, responsive, efficient, effective, and compliant IT services and operations to meet the demanding needs of ARL's leading edge research. 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:
  • Be responsible for administration and secure configuration of various operating system distributions
  • Respond and remediate system and network security vulnerabilities
  • Implement, test, and support new and emerging technologies while applying security best practices and required compliance measures
  • Present system and network security principles and technology solutions to diverse audiences
  • Conduct risk assessments to determine residual level of risk and any required mitigations
  • Participate in 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
  • Participate in the implementation of required policies, procedures, and configurations; make recommendations for improvements

Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Willingness and ability to obtain a fully adjudicated TOP SECRET (Tier 5) clearance
  • Willingness and ability to obtain Security+ certification
  • Knowledge in NIST/ISO standards, DoD directives, and regulatory requirements (800-171/53, etc.)
  • Systems integration in a heterogeneous network environment
  • Operating and providing systems administration and support in a high-security research computing environment

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Automating management of Linux and Windows systems
  • VMware administration (vRealize, vSphere, NSX, SRM)
  • Development of secure Linux and Windows system baseline configurations
  • LDAP authentication and management
  • Enterprise storage resources (ECS, Unity, PowerScale)
  • Systems management (SCCM, Ansible, IDM, AAP)
  • Active Directory/Group Policy
  • Subject matter expertise (SME) with Infrastructure Core Services: Active Directory management, Virtualization (VMware) administration, Commvault backups, and maintenance of secure Windows and Linux servers
  • Enterprise level administration of both Windows and Linux systems
  • Management of enterprise level storage systems
Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Systems 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 Systems 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 at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.. 
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 & BENEFITS
The 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.