Cyber Security Engineer

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 92,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Retirement plans

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a Cyber Security Engineer to safeguard ARL’s information systems. The role is hybrid (on-site Warminster, PA) with remote work not guaranteed, and supports DoD/Navy research environments.

Responsibilities include security plan development, risk assessments, vulnerability management, and SIEM/log analytics. Top Secret clearance is preferred and a strong cyber background is required.

Qualifications

• Strong technical experience auditing multiple operating systems against compliance requirements.
• Knowledge and application of NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, NISPOM and related standards.
• Security plan development and ongoing monitoring for compliance.
• Solid system and network administration skills across environments.
• Active Top Secret level clearance or higher.
• Analytical, problem-solving and clear communication skills.
• Organizational, multitasking and time management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development and submission of security plans and compliance artifacts.
• Conduct risk assessments across development, test, production and research environments.
• Complete technical requirements for networks and systems; perform vulnerability/ log reviews.
• Harden Windows/Linux via DISA STIG; manage AD accounts/groups.
• Operate virtualization platforms; create VMs and monitor performance.
• Perform basic network administration and root-cause analysis.
• Support Continuous Monitoring; deploy log forwarders and develop alerts/dashboards.

Skills

Tech experience

NIST knowledge

Security plan development

Sys & network admin

Top Secret clearance

Analytical skills

Time management

Certification & accreditation

Unix/Linux admin

Network analysis

Vulnerability management

SIEM (Splunk/ELK)

VMware

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Splunk

ELK

VMware

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location will be a hybrid of on-site/work from home, on-site location is Warminster, PA.

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.

We are searching for a Cyber Security Engineer to join the Cybersecurity Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our mission is to support and secure the data and systems relevant to the challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems conducted by our research teams in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). This role helps to protect ARL’s network and systems by providing proactive security measures, assessing and acting on risks, and ensuring compliance. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

You will:

• Aid in the, development, validation, and submission of information system security plans, security test and evaluation plans, certification and accreditation or authorization packages, and plans of action and milestones in support of compliance requirements
• Take part in conducting, developing, planning, and coordinating risk assessments of information systems in development, test, production and research environments as required by established or newly determined compliance/audit requirements
• Complete technical requirements for networks and systems such as; vulnerability scanning, review of security/event logs, network analysis, security configuration review, and incident response on an as-needed basis
• Administer and harden against DISA STIG Windows/Linux systems across physical and virtual environments; provision, patch, baseline, and manage AD accounts/groups
• Operate and maintain virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware/Hyper‑V): create VMs/templates/snapshots, monitor resources, and optimize performance
• Basic network administration (ports/VLANs/port security); monitor system/network health, respond to alerts, perform root‑cause analysis, and remediate
• Continuous Monitoring; deploy Splunk universal forwarders, ensure log ingestion health and develop searches, alerts, and dashboards for ops/cyber use

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Strong practical technical experience with multiple operating systems and types of technologies and the ability to audit them against compliance requirements
• Knowledge and application of NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, NISPOM, DAAG, and other regulatory requirements
• Security plan development and/or continuous monitoring for compliance with security plans
• Strong system and network administration skills
• Active security clearance, at the Top Secret level or higher
• Effective analytical, problem solving, and communication skills
• Efficient organizational, multitasking, and time management abilities with the aptitude to work independently, as part of a team, and across multiple teams in various disciplines

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Experience certifying and accrediting systems and networks
• UNIX/Linux operating system administration
• TCP/IP network analysis and network/packet level examination tools
• Experience with vulnerability management tools and best practice
• SEIM management or use for analysis, such as Splunk or ELK
• VMWare and management of Virtual Machines

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Cyber Security Engineer (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

If filled as Cyber Security Engineer (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $174,708.00. 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.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

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.

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s a positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.