Cyber Security Information Analyst

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Full benefits package

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State invites applications for a Cyber Security Information Analyst with NRDD in the Navy-focused research division. The role is hybrid, based at a sponsor site in Cocoa Beach, FL, with collaboration across State College and Warminster, PA, and supports DoD-aligned security programs.

ARL protects, authorizes, and monitors information systems; RMF/NIST guidance, A&A, CUI protection, incident response, and security controls are central.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 6+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination.
• Active Top Secret clearance required.
• DoD program experience preferred.
• Familiarity with RMF/NIST cybersecurity policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide cyber security support to ARL program sponsors.
• Collaborate with government, industry partners, system owners, engineers, researchers, IT admins, and security personnel to define security requirements.
• Conduct cybersecurity risk assessments across information systems, networks and applications and provide DoD-aligned recommendations.
• Perform vulnerability scanning and configuration compliance assessments; validate security controls.
• Develop and maintain POA&Ms to track remediation and monitor corrective actions.
• Support RMF activities, including system categorization and authorization package development.
• Assist in A&A by preparing SSPs and required artifacts for operation approval.
• Implement and validate cybersecurity policies, safeguards, and configuration standards.
• Protect CUI and other sensitive information through access controls and encryption requirements.
• Develop incident response procedures; coordinate with security teams on containment and investigation.
• Participate in incident response activities and post-incident analysis.
• Evaluate threats and best practices; propose improvements to security programs and controls.
• Ensure compliance with NIST SP 800-53, RMF, and DoD policies; support audits.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure coordinated security implementation.

Skills

Top Secret clearance

DoD program support

PNT technologies

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

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

Your working location will be a hybrid of on-site/work from home from a sponsor site in Cocoa Beach, FL. Questions related to flexible work should be directed tot he hiring manager during the interview process.

We are seeking a Cyber Security Information Analyst to join the Navigation Research and Development Division (NRDD) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The NRDD, primarily located in both State College, PA and Warminster, PA, focuses on the execution of interdisciplinary research and development programs supporting strategic underwater navigation systems.

The Cyber Security Information Analyst supports the protection, authorization, and continuous monitoring of information systems and networks within the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), a Department of Defense (DoD)-aligned University Affiliated Research Center (UARC).

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

• Provide cyber security support to ARL program sponsors
• Collaborate with government, industry partners, system owners, engineers, researchers, IT administrators, and security personnel to define security requirements and ensure system design, deployment, and operation
• Conduct cybersecurity risk assessments across information systems, networks, and applications to evaluate security posture and provide recommendations aligned with DoD cybersecurity requirements and organizational risk tolerance
• Perform vulnerability scanning, configuration compliance assessments, and security control validation to identify deviations from approved baselines, security standards, and authorized system configurations
• Develop, document, and maintain Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to track remediation of identified vulnerabilities, control deficiencies, and compliance gaps; monitor corrective actions through resolution
• Support Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, including system categorization, security control selection and implementation, assessment preparation, authorization package development, and continuous monitoring support
• Assist in the authorization and accreditation (A&A) process by preparing and maintaining security documentation, including System Security Plans (SSPs), security control assessments, and supporting artifacts required for system approval to operate
• Implement and validate cybersecurity policies, procedures, technical safeguards, and configuration standards; provide recommendations for strengthening security posture and reducing organizational risk
• Support the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Export-Controlled Information, research data, and other sensitive information through enforcement of access controls, encryption requirements, secure configurations, and monitoring practices
• Develop and maintain procedures for incident response support, forensic readiness, evidence preservation, and chain-of-custody documentation in coordination with cybersecurity and security operations teams
• Participate in incident response activities, including investigation support, containment coordination, and post-incident analysis, as required
• Evaluate emerging cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, technologies, and best practices; assess applicability and recommend improvements to existing security programs and controls
• Ensure compliance with applicable cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST SP 800-53, NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), DoD cybersecurity policies, and organizational security directives
• Support audit readiness and external assessments by preparing documentation, responding to security inquiries, and validating compliance with required cybersecurity controls
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, information assurance, security operations, system administration, export control, compliance, and research stakeholders to ensure coordinated and consistent security implementation across the enterprise

Required Skills/Experience areas include

• Active Top Secret security clearance
• Support of Department of Defense programs
• Strategic navigation technologies and submarine systems
• Advanced research and development programs
• Expertise with PNT technologies which may include Inertial Navigation, Global Positioning System, Alternative Navigation Technologies, Geophysical Navigation, Sonar Navigation
• Excellent presentation skills and effective written and oral communication

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Cyber Security Information Analyst (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Cyber Security Information Analyst (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

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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.

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.

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.

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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