Cyber Security Manager

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University in Reston, VA, seeks a Cybersecurity Engineering Manager to lead a high‑performing IT/security team in safeguarding classified and sensitive research environments.

You will drive RMF processes, control implementation, and policy compliance across multiple platforms, collaborating with research leadership to embed cybersecurity throughout ARL processes.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated RMF assessment and authorization experience.
• Knowledge of NIST/ISO standards and regulatory requirements (DoD, DISA STIG).
• Strong background with Windows and Linux systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor IT, information security, and cybersecurity professionals; include hiring and performance management.
• Develop and maintain system security plans, certification & authorization packages, and POAMs.
• Oversee design, configuration, security, and support; ensure controls are implemented and maintained.
• Oversee risk assessments across the information system lifecycle.
• Monitor systems for policy compliance and security measures.

Skills

RMF

NIST/ISO standards

Windows & Linux

Policy & PMO familiarity

IT security leadership

Security+ / CISSP

Communication & collaboration

TS/SCI eligibility w/ CI poly

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Information Security / IT / CS

Tools

Nessus

SCAP Compliance Checker

Splunk

VMware

Job description

Your working location will be fully on-site located in Reston, VA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

We are searching for an experienced Cybersecurity Engineering Manager to oversee team operations for the SPS Cyber/ITS team in the Information Technology Services Division of the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State. This role will focus on and oversee the Special Programs spaces from the information technology, cybersecurity, and compliance perspective. You will lead a team responsible for secure system design, support, compliance, documentation, and continuous monitoring within classified and sensitive research environments.

You will:

• Lead and mentor a team of information technology, information security, and cybersecurity professionals, to include hiring, workforce development, performance management, and succession planning
• Develop, validate, submit, and maintain information system security plans, certification and authorization packages, security documentation, and plans of action and milestones in support of compliance requirements
• Oversee design, configuration, security, and systems support, ensuring security controls are properly implemented and maintained
• Oversee development and implementation of risk assessments against the information system lifecycle
• Monitor and assist in the assessment of existing and emerging systems and networks to ensure alignment with current cybersecurity policies, concepts, and security measures
• Promote cybersecurity awareness by developing training material related to compliance and audit requirements to support employees with audits and security expectations
• Provide technical leadership in vulnerability scanning, review of security/event log review, network analysis, and incident response to support secure operations
• Collaborate with operational and research leadership to ensure cybersecurity requirements are integrated throughout ARL processes

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Assessment and authorization of systems and networks using RMF
• NIST/ISO standards (e.g. 800-53), Department of Defense directives, DISA STIG, and regulatory requirements
• Strong technical background with significant experience using multiple operating systems, such as Windows and Linux
• Policy, procedure, plan of action and milestone, risk assessment, and security plan development with experience monitoring for compliance
• Working knowledge of system functions, security policies, technical security safeguards, and operational security measures
• Management or leadership experience in the information technology and security space
• The ability to certify and maintain information security related certifications (eg. Security+ and CISSP)
• Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Success working both independently and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) level with minimum of CI polygraph

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Information Security, Information Technology, or Computer Science
• Vulnerability scanning and mitigation utilizing Nessus, SCAP Compliance Checker, or a similar tool
• Networking fundamentals, including various concepts, tools, and administrative functions
• SEIM management or use for analysis, such as Splunk
• VMWare and management of Virtual Machines