Cyber Security Systems Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 68,200 - 115,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount for employees and families

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off including holidays and vacation

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is hiring a Cyber Security Systems Engineer in Reston, Virginia. This position involves advanced systems engineering and administration for high security environments. Responsibilities include monitoring cybersecurity incidents, providing support, and ensuring compliance with government regulations. The role requires a TS/SCI clearance and a Security+ CE or CISSP certification. Benefits include a competitive salary range of $68,200 - $115,100 and a generous tuition discount for employees and their families.

Qualifications

• Proficient in system administration in high-security environments.
• Experience with security/event log auditing and compliance.
• Ability to multitask and work independently as well as within teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform system and security engineering for security services.
• Monitor ARL Special Program networks and respond to incidents.
• Provide systems engineering and administration support.

Skills

Active TS/SCI security clearance with Counter-Intelligence polygraph

Current Security+ CE or CISSP certification

Strong understanding of cyber security

Operational experience in a government-regulated environment

Linux and Windows operating system administration

Cisco network infrastructure configuration

Vulnerability scanning and mitigation

Experience with VMWare

Effective problem-solving skills

Task and project leadership qualities

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber and Information Security or related field

Tools

Nessus

Splunk

Job description

Position Specifics

The Information Technology Services Division, located in the Enterprise Operations Office of The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University, is seeking a Cyber Security Systems Engineer for our high security Special Program environments. This role will provide advanced systems engineering and 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 systems through hands on configuration and support.

This position will be located in Reston, VA, and will be fully on-site. Remote telework is not supported under the associated contract/s.

Responsibilities

• Perform system and security engineering including coordinating, designing, recommending, evaluating, and managing new and existing security services, controls, solutions, processes, and procedures
• Monitor all ARL Special Program networks and provide a timely response to all cybersecurity incidents
• Provide systems engineering and systems administration support for ARL Special Programs networks
• Independently respond to alerts, tickets, tasks, user activity and requests, and events, generated by multiple security systems, IT teams, or units within the Special Program environment
• Conduct risk assessments to determine residual level of risk and any required mitigations
• Provide oversight of the installation and configuration of systems to comply with Government regulations and maintain compliance documentation
• Collaborate with IT colleagues on the design of technical infrastructures targeting specific goals

Required Skills and Experience

• An active TS/SCI security clearance with Counter-Intelligence polygraph
• Current Security+ CE or CISSP certification, or other security related certification (CASP+, CySA+, or similar)
• Strong understanding of cyber security, system administration, and networking fundamentals within a heterogeneous network environment
• Operating and providing systems administration and support in a high-security research computing environment
• Operational experience, in a government-regulated environment, with familiarity in security/event log auditing, definition and interpretation of audit requirements
• Security plan development and/or continuous monitoring for compliance with security plans in a government-regulated environment
• Linux endpoint configuration and security in a government-regulated environment
• Windows and Linux operating system administration and secure configuration in a government-regulated environment
• Experience with Cisco network infrastructure (switch, router, firewall) configuration, hardening, and security in a government-regulated environment
• Vulnerability scanning and mitigation utilizing Nessus, ACAS, SCC, and STIG viewer in a government-regulated environment
• Experience with VMWare and management of Virtual Machines in a government-regulated environment
• Demonstrated effective problem solving, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to multitask, work effectively independently, as part of a team, and across multiple teams in various disciplines
• Task and project leadership qualities, to include peer mentoring, progress reporting, ownership of responsibility

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber and Information Security, Information Technology, or Computer Science
• Additional vendor, cloud, or technology certifications
• Assessment and Authorization with experience using RMF in a government-regulated environment
• Knowledge and application of NIST 800-53, ICD 503, Department of Defense Directives, and regulatory requirements in a government-regulated environment
• Experience with SEIM management or use for analysis using Splunk in a government-regulated environment

Minimum Education, Experience & Certifications

If filled as Cyber Security Systems Engineer - 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 Systems Engineer - 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.

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 $68,200.00 - $115,100.00. THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL

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.

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.