Cybersecurity Engineering Manager

Pennsylvania State University; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 241,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory in Reston, VA seeks a Cybersecurity Engineering Manager to lead the SPS Cyber/ITS team within the Information Technology Services Division. The role focuses on secure system design, compliance, and continuous monitoring in classified research environments.

You will guide IT and cybersecurity professionals, develop security plans and risk assessments, enforce security controls, and drive training for audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree + 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience.
• Required Certifications: None
• Experience with RMF assessment and authorization processes.
• Strong background in security policy, risk assessments, and compliance documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of IT, information security, and cybersecurity professionals, including hiring, development, performance management, and succession planning.
• Develop, validate, submit, and maintain information system security plans, accreditation packages, security documentation, and POAMs for compliance.
• Oversee design, configuration, security, and system support with proper security controls.
• Oversee development and implementation of risk assessments across the system lifecycle.
• Monitor and assist in assessing existing and emerging systems for alignment with cybersecurity policies.
• Promote cybersecurity awareness with training material for audits and security expectations.
• Provide technical leadership in vulnerability scanning, security/event log reviews, network analysis, and incident response.
• Collaborate with operational and research leadership to integrate cybersecurity requirements across ARL processes.

Skills

RMF

NIST/ISO 800-53

Windows

Linux

Policy & Plans

Leadership

Security+ / CISSP

Communication

Teamwork

TS/SCI access

CI Polygraph

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Nessus

SCAP Compliance Checker

Splunk

VMware

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

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
• Training material development

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

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 $146,040.00 - $240,960.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

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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