IT Platform Administrator (ARL)

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% Tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an on-site IT Platform Administrator to support ARL enterprise systems in State College, PA, with hybrid options after onboarding. The role focuses on security, reliability, and system administration for research and administrative functions.

You will manage identity and access, install and secure servers, monitor for incidents, and contribute to infrastructure modernization. A DoD 8140/8570 pathway is supported; DoD clearance eligibility may apply.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree; No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
• Willingness to obtain DoD 8140/8570 certification within one year.
• Experience administering Windows and Red Hat Linux servers.
• Knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and Windows server maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Administer identity and access management and certificate management; manage privileged accounts and RBAC.
• Install, configure, secure, and upgrade Windows and Linux servers and related infrastructure.
• Monitor security events, vulnerabilities, and compliance; coordinate incident response.
• Ensure system availability, performance, and reliability; troubleshoot complex issues.
• Develop and maintain system architecture diagrams, baselines, and disaster recovery docs.
• Provide advanced user and application support; mentor junior staff; support modernization initiatives.
• Collaborate with IT colleagues on infrastructure design to meet goals.

Skills

Identity and access management

Windows Server

Red Hat Linux Servers

Active Directory

Group Policy

DNS

DoD 8140/8570 training

Security monitoring

Incident response

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

SCCM

Ansible

Redhat IDM

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. Hybrid work opportunities may be an option after acclimating to the role. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

We are searching for a highly motivated IT Platform Administrator to join Enterprise IT at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will provide systems 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 research and administrative systems through hands on configuration and support.

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

You will:

• Administer identity and access management, authentication services, privileged account controls, certificate management, and role-based access to ensure appropriate protection of research data and information systems
• Install, configure, administer, secure, maintain, and upgrade physical and virtual servers, operating systems, enterprise services, storage platforms, and specialized research computing environments supporting scientific, engineering, and business operations
• Monitor security events, vulnerabilities, system alerts, and compliance status; investigate anomalies; coordinate incident response activities; and implement corrective and preventative actions
• Monitor system availability, performance, capacity, and reliability; proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex system, hardware, software, and infrastructure issues to minimize operational impact
• Develop and maintain system architecture diagrams, configuration baselines, operating procedures, disaster recovery documentation, security documentation, and other technical records required for operational support, audits, and system accreditation
• Provide advanced technical support for complex end-user and application issues; mentor less experienced technical staff; and contribute technical expertise to infrastructure modernization and research initiatives
• Collaborate with IT colleagues on the design of technical infrastructures targeting specific goals

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD 8140/8570 certification or higher (Security+, CASP+, CySA+), within one year of start date
• Demonstrated experience in the enterprise level administration of Windows and Red Hat Linux Servers
• Knowledge and experience with Infrastructure Core Services: Active Directory management; Group Policy; Windows Server Administration; NTFS Permissions; DNS; and maintenance of secure Windows servers
• Experience operating in, and leading, technical projects in a high-security research computing environment
• Success in an environment where various forms of communication and organizational skills are crucial to be effective
• Demonstrated ability to work through difficult problems, using proper steps to identify, define, and formulate ideas that produce results
• Systems integration in a heterogeneous network environment

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Microsoft Entra Administration
• Identity and Access Management and PKI Infrastructure
• Enterprise level administration of both Windows and Linux systems
• A strong understanding of Microsoft Exchange in a hybrid environment.
• PowerShell scripting, system maintenance and automation of tasks
• Developing and maintaining secure Windows and Linux system baseline configurations
• Enterprise storage resources (ECS, Unity, PowerScale, Isilon)
• Enterprise systems management software (SCCM, Ansible, Redhat IDM)

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Associate DegreeNo prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.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.

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 $62,304.00 - $93,504.00.

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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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website atwww.arl.psu.edu.