Network Security Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in San Diego seeks a Network Security Engineer to fortify multi-domain and cloud-connected networks. You will design, implement, and maintain secure architectures and collaborate across teams using Agile methods.

Key duties include RMF documentation, risk assessments, and conducting security testing across classification domains, with mentoring and lifecycle security responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering RMF documentation and guiding systems through accreditation across environments.
• Ability to design and scale secure network architectures across multi-domain systems.
• Strong cybersecurity background including vulnerability management, scanning, compliance evaluation, and control implementation.
• Experience interpreting security policy, producing evidence, and documenting test results for NIST 800-53 / JSIG controls.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain network security architectures across multi-domain and cloud environments.
• Define and enforce cybersecurity and network administration processes for data protection across networks.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, systems, and cloud teams using Agile methods for secure design, verification, deployment and monitoring.
• Develop RMF documentation and artifacts, including SSPs and CONOPS for networked and cloud systems.
• Apply security engineering principles—secure design, secure coding, static/dynamic analysis, and architectural reviews.

Skills

RMF documentation

Network security architectures

Vulnerability management

NIST 800-53 / JSIG controls

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

eMASS

ACAS/Nessus

STIG

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 work location will be fullyonsite located in San Diego, CA. Questions about flexible work arrangements may be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Periodic travel to local and remote test sites is required.

We are seeking a highly motivated Network Security Engineer with a strong foundation in security engineering to join the DevSecOps Team of the Joint Mission Integration and Experimentation (JMIE) Division within the Information Advantage Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State, based in San Diego, CA. The JMIE Division delivers advanced communications capabilities and secure experimentation networks supporting departmental mission partners, including cross‑domain data movement, tactical compute environments, and resilient edge processing.

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

You will:

• Design, implement, and maintain network security architectures across multi‑domain and cloud‑connected environments
• Define and enforce cybersecurity and network administration processes, ensuring consistent protection of data flows across experimental and operational networks
• Collaborate across infrastructure, systems, and cloud teams using Agile methods to ensure secure design, verification, deployment, and continuous monitoring of networked environments
• Develop Risk Management Framework (RMF) documentation and Body of Evidence artifacts, including system security plans and concept‑of‑operations documents for networked and cloud systems
• Apply security engineering principles—secure design, secure coding practices, static/dynamic analysis, and architectural review—to validate system security requirements across network infrastructure
• Conduct network security assessments within MLS systems, supporting vulnerability analysis, threat modeling and security control validation
• Plan, execute, and report on security assessments across multiple classification domains
• Implement and validate security controls across network architectures, including boundary protections, segmentation, cross‑domain interfaces, and secure transport mechanisms
• Coordinate and oversee RMF documentation required for accreditation of networked cloud environments, including Cybersecurity Strategy and Continuous Monitoring Plans
• Support lifecycle security requirements such as patch management, supply chain evaluation, change control, and defect management
• Mentor and support team members when needed

Additional responsibilities for higher‑level roles:

• Collaborate closely with ISSOs and ISSMs to refine RMF documentation, review system security plans, risk assessments, accreditation packages, and POA&Ms
• Operate independently to develop RMF Authorization & Assessment (A&A) packages and deliver artifacts required to obtain an Authority to Operate (ATO)

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Demonstrated experience developing RMF documentation and guiding systems through accreditation across multiple environments
• Proven ability to design and scalesecure network architectures across multi‑domain systems
• Strong background in cybersecurity disciplines, including vulnerability management, scanning, compliance evaluation, and control implementation
• Experience interpreting security policy, generating evidence, and documenting test results for NIST 800‑53 / JSIG security controls
• Active TS/SCI clearance (or eligibility to obtain)

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Experience managing configuration control for security‑related network hardware, software, and firmware
• Prior work as a System or Network Administrator
• Hands‑on experience with Windows and Linux environments, especially in enterprise or tactical networks
• Familiarity with DoD technical and policy documentation
• Experience developing security or RMF training materials

  Proficiency with eMASS, ACAS/Nessus, STIG application, and network hardening

• Certifications such as GRC, CISSP, CISM, CCISO, GIAC, GSLC, or CASP+

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

requires:Bachelor'sacceptedRequiredCertifications:NoneIfrequires:Bachelor'sacceptedRequiredCertifications:None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

(ARL):Employees

SALARY & BENEFITS

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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