Systems Administrator (Linux/Cloud)

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in Reston, VA is seeking a Systems Administrator to maintain HPC systems, Linux servers, and cloud tooling, with a focus on reliability and security.

The role requires scripting, Kubernetes, and modeling & simulation applications, plus strong testing, backups, and documentation. DoD-specific eligibility or clearance considerations may apply; Penn State offers a generous benefits package, including a 75% tuition discount.

Qualifications

• Assist with installing, configuring, and updating systems and software, focusing on Linux (RedHat), basic Ansible scripting, and working with GitLab pipelines.
• Help diagnose and troubleshoot issues on servers, workstations, and A/V equipment, including responding to outages during normal business hours.
• Support testing and applying updates, patches, and upgrades for operating systems, Kubernetes platforms, and modeling and simulation (M&S) applications.

Responsibilities

• Execute, improve, and monitor scripts and automation tools to aid in systems management
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve server, workstation, and audio‑visual (A/V) issues and/or respond to outages during normal working hours
• Test and implement upgrades and patches to installed operating systems, software container orchestration platforms (Kubernetes), and modeling & simulation (M&S) applications
• Maintain reliability of systems by monitoring, running tests, and troubleshooting
• Monitor backups and plans for installed systems
• Review adequacy of emergency response plans
• Manage, research, and resolve common as well as complex end‑user issues
• Evaluate and recommend new or existing software/infrastructure improvements and/or solutions
• Create and maintain system documentation of processes, procedures, plans, and configurations with a focus on continuous improvement

Skills

Linux (RedHat)

Ansible scripting

GitLab pipelines

Troubleshooting

System administration

Kubernetes

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Associate Degree

Tools

GitLab

Ansible

Kubernetes

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a Systems Administrator to join the Reston, VA office of the Digital Engineering Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.

You will maintain the integrity of various high-performance computing (HPC) systems including operating systems, physical servers/workstations, and applications; administer, install, and troubleshoot a variety of Cloud tooling and applications, perform systems maintenance tasks such as troubleshooting and performance evaluation as well as back-up and recovery; perform configuration changes to address customer‑needs; schedule, install, and test system software upgrades; monitor and maintain software licensing.

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

You will:

• Execute, improve, and monitor scripts and automation tools to aid in systems management
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve server, workstation, and audio‑visual (A/V) issues and/or respond to outages during normal working hours
• Test and implement upgrades and patches to installed operating systems, software container orchestration platforms (Kubernetes), and modeling & simulation (M&S) applications
• Maintain reliability of systems by monitoring, running tests, and troubleshooting
• Monitor backups and plans for installed systems
• Review adequacy of emergency response plans
• Manage, research, and resolve common as well as complex end‑user issues
• Evaluate and recommend new or existing software/infrastructure improvements and/or solutions
• Create and maintain system documentation of processes, procedures, plans, and configurations with a focus on continuous improvement

Required Skills/Experience areas to include:

• Assist with installing, configuring, and updating systems and software, focusing on Linux (RedHat), basic Ansible scripting, and working with GitLab pipelines
• Help diagnose and troubleshoot issues on servers, workstations, and A/V equipment, including responding to outages during normal business hours
• Support testing and applying updates, patches, and upgrades for operating systems, Kubernetes platforms, and modeling and simulation (M&S) applications

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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as IT Platform Administrator (ARL) - 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

If filled as IT Platform Administrator (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.

Required Certifications: None

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $74,760.00 - $123,480.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

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.

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.

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.

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.

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