Systems Architect

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 81,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a highly capable Systems Architect to join the JMIE division at ARL. The role focuses on data center design, IT system architecture, and secure integration across classified environments, with a TS/SCI clearance preferred.

On-site in San Diego, CA with potential hybrid arrangements; you may engage with external vendors and direct junior staff as needed. Penn State offers strong benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Data center design and implementation experience.
• Enterprise IT assets and Cisco network architecture.
• DoD security accreditation process familiarity.
• Federated and multi-factor authentication concepts.
• IPv4 networks and encryption for classified networks.
• Linux (RHEL) troubleshooting and administration.
• Windows 10/11/Server troubleshooting and administration.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and maintain Data Center and IT/SE lab facilities.
• Develop IT system architecture for multi-platform integration.
• Document system specifications, input/output processes, and security.
• Design and maintain network infrastructure—routers, switches, firewalls.
• Implement DISA STIGs/SRGs and other hardening requirements.
• Identify and resolve information security and program deficiencies.
• Troubleshoot complex technical problems and provide solutions.
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with laws and lab policies.

Tools

VMware

Kubernetes

Cisco switches/routers

Dell servers

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a highly motivated Systems Architect to join our Joint Mission Integration and Experimentation Division (JMIE) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. JMIE specializes in rapid development of warfighter capabilities in an aggregated and integrated multidomain environment. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

• Design, configure, improve, and maintain Data Center and IT/Software Engineering Laboratory facility requirements such as use‑cases, floorplans, layouts, diagrams, and rack elevations
• Develop and implement information technology system architecture for integration of multiple platforms, operating systems, and applications across the classified enterprise
• Determine and document systems specifications, input/output processes, and working parameters for hardware/software compatibility and maintenance of system security
• Design, configure, and maintain network infrastructure; including routers, switches, firewalls
• Implement hardening requirements on systems and devices such as DISA STIGs, SRGs, etc.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve information security and program support deficiencies
• Troubleshoot and develop solutions to complex technical problems
• Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information
• Be responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Lab
• Be expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practice
• May function in a leadership role and provide direction and guidance to lower level professional and support staff
• May represent the organization as a primary technical contact on projects to outside vendors and customers

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Data center, engineering, or test laboratory design and implementation
• Enterprise level IT assets such as Dell servers or Cisco network architecture
• Classified DOD systems and the security accreditation process
• Authentication principles including federated authentication and multi-factor authentication
• IPv4 networks and associated network protocols and practices to include encryption for classified networks
• Virtualization technologies for Windows and Linux hosts (e.g. Kubernetes Containers and VMWare)
• RedEnterprise Linux troubleshooting and management
• Windows10/11/Server troubleshooting and management
• Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• SD‑WAN Networking Experience (Design, Implement or Use)
• Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI) Administration Experience
• Hybrid-Cloud Architectures (e.g. AWS Snowball, AWS Direct Connect)

Your working location will be on‑site in San Diego, CA, with project-dependent ability for hybrid work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Network Engineer - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None

If filled as Network Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor’s Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $81,312.00 - $154,452.00.

• 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.

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.

Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.