Systems Architect
At a glance
Mid-level Engineering Leadership role at Penn State. San Diego · full-time · $81,312–$154,452 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Plan and maintain data-center and engineering-lab layouts, diagrams, rack elevations and facility requirements
- Build system designs that connect platforms, operating systems and applications across classified environments
- Set hardware and software specifications, document system behavior and support security maintenance
- Configure network equipment and apply required security hardening to systems and devices
- Find and fix security, program-support and technical issues, while protecting sensitive information
What you bring
- A bachelor's degree and at least six years of relevant experience, or an equivalent education and experience combination
- An active TS/SCI clearance, plus U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain a government clearance
- Experience with data-center or lab design, enterprise IT, classified systems, network protocols and system security
- Hands-on knowledge of Windows and Red Hat Linux, virtualization, authentication and classified-network encryption
Who this fits
This on-site San Diego role suits an experienced systems or network engineer comfortable working with classified systems and sensitive information. Hybrid work may be possible depending on the project. Employees must take part in drug testing and comply with applicable electronic and physical monitoring.
From the employer
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
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
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.
You will:
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)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux troubleshooting and management
Windows 10/11/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
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
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 $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. 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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