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 Cyber Information Assurance Analyst to join the Risk Management Department, in Reston, VA , in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The CIAA evaluates system and network environments to implement effective cybersecurity programs and determines security controls and policies based on best practices, regulations, and contractual requirements. This role includes managing compliance assessments, mitigating risks to information systems, and ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CMS Division leverages M&S expertise and other resources to deliver prototypes, demonstrations, and accelerated transitions of emerging research and technologies vital to national security needs, in addition to performing research, development, testing, and evaluations facilitating innovation in practice and development of critical, in-demand capabilities.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply
You will:
- Conduct risk assessments and provide recommendations for system, network, and application design, implementation, and operation of departmental systems
- Conduct vulnerability assessments of departmental systems and networks to identify deviations from acceptable configurations or policies
- Meet with stakeholders regularly to assess needs and requirements at a departmental level
- Conduct vulnerability assessments of departmental systems and networks to identify deviations from acceptable configurations or policies
- Monitor the corrective actions of departmental system audits; draft documentation of Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) for review
- Obtain certification and accreditation for departmental systems through the creation of process documentation support; may assist with unit or University wide process documentation
- Participate in the establishment of program control processes to ensure risk mitigation
- Perform periodic audits of departmental systems under general supervision
- Participate in the implementation of required policies, procedures, and configurations; make recommendations for improvements
- Participate in the preparation of requirements and procedures for forensic preservation
- Research and stay current on industry best practices
Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:
- Lead risk assessments and provide recommendations for system, network, and application design, implementation, and operation of unit-wide systems
- Lead vulnerability assessments of unit-wide systems and networks to identify deviations from acceptable configurations or policies; conduct assessments of non-standard systems
- Monitor the corrective actions of unit-wide system audits; develop and manage Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM)
- Meet with stakeholders regularly to assess needs and requirements at a unit-wide level
- Obtain certification and accreditation through the creation of process documentation; develop unit or University-wide process documentation
- Establish program control processes to ensure risk mitigation
- Perform periodic audits of systems
- Implement required policies, procedures, and configurations; make recommendations for improvements
- Develop requirements and procedures for forensic preservation
- Assist in the development of policy, process, and standards of Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) program and participate in CIRT activities as needed
- Assist in the development and delivery of information security training material
- May interface with external entities including law enforcement and intelligence/government agencies
- May provide guidance to lower level Analysts
Required skills/knowledge areas include:
- Windows and Linux OS
- CI/CD pipeline
- Review of hardware and software vulnerabilities
- DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF)
- Understand and enforce policies and procedures within classified space
- Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) and Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG)
- Ability to multitask multiple programs
- Security+, CAP, GSEC or equivalent
Active security clearance, at the Top-Secret level and possession of or eligible for SCI level
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Preferred Skills/Knowledge Include:
- Development and maintenance of Security Assessment Plans, Risk Assessment Reports, and POAMs
- Containerized environments
- Gitlab and Ansible
- JIRA and Confluence
- Vulnerability scanning tools (ACAS, OpenSCAP, Trivy, Grype, etc.)
- Bachelors' degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity or related field
Your working location will be in Reston, VA . Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Travel is expected to be at 50% of the time to surrounding areas.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Cyber Security Information Analyst (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 Cyber Security Information Analyst (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
No 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 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 $68,604.00 - $132,204.00.
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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