Systems Architect

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 Skill Bridge 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, floor plans, 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

• 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

• 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.

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).

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.