IT Platform Administrator (ARL)

IT Platform Administrator We are searching for a highly motivated and self-driven IT Platform Administrator for our highly secured environments to join our Information Technology Services Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. This role will provide systems administration, computing support, and specialized support services for the enablement of key research and administrative functions by ensuring the security, compliance, functionality, and reliability of research and administrative systems through hands on configuration and support. You will: Provide end-user support across secure networks (Warminster; remote University Park): troubleshoot medium/complex issues, reset passwords, and maintain Jira tickets, change requests, and asset records Complete on-site tasks for the Warminster facility that cannot be done remotely; hardware issues and replacements, provisioning endpoints/servers, peripheral management, networking, and cabling Administer Windows/Linux systems across physical and virtual environments; provision, patch, baseline, and manage AD accounts/groups Operate and maintain virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware/Hyper-V): create VMs/templates/snapshots, monitor resources, and optimize performance Hardening & compliance: apply DISA STIGs, remediate findings, track POA&Ms/evidence; support audits/assessments and meet DoD/NIST controls Basic network administration (ports/VLANs/port security); monitor system/network health, respond to alerts, perform root-cause analysis, and remediate Continuous Monitoring; deploy Splunk universal forwarders, ensure log ingestion health and develop searches, alerts, and dashboards for ops/cyber use Develop and maintain Warminster SOPs aligned to University Park, covering system administration, access management, backup/restore, patching, and incident response Drive continuous improvement: standardize runbooks, automate routine tasks, and reduce Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR) across services Required skills and experience include: Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required The ability to certify and maintain information security related certification (Security+, CASP+, CySA+) Demonstrated ability to adopt new technologies and tools, serving as the primary implementer and maintainer, including configuration, documentation, and support Windows/Linux administration: AD/Group Policy, provisioning, patching, and baseline management VMware administration (vRealize, vSphere, NSX, SRM) Networking fundamentals: L2 switching, VLANs, port security; troubleshoot ports/cabling on-site. Security & compliance: Apply DISA STIGs, remediate findings, track POA&Ms, produce audit artifacts; familiarity with DoD/NIST controls Monitoring/observability: Splunk Universal Forwarders, log ingestion health, write searches, alerts, and dashboards Scripting & automation: PowerShell/Bash; standardize runbooks and automate routine tasks to reduce MTTR Service management: Jira Service Management/Assets—ticketing, change control, asset/CMDB hygiene; ITIL incident/problem practices Documentation: Develop and maintain SOPs/runbooks for Warminster aligned to University Park (system admin, access, backup/restore, patching, incident response) Preferred skills and experience include: Automating management of Linux and Windows systems Development of secure Linux and Windows system baseline configurations Systems management (SCCM, Satellite, Ansible, IDM, AAP) DoD Regulations: Familiarity with security standards and regulations, such as DoD 8500.01 and NIST guidelines DISA STIG experience with reviewing, implementing, validating compliance and producing checklists Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications If filled as IT Platform Administrator (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None 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 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

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $75,468.00 - $145,428.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location. 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. Penn State University