Cybersecurity Systems Engineer

Cyber Security Systems EngineerPenn State IT Information Security team is seeking a Cyber Security Systems Engineer who will be responsible for designing, implementing, securing, monitoring, and maintaining an organization's information systems and security infrastructure. This role works across networks, endpoints, servers, cloud environments, applications, and identity platforms to protect sensitive data and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems.This role will collaborate with infrastructure, networking, application development, cloud, and compliance teams to implement security controls, improve system resilience, support regulatory requirements, and strengthen the organization's overall security posture.Success in this role requires a strong understanding of operating systems, networks, applications, databases, cloud services, virtualization, and automation, along with meticulous investigative, analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills.The ideal candidate will have hands-on cybersecurity experience and be prepared to quickly step into the role, independently apply their technical knowledge, and contribute to ongoing security operations and initiatives.Primary Job Duties:Review, investigate, and respond to complex alerts and threat activity related to compromised devices as well as alerts escalated from Tier 1Correlate data across endpoints, networks, and logs to scope an attackCreate dashboards, saved searches, and other SIEM content related to compromised device activityDesign, evaluate, implement, and maintain detection and prevention methodologies in response to current threats and minimize false positives to improve alert fidelityInvestigate received Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) from various agencies to ensure they are not present in the environmentAdditional Job Duties:Assist with the forensic preservation of digital evidence, including hard drivesMaintain accurate security documentation and update it as neededAssess and monitor the effectiveness of security controlsKeep up to date on cybersecurity trends and industry best practicesAssist in developing and revising organizational security policies, standards, processes, and guidelinesQualifications:Degree in Information Security, Risk Management, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field or disciplineExperience evaluating, implementing, and maintaining cybersecurity detection and prevention methodologies to address evolving threats and reduce false positivesExperience developing and maintaining SIEM content, including dashboards, saved searches, queries, and alerts related to compromised devices and suspicious activityExperience investigating Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) from internal and external sources to identify potential threats within an organization's environmentExperience investigating and responding to complex security alerts and threat activityExperience with security monitoring, incident response, threat detection, and analysis using SIEM, EDR, or other cybersecurity toolsMinimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications:Bachelor's Degree; 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted; Required Certifications: NonePreferred Certifications:CISSPCISMCompTIA Sec+CompTIA CySA+Background Checks/Clearances:Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.Salary & Benefits:The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $72,300.00 - $108,444.00. 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.