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Systems Administrator

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University
University Park, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/17/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/15/2025
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 self-motivated, quality conscious Systems Administrator to join our Computing Services Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Install, configure, and deploy systems in compliance with government regulations
  • Administer various operating system distributions
  • Implement software patching and upgrades
  • Troubleshoot issues with system and software installations
  • Assist in remediation of system security incidents
  • Maintain and update documentation for systems and networks
  • Routinely interact with other Information Technology professionals

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • A well-rounded skillset in system administration, including computer network security, crisis management, and technical support
  • Desire to learn, upgrade skills, and computer-related knowledge
  • Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
  • The ability to be flexible with rapidly changing priorities
  • Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • Demonstrated ability to work through a difficult problem, sometimes by multi-tasking, while using proper steps to define/formulate ideas to reach a solution

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

Your working location will be on-site, located in State College, PA, with the possibility of some work being hybrid on-site/work from home. 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 Systems Administrator - 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 Systems Administrator - Professional, this position requires: Associate 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.

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.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,000.00 - $89,600.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

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Salary : $51,000 - $89,600

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