To qualify for the Cyber Security Systems Engineer position at Penn State, candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree or higher in a related field, or an equivalent mix of education and experience. Required skills include expertise in both Windows and Linux operating systems, a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, and familiarity with various security toolsets such as SIEM, Firewall, and incident response frameworks. Additional certifications like Security+ or CISSP are favorable and current eligibility for access to classified information is a must.

The Cyber Security Systems Engineer at Penn State is tasked with proactively monitoring ARL networks and systems to identify and mitigate risks, responding to cybersecurity incidents, and applying security principles, particularly under NIST guidelines. You'll also need to implement security policies and work closely with IT teams to enhance our defenses. For those in higher-level positions, leading threat hunting initiatives and reporting investigative findings to senior leadership will be key components of the role.

Candidates for the Cyber Security Systems Engineer role at Penn State should be familiar with a variety of security toolsets including SIEM, Firewalls, XDR/EDR solutions, and other tools such as IDS/IPS and Forensic toolkits. Knowledge of system administration tools like VPN services, DNS, and process monitoring is also essential to effectively guard against potential threats.

Yes! The Cyber Security Systems Engineer role at Penn State offers flexibility with a hybrid work environment. This means you can enjoy a mix of on-site work at the beautiful State College campus along with the convenience of working from home, ensuring you maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to our mission.

The salary range for the Cyber Security Systems Engineer position at Penn State varies depending on education and experience and is typically between $61,800.00 and $102,300.00. This structure can be influenced by geographical differentials and is part of a competitive compensation package reflecting the value of skilled cybersecurity professionals within the university.

When discussing your experience with incident response, provide specific examples of past incidents you've handled. Highlight your role in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating threats. Emphasize your use of particular tools or frameworks and your collaboration with team members to ensure a successful response, which directly correlates with the core responsibilities of the Cyber Security Systems Engineer at Penn State.

It’s important to demonstrate a proactive approach to continued learning in cybersecurity. Share resources you utilize, such as cybersecurity journals, podcasts, workshops, and online courses. Mention any communities you engage with or conferences you attend that impact your understanding and keep you ahead in the ever-evolving field, which is essential for a Cyber Security Systems Engineer.

Mention specific security toolsets you’ve used, such as SIEM or EDR systems, and describe how they contributed to enhancing security measures. Provide metrics or outcomes where possible, such as improvements in response times to threats or reductions in security incidents. Relating this back to the Cyber Security Systems Engineer role at Penn State will showcase your suitability for the team.

Explain a systematic approach for monitoring network traffic, focusing on the use of specific tools for traffic analysis and anomaly detection. Discuss how you would set up alerts for suspicious patterns and your strategy for responding to these alerts, emphasizing proactive threat detection—a key responsibility of the Cyber Security Systems Engineer position.

Use this opportunity to showcase your communication skills by describing how you simplified a complex technical issue for a non-technical stakeholder. Emphasize the clarity of your communication and how you ensured they understood the implications of the issue, which aligns with the necessity for Cyber Security Systems Engineers at Penn State to convey technical data effectively.

Discuss a methodical approach for threat hunting, including the specific frameworks or models you follow. Mention how you leverage security tools and logs to identify unusual behaviors or patterns and detail how these actions can prevent potential breaches—key components of the Cyber Security Systems Engineer role.

Express your understanding of the NIST cybersecurity guidelines, explaining how they provide a framework crucial for establishing security protocols. Discuss specific guidelines you’ve implemented in previous roles and their impact on security posture, which resonates well with the responsibilities of a Cyber Security Systems Engineer at Penn State.

Discuss your experience working with classified information, emphasizing your adherence to established security protocols to protect sensitive data. Highlight your understanding of the clearance process and any compliance measures taken, which align with the requirements for the Cyber Security Systems Engineer role at Penn State.

Outline a structured approach to prioritizing security incidents based on severity and potential impact. Explain how you utilize checklists or specific criteria to assess incidents quickly, ensuring that critical threats are addressed promptly, reflecting the high-stakes environment for a Cyber Security Systems Engineer.

Share your passion for working in a university setting and your admiration for Penn State's commitment to research and innovation. Highlight how ARL’s mission aligns with your values and how your skills can contribute to advancing not only the security posture but also the broader goals of education and research, making you a great fit for the team.