Cyber Information Assurance Analyst

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 Cyber Information Assurance Analyst to join the Risk Management Department, in Reston, VA, in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The CIAA evaluates system and network environments to implement effective cybersecurity programs and determines security controls and policies based on best practices, regulations, and contractual requirements. This role includes managing compliance assessments, mitigating risks to information systems, and ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CMS Division leverages M&S expertise and other resources to deliver prototypes, demonstrations, and accelerated transitions of emerging research and technologies vital to national security needs, in addition to performing research, development, testing, and evaluations facilitating innovation in practice and development of critical, in-demand capabilities.

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

You will:

Conduct risk assessments and provide recommendations for system, network, and application design, implementation, and operation of departmental systems

Conduct vulnerability assessments of departmental systems and networks to identify deviations from acceptable configurations or policies

Meet with stakeholders regularly to assess needs and requirements at a departmental level

Monitor the corrective actions of departmental system audits; draft documentation of Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) for review

Obtain certification and accreditation for departmental systems through the creation of process documentation support; may assist with unit or University wide process documentation

Participate in the establishment of program control processes to ensure risk mitigation

Perform periodic audits of departmental systems under general supervision

Participate in the implementation of required policies, procedures, and configurations; make recommendations for improvements

Participate in the preparation of requirements and procedures for forensic preservation

Research and stay current on industry best practices

Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:

Lead risk assessments and provide recommendations for system, network, and application design, implementation, and operation of unit-wide systems

Lead vulnerability assessments of unit-wide systems and networks to identify deviations from acceptable configurations or policies; conduct assessments of non-standard systems

Monitor the corrective actions of unit-wide system audits; develop and manage Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM)

Meet with stakeholders regularly to assess needs and requirements at a unit-wide level

Obtain certification and accreditation through the creation of process documentation; develop unit or University-wide process documentation

Establish program control processes to ensure risk mitigation

Perform periodic audits of systems

Implement required policies, procedures, and configurations; make recommendations for improvements

Develop requirements and procedures for forensic preservation

Assist in the development of policy, process, and standards of Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) program and participate in CIRT activities as needed

Assist in the development and delivery of information security training material

May interface with external entities including law enforcement and intelligence/government agencies

May provide guidance to lower level Analysts

Required skills/knowledge areas include:

Windows and Linux OS

CI/CD pipeline

Review of hardware and software vulnerabilities

DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF)

Understand and enforce policies and procedures within classified space

Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) and Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG)

Ability to multitask multiple programs

Security+, CAP, GSEC or equivalent

Active security clearance, at the Top-Secret level and possession of or eligible for SCI level

Preferred Skills/Knowledge Include:

Development and maintenance of Security Assessment Plans, Risk Assessment Reports, and POAMs

Containerized environments

Gitlab and Ansible

JIRA and Confluence

Vulnerability scanning tools (ACAS, OpenSCAP, Trivy, Grype, etc.)

Bachelors' degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity or related field

Your working location will be in Reston, VA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Travel is expected to be at 50% of the time to surrounding areas.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

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.

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