IT Support Specialist
Penn State University
51k - 74k USD/year
Office
Penn State University Park, United States
Full Time
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
The Supply Chain team at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is searching for an IT Support Specialist. This position will be responsible for the day to day operations of its secure data exchange service center and will drive continuous improvement through data collection and automation. The successful candidate will lead a small team managing the service desk supporting supplier and internal ARL requirements. 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 Intelligence Community (IC).
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Provide service center support to ARL internal and external end-users
Diagnose, research, and resolve end-user issues in a timely manner through established protocol and troubleshooting; escalate as necessary while exhibiting exceptional customer service
Provide guidance and explain policies and procedures to end-users
Communicate and translate technical information to non-technical end users; maintain communication and monitor incident through resolution
Utilize and maintain knowledge bases, white papers, FAQs, and supplier documentation
Contribute/create documentation of incidents, internal processes and procedures, and training manuals to continual process improvement
Implement security policies and protocols of the department, college, and University
Visually model current state processes, organizational structure, data structure, and other business information to identify the root causes of problems
Meet with various stakeholders to gather and analyze information and define, develop, facilitate, and modify new or existing business processes or solutions
Prioritize tasks and projects for the service center
Identify potential bottlenecks and/or risks in new or improved business functions and make recommendations for resolution
Develop and administer training resources and communication plans; administer and collect regular feedback; deliver training and/or stakeholder acceptance plans
Partner with key roles such as project managers, business analysts, process improvement specialists, and change management consultants to maximize business value for the customer
Contribute to the establishment of project definition and scope for short-term and long-term projects
Provide regular progress updates to leadership
May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management
This position will be filled at the senior support level. Minimum requirements include an Associate’s degree or higher; 4+ years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required skills/experience areas include:
Ability to resolve problems in a timely, effective manner including exercising judgement in complex or ambiguous scenarios
Excellent relationship-building, teaching, verbal, and written communication skills
Effective leadership and communication skills with proven ability to interact at all levels of Management
Demonstrated experience and understanding of technical drawings and processes
Risk and opportunity management
Program or Project management
Ability to work in a team setting
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 fully on-site, located in State College, PA.
ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.
You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
**The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.**
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
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 - $74,000.00.**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.
IT Support Specialist
Office
Penn State University Park, United States
Full Time
51k - 74k USD/year
June 30, 2025