Group Leader, IC Classified Compute (IC3)

Requisition Id 16819

About the role

The Field Intelligence Operations Division invites candidates to join the team as a Group Leader and technical expert for a newly established secure computing High Performance Computing (HPC) group. This position combines advanced technical skills with strategic management and strict adherence to security protocols. We are looking for candidates with extensive experience in either classified HPC data center operations, architecture, parallel computing, or versatility throughout diverse and robust technological environments with a proven ability to work within highly secure and regulated atmospheres.

This role involves close collaboration with numerous security teams, scientists, other technical experts, and IT leadership to ensure that the classified computing infrastructure meets the stringent performance, security, and compliance requirements necessary for secure environments.

As part of this team, you will join a vibrant group of professionals eager to provide premier customer service to ensure people and information technology remain secure. The team is collaborative and strives to ensure security practices and procedures are understood, implemented, and enforced. All team members deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace.

Responsibilities

• HPC and IT infrastructure leadership: Plan, organize, and direct all activities related to classified and unclassified HPC or IT systems, including system architecture, configuration, deployment, data center operations, and ongoing maintenance.
• Security and compliance management: Implement and enforce rigorous security policies and compliance frameworks (such as NIST or DISA STIGs) for all computing assets.
• Resource and budget management: Oversee the division's budget for hardware, software, and staffing. Manage resource allocation, job scheduling, and load balancing to maximize the efficiency of HPC systems.
• Team supervision and mentorship: Lead and mentor a team of engineers and administrators, providing technical guidance and evaluating performance to ensure the team has the necessary skills to support the organization's computing needs.
• Strategic planning and project management: Develop long-term strategic plans for the computing environment and lead technical projects from conception to completion, including hardware upgrades, new technology implementations, and system performance enhancements.
• Performance optimization and troubleshooting: Monitor system performance, identify bottlenecks, and resolve complex hardware, software, or network issues to minimize downtime. Oversee the optimization of the system for better performance and utilization.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with researchers, scientists, and other internal stakeholders to ensure the computing environment effectively supports their projects. Coordinate with internal security, compliance, and IT teams.

Requirements

• Current TS clearance with SCI eligibility.
• BS degree in Information Technology or technical equivalent and a minimum of 12 years of experience in high performance computing or related environments. A combination of equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Deep knowledge of Linux systems, cluster management tools (e.g., SLURM, PBS), parallel file systems (e.g., Lustre, GPFS), and high-performance interconnects (e.g., InfiniBand).
• Extensive experience in classified environments, with a thorough understanding of security policies and protocols.
• Proven success in a supervisory or management role within a technical team, including experience in project management and talent development.
• Proficiency in scripting languages like Bash, Python, or Perl for automation tasks. Familiarity with C/C++ or other scientific programming languages is preferred.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills for diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with technical teams, researchers, and executive leadership.

Desired Skills

• Recent and demonstrated leadership experience within the DoD or Intelligence Community with emphasis on diverse technical environments.
• High-performance computing (HPC) specialization such as cluster management, parallel computing, and performance optimization.
• Hardware and software: Ability to deploy, administer, and monitor hardware and software components, from bare-metal installation to application troubleshooting.
• Information technology (IT) specialization: Proven experience in systems architecture, design, deployment, and maintenance; networking fundamentals, protocol and design, and cloud and virtualization technologies.
• Security and compliance for classified environments:
  • Solid understanding of accreditation frameworks (e.g., NIST 800-53, RMF, and JSIG), compliance policies, and security threats.
  • Experience implementing and managing security infrastructure, countermeasures, and tools essential for safeguarding classified information.

Special Requirements

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. Due to the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Contributory Pension Plan.
• Life Insurance and Disability Benefits.
• Generous vacation and holidays, including parental leave.
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection.
• Employee Assistance Plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Wellness Programs.
• Educational Assistance and Relocation Assistance.
• Employee Discounts.
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities.