HPC Linux Systems Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s National Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) hosts some of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, including Frontier—one of the fastest systems available for scientific research. The NCCS provides state-of-the-art computational and data-science infrastructure to accelerate discovery across disciplines.

About the role

As an HPC Linux Systems Engineer in the HPC Scalable Systems Group, you will support the installation, deployment, acceptance, performance testing, upgrades, problem diagnosis, and troubleshooting of large-scale HPC computational resources. The role includes participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation and off-hours maintenance windows.

Responsibilities

• Install, integrate, and administer HPC Linux clusters and high-speed networks
• Diagnose system operational problems quickly and effectively
• Coordinate with vendors to resolve hardware and software problems
• Recommend, plan, and coordinate hardware and software changes using change-management processes
• Port and write system-management tools
• Document system-administration procedures for routine and complex tasks
• Perform system implementation, integration, and performance analysis within the NCCS environment
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values: Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical field
• Five or more years of Linux systems experience
• Demonstrated experience working in classified environments, including a thorough understanding of security policies, compliance frameworks, and associated standard processes (e.g., NIST, DISA STIGs)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy (DOE)

An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. This position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position requiring a pre-placement drug test and ongoing random drug testing; due to the SCI clearance, random polygraph testing may also be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing Linux operating systems in a large-scale system environment
• Solid understanding of networked-computing-environment concepts
• Five or more years of Linux cluster administration
• Ability to develop and maintain programs and scripts that automate administrative tasks using shell and scripting languages (bash, Python, Go)
• Experience with Lustre and GPFS file systems
• Experience with batch schedulers, particularly SLURM
• Experience deploying and maintaining automated configuration-management software such as Puppet
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work as a team player
• Proactive and solution-oriented problem solver
• Prior project and/or team leadership experience

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) retirement plan and contributory pension plan
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Generous vacation, holidays, and parental leave
• Flexible work hours and hybrid/onsite arrangements
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities
• 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