Senior HPC Engineer - Classified Environment
About the role
The Field Intelligence Operations Division (FIOD) of the National Security Directorate (NSSD) is seeking a Senior High Performance Computing (HPC) Engineer for Classified Computing. This role involves shaping advanced computing capabilities supporting critical national security and scientific missions.
Major Duties/Responsibilities
Lead the design, deployment, modernization, and evolution of secure HPC environments supporting classified national security and scientific missions.
Architect scalable compute solutions integrating CPU/GPU resources, high-speed interconnects, parallel storage, scheduling, and supporting infrastructure.
Establish technical standards, architectures, and engineering approaches that improve performance, reliability, security, and scalability.
Engineer HPC systems to meet applicable NIST, RMF, DISA STIG, DOE, DOW, and classified computing requirements, partnering with cybersecurity teams to integrate security throughout the system lifecycle.
Evaluate and introduce emerging HPC, AI/ML, GPU computing, containerization, and infrastructure technologies that advance mission capabilities.
Lead complex HPC initiatives from architecture and design through deployment, optimization, and operational transition.
Partner directly with scientists, researchers, engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and mission stakeholders to translate computational requirements into effective technical solutions.
Serve as a senior technical resource for HPC architecture and engineering decisions and mentor other engineers through knowledge sharing and technical guidance.
Help shape technology roadmaps and continuously improve the performance, resiliency, and capabilities of the classified HPC environment.
Basic Qualifications
BS degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical discipline and a minimum of eight years of relevant experience.
An equivalent combination of education, experience, and certifications may be considered.
At least five years of hands-on HPC engineering experience involving cluster architecture, administration, performance optimization, or parallel computing.
Advanced Linux systems engineering experience with automation using Python, Bash, Ansible, or comparable technologies.
Experience with HPC workload management and scheduling technologies such as SLURM, PBS, or similar platforms.
Experience with parallel computing technologies such as MPI, OpenMP, and/or CUDA and high-performance interconnects such as InfiniBand.
Experience with HPC performance analysis, monitoring, benchmarking, and optimization.
Demonstrated understanding of cybersecurity requirements applicable to classified or highly regulated computing environments, including NIST, RMF, and DISA STIGs.
Current Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience designing or operating large-scale HPC, GPU, or AI/ML computing environments.
Experience with advanced and parallel storage technologies such as Lustre, GPFS/Spectrum Scale, or BeeGFS.
Experience with GPU computing, accelerated workloads, containers, or emerging AI/HPC architectures.
Experience with infrastructure automation, configuration management, Git-based workflows, or infrastructure-as-code.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical efforts, influence architecture, and mentor other engineers while remaining hands-on.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills.
Relevant HPC, Linux, cybersecurity, automation, or infrastructure certifications.
A strong technical curiosity and commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and engineering excellence in a rapidly evolving HPC landscape.