Senior HPC Linux Systems Engineer

About the role

The National Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) is seeking a highly qualified HPC Linux Systems Engineer to improve the security, performance, and reliability of the NCCS computing environments. This includes supporting Frontier, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, along with numerous commodity clusters and specialized programs. The role involves working within the HPC Scalable Systems Group to support system installation, deployment, acceptance, performance testing, upgrades, problem diagnosis, and troubleshooting of large-scale HPC computational resources.

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
• Participate in a 24-hour, 7-day on-call support rotation and off-hours maintenance windows
• Perform system implementation, integration, and performance analysis in 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
• 8+ 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)
• Demonstrated experience designing and deploying HPC systems to meet computational needs and security requirements of a classified environment
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

Qualifications

• Experience managing Linux operating systems in a large-scale system environment
• Solid understanding of networked computing environment concepts
• 8+ years of experience with Linux Cluster Administration
• Ability to develop and maintain programs and scripts for operation and automation 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

Special Requirement

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

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
• 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
• Flexible work environment supporting hybrid/onsite arrangements