Senior HPC Linux Systems Engineer, Classified Environment

Requisition for multiple openings across ORNL’s high-performance computing classified ecosystem.

About the role

The Field Intelligence Operations Division seeks candidates to contribute to the design, implementation, and management of High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems within a classified environment. This role involves close collaboration with security teams, scientists, and IT leadership to ensure HPC infrastructure meets stringent performance, security, and compliance requirements for classified work. You will join a collaborative team focused on aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values: Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in the design, integration, and administration of large-scale Linux-based HPC clusters, high-speed networks, and storage systems.
• Lead medium to large technical projects, coordinating requirements, schedules, and deliverables across internal and external stakeholders.
• Architect and deploy advanced infrastructure solutions supporting exascale-class and mission-critical computing environments.
• Serve as a technical mentor for HPC engineers, guiding best practices in automation, performance tuning, and system security.
• Develop, implement, and maintain configuration management and automation frameworks (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Salt) to enhance reliability and reproducibility.
• Perform advanced system performance analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization, ensuring system scalability and long-term sustainability.
• Manage critical vendor and partner relationships, representing ORNL’s technical requirements during procurement, integration, and system acceptance.
• Contribute to strategic planning and technology roadmaps, influencing unit goals and technical direction.
• Collaborate closely with scientists, researchers, and IT specialists to align infrastructure capabilities with research and security objectives.
• Ensure compliance with DOE cybersecurity standards, configuration baselines, and operational policies.
• Author technical documentation, present internal briefings, and communicate complex issues and resolutions to management and stakeholders.
• Participate in on-call rotations, maintenance windows, and incident response as needed to support 24x7 operations.

Requirements

• BS degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in Linux systems administration or HPC systems engineering.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy (DOE).
• This position 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 SCI requirements, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading the design and deployment of HPC or large-scale distributed computing systems.
• Expertise with batch schedulers (SLURM, PBS, LSF) and parallel file systems (Lustre, GPFS/Spectrum Scale).
• Proven ability to lead technical projects from concept through implementation, balancing technical depth with project delivery.
• Strong proficiency in automation and infrastructure-as-code frameworks (Ansible, Puppet, Salt).
• Advanced scripting or programming skills (Python, Bash, Go) for automation and operational tooling.
• In-depth understanding of high-speed interconnects (InfiniBand, Slingshot, Ethernet) and storage architectures.
• Experience managing identity and access management systems, including MFA, SSO, and zero-trust frameworks (PingFederate, RSA SecureID, Entra ID).
• Experience integrating virtualization or containerization solutions (VMware, KVM, Apptainer, Podman) into HPC environments.
• Ability to manage client and stakeholder relationships across multiple directorates and technical disciplines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to influence technical strategy and mentor staff in a collaborative research environment.

Benefits

• Collaborate with diverse teams of scientists, engineers, and technologists from across the DOE complex and academia.
• Grow your career in a mission-driven, innovation-focused environment with access to professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Enjoy life in East Tennessee, with a thriving research community, scenic outdoor recreation, and a high quality of life.