Classified Compute User Support Specialist

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Prescription Drug Plan

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Benefits

Relocation Assistance

Employee Discounts

Job summary

UT-Battelle in Oak Ridge seeks a Tier 1 User Support Specialist to join the Classified Compute & Advanced Platforms Group. The role supports compute nodes, storage arrays, and network devices within a secure SCIF environment, with 24/7/365 shift requirements.

The candidate will triage, log, and resolve or escalate tickets, monitor system health, perform routine maintenance, and assist researchers and engineers accessing HPC resources. Security clearances and SCIF rules apply.

Qualifications

• BS degree in a related field with 2-4 years of experience in IT/support.
• Experience handling sensitive data and troubleshooting IT or data center issues.
• Experience with Windows/Linux OS administration and triaging tickets.
• Experience with service management workflows and documenting steps.
• Ability to work in a SCIF/classified environment and follow security rules.
• Active clearance (L, TS, Q, or TS/SCI) or eligibility; willingness to elevate access.

Responsibilities

• Provide Tier 1 help desk support for compute nodes, storage, and network devices.
• Monitor cluster health, node status, and queue performance.
• Perform routine maintenance including reboots, hardware checks, and basic racking.
• Document troubleshooting steps and escalate to Tier 2/3 as needed.
• Assist with user/account management and access permissions.
• Support security baselines and patch tracking under ISSO/ISSM oversight.
• Maintain basic system imaging and health monitoring of workstations/servers.

Skills

Windows OS administration

Linux OS administration

Service management workflows

Ticket triage

SCIF environment experience

Vulnerability scanning & patching

Education

BS degree in computer science / computer engineering / digital forensics / cybersecurity or related field

Tools

Ticketing system

Monitoring tools

DISA STIGs / RMF awareness

Job description

An active TS, Q, or TS/SCI clearance is required for consideration.

Overview

The Field Intelligence Operations Division in the National Security Sciences Directorate at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking qualified applicants for Tier 1 User Support Specialist to join the Classified Compute & Advanced Platforms Group. This team exists to provide compute and storage infrastructure for the enterprise operations of highly secure spaces, as well as a 24/7 monitoring operation for the Critical Systems within a classified environment. As part of a team supporting critical mission requirements 24/7/365, the position will require shift work. The Classified Compute User Support Specialist serves as the first point of contact for hardware, software, and account issues; triage, log, and resolve or elevate tickets.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Help Desk & Support: Provide Tier 1 problem identification, diagnosis, and resolution for compute nodes, storage arrays, and network devices. Assist researchers and engineers in accessing and using the HPC environment.
• System Monitoring: Monitor cluster health, node status, power/cooling metrics, and queue performance using monitoring tools.
• Operations & Maintenance: Perform routine node reboots, hardware replacements (blades, memory, drives), cable management, and basic server racking.
• Escalation & Communication: Document troubleshooting steps, elevate Tier 2/Tier 3 issues to senior engineers, and communicate status updates to internal customers and management.
• User & Account Support: Handle basic user account creation, password resets, and permission adjustments under established administrative frameworks
• Compliance & Security: Support security-hardening baselines (e.g., DISA STIGs, RMF) and assist with vulnerability scanning or patch tracking under ISSO/ISSM oversight.
• System Maintenance: Perform basic workstation/server imaging, software installations, peripheral checks, and routine health monitoring.
• Physical & Material Security: Adhere to strict physical security, device control, and classification marking/handling rules in SCIF/SAP environments.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree in computer science, computer engineering, digital forensics, cybersecurity, or a related field with 2-4 years of experience supporting system administration, system engineering, or information technology. Overall experience and education may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience handling sensitive data and troubleshooting IT or basic data center issues.
• Basic experience Windows/Linux OS administration, troubleshooting hardware/software, and core networking to triage tickets and provide user support.
• Experience with service management workflows and documenting troubleshooting steps.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability and willingness to work primarily in a SCIF/classified environment, where personal electronic devices and remote-work capabilities may be restricted.
• Must possess an active L, TS, Q, or TS/SCI clearance; TS/SCI eligibility or access may be required based on mission requirements.
• Willingness to go through the process to achieve elevated security requirements (e.g. special access programs).

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple actions, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive personnel and security matters.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary security and mission-support team.
• Previous experience working in an SCI or SAP environment or supporting SCI operations.
• Familiarity with applicable ICDs, Intelligence Community security policy, DOE and DoW security requirements, and national-level security requirements.
• Experience developing or maintaining SOPs, process documentation, metrics, or workflow improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to provide responsive customer service while maintaining security and compliance requirements.
• Security+ or baseline IAT Level II certification

Special Requirements

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Q Clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access 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. In addition, due 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.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.