High Performance Computing Hardware / Systems Engineer

3M HEALTHCARE; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 105,900 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA in Ann Arbor, MI, seeks a senior HPC hardware engineer to design, assemble, and validate rack-level HPC systems and bring‑up. You will configure IPMI/BMC, ensure Linux OS readiness, and collaborate across hardware, software, and manufacturing teams for reliable, scalable compute platforms.

The role emphasizes hands-on hardware bring‑up, performance tuning, and end-to-end system validation in a fast-paced environment. Excellent problem-solving and cross‑functional teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience with HPC hardware systems or large-scale compute platforms.
• Strong hands-on experience with server assembly, CPUs/GPUs/memory/PCIe/NICs/storage.
• Solid understanding of system-level characteristics (performance, thermals, power, reliability).
• Ability to debug hardware, firmware, OS, and system configuration.

Responsibilities

• HPC Hardware & Rack Engineering: design, assemble, and integrate rack-level HPC systems.
• System Bring-Up & Management: configure and manage systems with IPMI/BMC tools and docs.
• HPC Software & OS Integration: install and tune Linux OS environments for HPC workloads.
• Networking, Storage & Interconnects: work with high-speed networking and storage solutions.
• Reliability, Validation & Sustaining: perform validation, stress tests, and root-cause analysis.

Skills

HPC hardware architecture

Rack-level system integration

IPMI/BMC management

Linux system administration

Hardware bring-up and debugging

Networking and storage integration

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Master’s Degree in EE/CS (preferred)

Doctorate in a related field (optional)

Tools

IPMI/BMC tools

Bios/firmware management tools

Linux OS tooling

Job description

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

HPC Hardware & Rack Engineering

• Design, assemble, and integrate rack‑level HPC systems, including compute, storage, networking, power distribution, and cooling.
• Perform hands‑on server bring‑up, including component installation, cable routing, labeling, and rack documentation.
• Evaluate and select HPC components (CPUs, GPUs, memory, NICs, storage, PCIe cards) based on performance, reliability, and cost.
• Partner with vendors and internal teams on BOM definition, hardware qualification, and lifecycle management (NPI, sustaining, and EOL transitions).

System Bring‑Up & Management

• Configure and manage systems using IPMI/BMC tools for remote access, monitoring, firmware updates, and diagnostics.
• Configure, validate, and document BIOS, firmware, and BMC settings.
• Debug hardware issues across power, thermals, PCIe, memory, storage, and interconnects.

HPC Software & OS Integration

• Install, configure, and maintain Linux OS environments (e.g., SUSE, Rocky) on HPC systems.
• Tune OS settings for HPC workloads (CPU pinning, memory, I/O, networking).
• Collaborate with software teams to ensure hardware platforms meet application and algorithm requirements.

Networking, Storage & Interconnects

• Work with high‑speed networking technologies (Ethernet, InfiniBand, RoCE).
• Integrate and validate high‑bandwidth NICs, switches, and cabling at rack scale.
• Support local and shared storage solutions (NVMe, DAS, RAID, and NFS/SMB where applicable).

Reliability, Validation & Sustaining

• Participate in system validation, stress testing, and reliability characterization.
• Perform root‑cause analysis for field and lab issues involving hardware or HW/SW interactions.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, rack layouts, and bring‑up procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience with HPC hardware systems or large‑scale compute platforms.
• Strong hands‑on experience with:
  • Server assembly and rack integration
  • CPUs, GPUs, memory, PCIe, NICs, and storage devices
  • IPMI/BMC and out‑of‑band management
  • Linux system administration in HPC or server environments
• Solid understanding of system‑level characteristics (performance, thermals, power, reliability).
• Ability to debug issues spanning hardware, firmware, OS, and system configuration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with rack‑scale system design in production or lab environments.
• Familiarity with HPC networking (100G/200G/400G Ethernet, InfiniBand).
• Experience with GPU‑accelerated HPC systems.
• Exposure to HPC software stacks, workload characteristics, and performance tuning.
• Experience in semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, or inspection systems is a plus.

Key Skills

• HPC hardware architecture
• Rack‑level system integration
• IPMI/BMC management
• Linux system administration
• Hardware bring‑up and debugging
• Networking and storage integration
• Cross‑functional collaboration (hardware, software, algorithms, manufacturing)

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master’s Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor’s Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years

Base Pay Range: $105,900.00 - $180,000.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-KLA

KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to [e-mail] to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.