HPC/AI Performance Specialist

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 156,864 - 191,724; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and retirement benefits

Tuition Assistance Program

Pet insurance

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is looking for Computer Systems Engineers (CSE3/CSE4) to enhance HPC capabilities at NERSC. The successful candidates will optimize workflows for the upcoming supercomputer 'Doudna' and support scientific teams in solving complex problems. Applicants should hold a relevant degree and possess significant experience in HPC or AI.

The lab offers exceptional benefits like health coverage and a supportive work environment. Candidates must apply by June 17, 2026, for priority consideration.

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in HPC or AI for CSE3 position.
• 12 years of experience in HPC or AI for CSE4 position.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to optimize software for supercomputers.
• Mentor early-career staff at CSE4 level.
• Support scientific workflows on NERSC systems.

Skills

Data management

Performance optimization

Software development

Collaborative teamwork

Advanced analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

HPC systems

AI technologies

Job description

Overview

The National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) at Berkeley Lab seeks enthusiastic engineers to join the NERSC Science Acceleration Program (NESAP). You will collaborate with scientific teams to enable the solution of deep, meaningful problems across all program areas funded by the Department of Energy Office of Science under DOE's Project Genesis mission.

The Challenge: Enabling advanced science at scale on supercomputers. In 2027, NERSC will deploy its next generation HPC system “Doudna” — a system optimized for science workflows involving modelling and simulation, AI and experimental data analysis. The system includes next-generation NVIDIA Vera-Rubin superchips, a high-speed interconnect, and an all-flash VAST file system. NESAP is about employing cutting-edge computational science techniques and advanced performance analysis tools to develop highly scalable, capable and performance complex workflows to meet exciting challenges in Simulation, Data Analysis, and Machine Learning on Doudna and future NERSC supercomputing systems.

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• Opportunities to grow in your career – Tuition Assistance Program
• A culture where you’ll belong – we are invested in our teams
• Winter Holiday Shutdown every year (in addition to accrued vacation and sick time)
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Pet insurance

Responsibilities

• At the CSE3 level: Collaborate with NERSC staff and code teams to port and optimize software for the Doudna system and future platforms.
• Develop and refine advanced workflows, algorithms, and models with domain experts for HPC applications.
• Research and leverage NERSC's integrated HPC/AI/data ecosystem.
• Support widely used scientific workflows on NERSC systems.
• Provide performance engineering expertise, training, and user support.
• Stay current with AI/HPC advancements through community engagement.
• Help evaluate and shape future supercomputing technologies.
• Partner with scientists and industry to drive impactful research.
• Lead or coordinate work on complex projects, applying sound judgment and advanced analysis.

Responsibilities (CSE4 level)

• Mentor early-career staff in computing techniques and projects.
• Track emerging HPC/AI trends and translate them into opportunities for NERSC users.
• Develop strategies to balance performance and productivity for the science community.
• Resolve complex, ambiguous issues using advanced analysis and independent judgment.

Qualifications

• At CSE3 level: Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of related experience; or 6 years of experience and a Master’s degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Wide-ranging experience in data management, storage and I/O as applied to scientific data.
• Experience with the development and performance optimization of scientific software in the HPC or AI context, including algorithms design or applied mathematics.
• Contributions to scientific and/or open source software projects, public code repositories, publication record.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
• Ability to network and collaborate with key contacts outside their own area of expertise.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent software development skills.
• Proven ability to work productively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team balancing divergent objectives involving research, code development, supporting software and consulting with scientists.

The CSE4 level position will have

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 12 years of related experience; or 8 years of experience and a Master’s degree; or equivalent experience.
• Broad expertise and/or unique knowledge in data management, storage and I/O as applied to scientific data is required.
• Ability to work on and resolve significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

Desired skills/knowledge

• Familiarity with HPC/AI architectures and technologies.
• A proven track record of software development in computing, AI, or domain sciences.
• Familiarity with computing hardware, CPU/GPU architecture, and HPC systems.

Additional information

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 17, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Salary range:
  • CSE3: The expected salary for this position is $156,864 - $191,724, which fits into the full salary of $139,440 - $235,308 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
  • CSE4: The expected salary for this position is $178,644 - $218,364, which fits into the full salary of $158,808 - $267,996 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: This position requires substantial on-site presence, but is eligible for a flexible work mode, and hybrid schedules may be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA and some telework. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.
• Multi-level Posting: This position will be hired at the Computer Systems Engineer 3 or 4 (CSE3 or CSE4) level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
• Export Control Access: This position will involve access to hardware, commodities, and technical information subject to export control regulations including EAR/ITAR. Hiring decisions may depend on federal authorizations if you are not a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

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