HPC Data Center Linux IT Specialist

CGG Services (U.S.) Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

CGG Services (U.S.) Inc. in Houston seeks an experienced Linux administrator to support HPC environments.

You will install, configure, and maintain Linux systems, manage storage and virtualization, and contribute to automation, security, and performance initiatives. You will work with cross‑functional teams, document procedures, participate in ITIL change control, mentor junior staff, and help optimize SLURM job queues.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Linux administration experience, preferably in an HPC environment.
• Experience deploying and managing data storage systems (SAN/NAS/tape).
• Experience with automation/configuration management tools (Puppet, Chef, Salt, Ansible, GitLab).
• Familiarity with open-source tech and cloud services.
• Experience with Docker and container orchestration.
• Scripting in Bash, Python, or Perl; shell scripting.
• Strong troubleshooting and documentation skills.
• Ability to follow ITIL change control procedures and maintain system stability.
• Knowledge of GPUs and HPC clustering tech (object storage, RAID).
• CCNA/CompTIA ITIL certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain technical documentation for systems and procedures.
• Install, configure, maintain, and repair Linux-based hardware and software.
• Participate in Change Management, ensuring changes are documented and reviewed.
• Organize upgrades, perform maintenance, and ensure security/privacy compliance.
• Provide expert support and mentoring to users and junior staff.
• Respond to tickets, troubleshoot issues, and resolve system problems.
• Monitor systems via performance monitoring and log analysis; proactive issue detection.
• Drive service improvements through automation and standardization.
• Configure and manage SLURM queues; support HPC environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align IT with business needs.

Skills

Linux administration

HPC environments

IT service management

Scripting (Bash, Python, Perl)

Docker and container orchestration

Cloud services

Troubleshooting

Technical documentation

ITIL change management

GPU/HPC clustering knowledge

Networking basics

RAID/storage concepts

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT/CS/Engineering

CCNA / CompTIA Network+ / ITIL Foundation (plus)

Tools

Puppet

Chef

Salt

Ansible

GitLab

Docker

Kubernetes

SLURM

SAN/NAS storage management

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including system diagrams, configuration files, and troubleshooting guides, to facilitate knowledge sharing and operational continuity.
• Install, configure, maintain, and repair Linux‑based hardware and software, ensuring high functionality, performance, and reliability.
• Actively participate in the Change Management process, ensuring all proposed changes are documented, reviewed, and assessed in accordance with organizational and ITIL standards.
• Organize and schedule upgrades, perform routine maintenance, and ensure system security and privacy compliance.
• Provide expert‑level technical support to users and junior team members, including mentoring and training to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Respond to support tickets, troubleshoot complex issues, and resolve system crashes, performance degradation, and security breaches.
• Monitor systems and services through performance monitoring, log analysis, and proactive issue detection.
• Continuously improve services through automation, optimization, and standardization, while staying updated on technology trends and best practices.
• Configure and manage SLURM job queues, troubleshoot job‑scheduling issues, and support high‑performance computing environments.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align IT services with user and business needs and ensure compliance with company IT policies and standards.
• Demonstrate strong project and time‑management skills to prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Support in‑house software applications, adhering to organizational standards and procedures.

Skills & Competencies

• 3+ years of experience in Linux administration, preferably in an HPC environment.
• Strong understanding of system administration, troubleshooting, and IT service management.
• Experience deploying and administering data storage systems (SAN, NAS, tape archives).
• Experience with automation/configuration management using Puppet, Chef, Salt, Ansible, GitLab, or an equivalent.
• Ability to use a wide variety of open‑source technologies and cloud services.
• Experience with Docker and container orchestration.
• Familiarity with code and scripts (Bash, Python, Perl); shell scripting.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to create clear, accurate, and comprehensive technical documentation for systems, procedures, and workflows.
• Follow established change control procedures to ensure system stability and reduce operational risk.
• Experience in virtualization and hardware maintenance (storage, CPU, GPU) – desirable.
• Certifications such as CCNA, CompTIA Network+, and ITIL Foundation level – a plus.
• Knowledge of GPUs and high‑performance computing clustering technology (object storage, parallel file systems, RAID).
• Understanding of networks, RAID, and tape subsystems.
• Experience in a high‑volume critical production service environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 3+ years of extensive experience in Linux administration, preferably in an HPC environment.
• Experience with scripting and automation.
• Knowledge of internet security and data privacy principles.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and customer‑service skills, with a proven track record of meeting customer expectations.
• Detail‑oriented and capable of working well in a team environment.
• Legal right to live and work in the United States.