HPC Engineer (Early Career), System Acceptance and User Environment

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks an HPC Engineer (Early Career) to join the System Acceptance and User Environment Group within NCCS. You will own user‑reported issues, debug scientific applications, and collaborate with vendors to keep NCCS pre‑production systems ready for research workloads.

This role emphasizes hands‑on support for HPC users, development of system tests, documentation, and training materials.

Qualifications

• BS degree in CS or related field.
• Experience with multiple programming languages including Fortran, C, C++, Perl, Python, or shell scripting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of user reported problems and provide hands‑on support for scientific applications and libraries on HPC systems.
• Compile and debug large science and engineering applications.
• Identify and resolve system‑level bugs with other staff.
• Install third‑party software and provide usage documentation.
• Develop and implement system tests to support workloads.
• Maintain up‑to‑date system information and user guidance.
• Contribute to training and outreach materials for users.

Skills

Fortran

C

C++

Perl

Python

Shell scripting

Communication

Education

BS degree in computer science or related field

MS degree in related field

Tools

HPC schedulers

Resource managers

Software deployment

Job description

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HPC Engineer (Early Career), System Acceptance and User Environment

The National Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) provides pioneering computational infrastructure for technical and scientific professionals to accelerate scientific discovery and engineering advances across a broad range of subject areas. NCCS is home to some of the fastest supercomputers and storage systems in the world including Frontier, the first supercomputer to break the exascale barrier and Orion, a 700 petabytes Lustre parallel file system. As an important part of the broader High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, the division also hosts the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF), a Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility. NCCS serves multiple agencies including DOE, NOAA, and the Air Force, and supports the center’s Quantum Computing User Program (QCUP) which provides access to state‑of‑the‑art quantum computing resources.

The Team:

The System Acceptance and User Environment Group is within the HPC Operations Section of the NCCS and ensures the functionality, performance, reliability, and usability of NCCS systems. The group’s work includes system acceptance, readiness testing, test development, software environment deployment, documentation, and early user support for all NCCS pre‑production systems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

The role comprises the following primary focus:

• Take technical ownership of user reported problems and provide hands‑on support for scientific applications and libraries and users of high‑performance computing systems and clusters.
• Compile and debug large science and engineering applications.
• Identify and resolve system‑level bugs in conjunction with other technical staff.
• Work with vendors to resolve issues and implement changes.
• Install third‑party software applications and tools and provide documentation for usage.
• Develop and implement system tests to ensure newly deployed systems can support user workloads.
• Proactively ensure that users have up‑to‑date information about the system, including any changes and their impact on the users. HPC User Support staff are very involved in researching and developing documentation and reference material during system early‑use and upgrade phases, as well as maintaining them throughout system operation.
• Participate in the development, maintenance, and delivery of training and outreach materials to users.
• Respond to general administrative questions (e.g., system status, requests for accessor special accommodation).
• Implement special projects as requested (e.g., metrics, new tools, policy discussions).
• 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 or related field.
• Prior experience with multiple programming languages and technologies including at least one of the following:
  • Fortran
  • C
  • C++
  • Perl
  • Python
  • Shell scripting (e.g., bash) in a Linux or Unix environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, or MS and 1+ year of relevant experience.
• Experience building and installing scientific software and other 3rd party software applications on HPC systems.
• Experience with HPC schedulers and resource managers.
• Experience implementing scientific software on HPC systems.
• Experience developing and delivering training for users.
• Strong technical and analytical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Always maintains the highest level of integrity when interacting with internal and external customers.
• Demonstrates a high-energy, positive demeanor and commitment to quality customer service.
• Contributes to a positive team environment within the center by demonstrating a strong work ethic, effectively communicating with others, and proactively anticipating center and user needs.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post‑employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three‑year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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 behaviours. 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.

Other benefits include the following:

• 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

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.