HPC Engineer, System Acceptance and User Environment

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks an HPC Engineer focused on System Acceptance and User Environment within the NCCS. You will own user-reported issues, validate pre-production systems, and develop documentation for HPC software stacks across AI and traditional HPC workloads.

The role emphasizes testing, environment deployment, and collaboration with vendors to ensure stable, scalable systems for DOE/DoD/NSF workflows while contributing to user training and outreach activities.

Qualifications

• BS degree or higher in CS or related field; 5+ years of related experience (or MS 4+ years; PhD).
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages (Fortran, C, C++, Python, etc.) and Linux environment.
• Experience with parallel programming technologies (MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, HIP, Kokkkos, Raja).

Responsibilities

• Take technical ownership of user-reported problems and provide hands-on support for HPC applications and libraries.
• Compile and debug large science and engineering applications.
• Identify and resolve system-level bugs with other staff.
• Collaborate with vendors to resolve issues and implement changes.
• Install third-party software and provide usage documentation.
• Develop and execute system tests for new deployments.
• Keep users informed about system changes and impact.
• Develop training and outreach materials for users.
• Answer administrative questions and support access requests.
• Lead special projects (metrics, tools, policy discussions).
• Support ORNL mission with core values and inclusive excellence.

Skills

C++

Fortran

C

Python

Shell scripting

Perl

MPI

OpenMP

CUDA

HIP

Kokkos

Raja

Education

BS degree in computer science or related field

MS in computer science or related field

PhD in computer science or related field

Tools

Apptainer/HPC containers

Podman-HPC

HPC schedulers

Job description

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HPC Engineer, 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, artificial intelligence, and other advanced computing resources.
• 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 Engineers 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 and 5+ years of related experience, or MS and 4+ years of related experience or a Ph.D. degree in computer science or a related field.
• Prior experience with multiple programming languages and technologies including more than one of the following:
  • Fortran
  • C
  • C++
  • Perl
  • Python
  • Shell scripting (e.g., bash) in a Linux or Unix environment
• In addition, prior experience working with parallel programming technologies including at least one of the following:
  • MPI
  • OpenMP
  • CUDA
  • HIP
  • Kokkos
  • Raja

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 completing tests on HPC systems.
• Experience with containers technologies (e.g., Apptainer, Podman-HPC).
• Experience leveraging AI frameworks for scientific workloads.
• 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.
• Experience coordinating and running support teams.
• Understanding of the requirements of a DOE, DoD, and/or NSF HPC center.

Special Requirements

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

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.

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, and 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.