HPC Infrastructure Engineer - Classified Environment

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Wellness Programs

Educational Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking an experienced HPC Infrastructure Engineer to design, deploy, integrate, and sustain advanced computing infrastructure supporting classified DoW, DOE, and IC missions at ORNL. The role covers HPC architectures, GPU-accelerated computing, Linux clusters, high-performance storage, networking, and automation within a secure national-lab environment.

The successful candidate will deliver scalable, reliable computing capabilities, ensure cybersecurity

Qualifications

• BS degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or related technical discipline with at least five years of relevant experience.
• Experience designing, deploying, administering, or sustaining HPC clusters or large-scale Linux computing infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of Linux systems, cluster management, GPU computing, high-performance networking, and enterprise storage.
• Experience with infrastructure automation, scripting, system troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Ability to develop technical documentation, evaluate infrastructure requirements, and independently resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Active TS, Q, or TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain and maintain required clearances.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, integrate, and sustain HPC clusters, GPU-accelerated platforms, high-density servers, and supporting infrastructure.
• Configure, maintain, and optimize Linux-based HPC environments, including cluster provisioning and workload scheduling.
• Engineer and integrate high-performance storage, parallel file systems, and high-speed interconnects.
• Collaborate on security controls, RMF requirements, and ATO processes for compliance.
• Develop infrastructure automation, configuration management, and improvements to operational efficiency.
• Translate mission requirements into infrastructure designs, capacity plans, and implementation strategies.
• Collaborate with DoW, DOE, IC, and stakeholders to deliver mission-critical computing capabilities.
• Align actions with ORNL core values and promote an inclusive workplace.

Skills

HPC

Linux

GPU computing

High-performance networking

Automation

Documentation

Education

BS in computer science / computer engineering / information technology

Tools

SLURM

InfiniBand

RDMA

Lustre

GPFS

BeeGFS

NVIDIA GPUs (H100/H200)

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Ansible

Python

Bash

Job description

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An active TS, Q, or TS/SCI clearance is required for consideration.

Overview

The Field Intelligence Operations Division are seeking an experienced High-Performance Computing (HPC) Infrastructure Engineer to design, deploy, integrate, and sustain advanced computing infrastructure supporting classified Department of War (DoW), Department of Energy (DOE), and Intelligence Community (IC) missions.

The successful candidate will provide technical expertise in HPC architecture, GPU-accelerated computing, Linux clusters, high-performance storage, networking, and infrastructure automation. Working within a national laboratory environment, this position will deliver secure, scalable, and reliable computing capabilities while ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements and supporting evolving mission needs.

This position is critical to advancing classified HPC capabilities supporting national security missions. The successful candidate will strengthen computational capacity, infrastructure resilience, cybersecurity compliance, and operational readiness while enabling the integration of emerging technologies and mission-driven computing requirements.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• HPC Infrastructure Engineering: Design, deploy, integrate, and sustain HPC clusters, GPU-accelerated platforms, high-density servers, and supporting infrastructure to meet mission performance, scalability, and availability requirements.
• Systems Administration and Optimization: Configure, maintain, and optimize Linux-based HPC environments, including cluster provisioning, workload scheduling, performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management.
• Storage and Networking: Engineer and integrate high-performance storage, parallel file systems, high-speed interconnects, and associated data center infrastructure.
• Classified Security and Compliance: Collaborate with cybersecurity and Information Assurance teams to implement security controls, system hardening, configuration management, vulnerability remediation, and Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements supporting Authority to Operate (ATO) processes.
• Automation and Modernization: Develop and implement infrastructure automation, configuration management, and technical improvements to strengthen operational efficiency, system reliability, and mission readiness.
• Technical Planning and Integration: Translate mission requirements into infrastructure designs, technical specifications, capacity plans, procurement recommendations, and implementation strategies.
• Mission Support and Collaboration: Partner with DoW, DOE, IC, program management, and technical stakeholders to resolve complex engineering challenges, identify infrastructure risks, and deliver mission-critical computing capabilities.
• 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, computer engineering, information technology, or related technical discipline, with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing, deploying, administering, or sustaining HPC clusters or large-scale Linux computing infrastructure.
• Strong technical knowledge of Linux systems, cluster management, GPU computing, high-performance networking, and enterprise storage.
• Experience with infrastructure automation, scripting, system troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Ability to develop technical documentation, evaluate infrastructure requirements, and independently resolve complex engineering challenges.
• An active TS, Q, or TS/SCI clearance is required for consideration as well as the ability to obtain and maintain required federal security clearances and access authorizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related technical field and 10 or more years of relevant infrastructure engineering experience.
• Experience supporting classified computing environments within a national laboratory, DoW, DOE, or Intelligence Community organization.
• Active DOE Q, DoD Top Secret, or TS/SCI clearance, as applicable.
• Experience with NVIDIA GPU platforms, including H100/H200, accelerated computing, and AI/ML infrastructure.
• Proficiency with HPC technologies such as Slurm, InfiniBand, RDMA, Lustre, GPFS, BeeGFS, and container technologies.
• Advanced Linux administration experience, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ansible, Python, Bash, and automated system provisioning.
• Familiarity with NIST RMF, NIST SP 800-53, ICD 503 where applicable, DISA STIGs, system accreditation, and ATO processes.
• Experience supporting infrastructure modernization, data center integration, capacity planning, and lifecycle sustainment.

Special Requirements

• Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

• 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

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

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.