HPC Linux Systems Engineer

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Prescription Drug Plan

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan

Contributory Pension Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Benefits

Wellness Programs

Educational Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

UT-Battelle seeks a highly skilled HPC systems engineer to manage and secure NCCS computing environments at ORNL, including Frontier and related clusters. You will administer Linux clusters, optimize performance, and coordinate with vendors while ensuring compliance with NIST/DISA STIGs.

A strong focus on reliability and teamwork is essential. This role involves on-call duties, change management, and documentation, with opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge scientific computing and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific or technical field is required.
• 5+ years of Linux systems experience is required.
• Experience with security policies, compliance frameworks (NIST, DISA STIGs).
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Install, integrate, and administer HPC Linux clusters and high-speed networks.
• Diagnose system operational problems quickly and effectively.
• Coordinate with vendors to resolve hardware and software problems.
• Port and write system management tools; document procedures.
• Participate in a 24/7 on-call support rotation and maintenance windows.
• Align actions with ORNL core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Team player

Problem solving

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific or technical field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Lustre

GPFS

SLURM

Puppet

Bash

Python

Go

Job description

Overview

The National Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL), which hosts several of the world’s most powerful computer systems, is seeking a highly qualified individual to play a key role in improving the security, performance, and reliability of the NCCS computing environments. This includes supporting one of the fastest supercomputers in the world, Frontier, along with numerous commodity clusters and specialized programs and partnerships. Frontier is one of the scientific research community's most powerful computational instruments for exploring solutions to some of today's most challenging problems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Install, integrate, and administer HPC Linux clusters and high-speed networks
• Diagnosing system operational problems quickly and effectively
• Coordinating with vendors to resolve hardware and software problems
• Recommending, planning, and coordinating hardware and software changes with customer participation using change management processes
• Porting and writing system management tools
• Documenting system administration procedures for routine and complex tasks
• Participating in a 24-hour, 7-day on-call support rotation and off-hours maintenance windows
• System implementation/integration into the NCCS environment and systems performance analysis.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific or technical field
• 5+ years of Linux systems experience is required
• Demonstrated experience working in classified environments, including a thorough understanding of security policies, compliance frameworks, and associated standard processes (e.g., NIST, DISA STIGs).
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing Linux operating systems in a large-scale system environment
• Solid understanding of networked computing environment concepts
• 5+ years of experience with Linux Cluster Administration
• Ability to develop and maintain programs and scripts that aid in the operation and automation of administrative tasks using various shell and scripting languages (bash, Python, Go)
• Experience with Lustre and GPFS file systems
• Experience with batch schedulers (particularly SLURM)
• Experience deploying and maintaining automated configuration management software such as Puppet
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work as a team player
• Proactive and solution-oriented problem solver
• Prior project and/or team leadership experience

Special Requirements

• Security, Credentials, and Eligibility 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: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Hybrid/Onsite: In addition, we offer a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee. A hybrid/onsite working arrangement may be available with 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 talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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.