HPC Network Engineer

argonne; Lemont (IL); Hybrid; USD 69,750 - 108,810; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory seeks a Systems/Networking professional to design, develop, and advance HPC networking within the ALCF environment. You will work with first‑class supercomputers and access substantiated network fabrics, focusing on implementation, operation, and documentation.

The role covers VLANs, LACP/LAGs, InfiniBand, DAC/AOC, and fiber optics, with a hybrid remote work model and onsite days as required. Citizenship proof is required for federal compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience for PT2, or 4+ years for PT3.
• U.S. citizenship proof required due to federal regulations.
• Strong knowledge of Ethernet networks, VLANs, LACP/LAGs, and STP.
• Experience with InfiniBand fabrics and Subnet Managers is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Configure VLANs, interface speeds, and LAGs via CLI under supervision.
• Assist racking, provisioning, and replacement of networking hardware.
• Install and label networks using DAC, AOC, and fiber optics.
• Use monitoring tools to detect errors, losses, or flaps on links.
• Maintain network documentation and support researchers in HPC settings.
• Work in a hybrid remote/on-site schedule with majority remote work.

Skills

Networking basics

Ethernet protocols

InfiniBand fabrics

Subnet Manager usage

UFM familiarity

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

InfiniBand

UFM

DAC/AOC fiber optics

Job description

Argonne is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research facility, where world‑class researchers work alongside experts from industry, academia, and other government laboratories to address vital national challenges in technology and national security. As a member of the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF) High Performance Computing (HPC) team, you will directly work with first‑class supercomputers and emergent technologies alongside scientific staff and research colleagues within the division.

The selected individual will assist with the design, development, and advancement of the networking in the HPC environment of the ALCF. This position will focus on the implementation and operations of networking designs within the larger HPC ecosystem at the facility site.

Work Expectations

• Under supervision, perform routine configuration of VLANs, interface speeds, and Link Aggregation Groups using the CLI
• Assist in the racking, stacking, initial provisioning, and replacement of networking hardware
• Responsible for the installation and labeling of networks using DAC, AOC, and fiber optics
• Utilize monitoring tools to identify port errors, packet loss, or flapping links
• Utilize the IB UFM or other tooling to verify fabric health and health‑check HCAs
• Use of configuration management workflows to track changes
• Maintain accurate network documentation
• This position qualifies as "Hybrid Remote Work – Occasionally Onsite" which applies to employees scheduled for some onsite and some remote days, with employees typically working more than 60% of their time remotely

Position Requirements

• Strong knowledge of and experience with Ethernet based networks, designs, protocols, and services
• Knowledge of media types such as Cat6a, SMF, MMF (OM4/OM5), transceiver types, and link negotiation
• Knowledge of the Data Link Layer, especially MAC/CAM tables, 802.1Q tagging, ARP, and access lists
• Knowledge of LACP/LAGs, MLAGs, STP, and path MTU
• Knowledge of network‑based services like DHCP
• Experience with InfiniBand fabrics, Subnet Managers, and the use of the UFM
• Familiarity with SAN and PFS storage concepts and design
• Familiarity with version control systems for managing configurations
• Problem‑solving skills for troubleshooting issues
• Experience working in collaborative teams, including refining user requirements and supporting researchers in scientific computing settings
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
• To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract

This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (PT2 or PT3) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements for the two levels are as follows:

• PT2: Bachelors and 2+ years of experience, or equivalent. The expected hiring range for this position is $69,750 – 108,810
• PT3: Bachelors and 4+ years of experience, Masters and 2+ years, or equivalent. The expected hiring range for this position is $86,299 – 134,626

Job Family

Professional Technical (PT)

Job Profile

Systems Integration Admin/Support 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $69,750.00 – $108,810.00. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case‑by‑case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.