HPC Scientific Support Engineer

Berkeley Lab; Berkeley (CA); Hybrid; USD 156,864 - 218,364; Full time

Job summary

Berkeley Lab is seeking an HPC Scientific Support Engineer for the NERSC division. You will provide front-line HPC consulting, assist with workflow optimization, data management, and code debugging for a large user base across scientific disciplines.

The role spans CSE3 and CSE4 levels, with mentoring responsibilities and opportunities to influence future NERSC systems. Work modalities include on-site, hybrid, and telework, with competitiveness in salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience using HPC systems.
• Strong problem-solving and communication for NERSC users.
• In-depth knowledge of HPC computing with Linux/Unix, Fortran, C/C++, MPI, OpenMP, OpenACC, CUDA, Python, and related tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line HPC consulting and user support for workflow optimization, job/data management, and code debugging.
• Stay current on HPC technologies and contribute to planning future NERSC systems.
• Install, maintain, and document productivity tools and software to enhance user environment.
• Develop user documentation, tutorials, and training programs.
• Analyze and resolve complex technical issues and evaluate solutions.
• Define methods for new initiatives and coordinate activities as needed.
• Mentor early-career staff and monitor emerging HPC/AI trends.
• Independently resolve complex, ambiguous technical challenges.

Skills

Linux/Unix

Fortran

C/C++

MPI

OpenMP

OpenACC

CUDA

Python

AI models

Shell scripting

Performance tools

Containers

Debuggers

Programming models

Education

Bachelor's degree + 8+ years experience

Master's degree + 8+ years experience

Tools

CUDA toolkit

Debugging tools

Performance analysis tools

Job description

Job Overview

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring an HPC Scientific Support Engineer for the NERSC division, the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science’s high‑performance computing center serving more than 10,000 researchers across scientific disciplines. The position has an anticipated start date of August 3, 2026.

Responsibilities – CSE3 Level

• Provide front‑line HPC consulting and one‑on‑one user support for workflow optimization, job and data management, and code debugging.
• Stay current on emerging HPC technologies and contribute to planning future NERSC systems from a user‑support perspective.
• Enhance the NERSC user environment by installing, maintaining, and documenting productivity tools and software.
• Develop user documentation, tutorials, and training programs to improve user knowledge and productivity.
• Analyze and resolve complex technical issues, applying sound judgment to evaluate solutions and achieve results.
• Help define methods and procedures for new initiatives and coordinate activities when needed.

Responsibilities – CSE4 Level

• Mentor early‑career staff in technical skills and project work.
• Monitor emerging HPC and AI trends and identify opportunities for NERSC users.
• Independently analyze and resolve complex, ambiguous technical challenges.

Qualifications – CSE3 Level

• A minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 2 years of experience using HPC systems.
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to resolve complex problems and develop solutions for NERSC’s users.
• In‑depth knowledge and experience with high‑performance scientific computing, including at least four of: Linux/Unix, Fortran, C/C++, MPI, OpenMP, OpenACC, CUDA, shell scripting, Python, parallel algorithms, programming models, AI models, debuggers, performance tools, containers.
• Ability to interact effectively with users, understand user needs, and show initiative, tact, and judgment in developing solutions for users.
• Clear written and oral communication.
• Proficiency in common internet technologies (web, chat, email, discussion forums, trouble ticket systems) and writing effective technical documentation for the web.
• Teaching and developing classes, tutorials, and workshops in technical computing areas.

Qualifications – CSE4 Level

• A minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; 8 years with a Master’s degree; or equivalent.
• In‑depth knowledge and experience with high‑performance scientific computing, including at least five of: Linux/Unix, Fortran, C/C++, MPI, OpenMP, OpenACC, CUDA, shell scripting, Python, parallel algorithms, programming models, AI models, debuggers, performance tools, containers.
• Ability to work on and resolve significant and unique issues where analysis requires evaluation of intangibles.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria to obtain results.

Desired Skills / Knowledge

• Ability to build or containerize complex scientific codes.
• Optimizing parallel programs for very large‑scale execution.
• Developing scientific application code.
• Organizing technical conferences.
• Experience with AI and data analytics software stacks.
• Strong background in mathematics and statistics.
• Web programming (REST, JavaScript) and database skills (SQL).

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• CV/Resume

Additional Information

• Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 24, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: full‑time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Salary range: Level 3: $156,864 – $191,724 (full salary $139,440 – $235,308). Level 4: $178,644 – $218,364 (full salary $158,808 – $267,996).
• Background check required; convictions evaluated for relevance; history does not automatically disqualify.
• Work modality: on‑site, hybrid, full‑time telework. Primary location: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States.
• Multi‑level posting: position will be hired at a level commensurate with business needs and candidate’s skills.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to build a community with shared values and commitments. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the finalist must disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.