HPC System Administrator: National Institute for Computational Sciences - UTK

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute for Computational Sciences (NICS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) seeks a skilled System Administrator to join our advanced research computing and enterprise infrastructure team. You will help maintain Linux-based systems, support researchers, and contribute to a growing HPC environment.

This hybrid role requires experience with automation (Ansible, Bash, Python), virtualization (VMware, Kubernetes), and security best practices.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Linux system administration experience.
• Strong knowledge of core network services and protocols (DNS, DHCP, NFS, SSH, LDAP).
• Proven experience with automation and scripting (Ansible, Bash, Python).
• Familiarity with virtualization and containerization (VMware, Kubernetes).
• Strong information security practices in an enterprise environment.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, patch, and maintain enterprise Linux (RHEL) across physical and virtual environments.
• Monitor performance and health with professional tools.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts and configuration management (Ansible, Bash, Python).
• Enforce security controls; manage access, patches, and audits.
• Coordinate storage, backups, and disaster recovery planning.
• Provide Tier-2 and Tier-3 support for researchers and developers.

Skills

Linux administration

Networking

Automation

Scripting

Security practices

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/IT

Master’s degree in CS/IT

Tools

Ansible

OpenShift

Globus

Open OnDemand

Lustre

Slurm

VMware

Kubernetes

Job description

Job Description

The National Institute for Computational Sciences (NICS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking a skilled and motivated

Job Description

The National Institute for Computational Sciences (NICS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking a skilled and motivated System Administrator to join our advanced research computing and enterprise infrastructure team. As a key component of the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science within the Tickle College of Engineering, NICS supports the University of Tennessee and national science and engineering communities. Our mission is to enhance capabilities to address computationally challenging research problems.

Responsibilities

• System Administration & Maintenance: Install, configure, patch, and maintain enterprise Linux distributions (RHEL) across physical and virtual environments.
• Performance & Monitoring: Utilize professional monitoring tools to track systems performance, resource utilization, and network health, proactively identifying and resolving potential issues.
• Automation & Configuration Management: Develop, maintain, and enhance automation scripts and configuration management frameworks (e.g., Ansible, Bash, Python) to standardize operations.
• Security & Compliance: Implement and enforce robust security protocols, manage user access controls, apply security patches, and participate in vulnerability remediation and compliance audits.
• Storage & Backup Management: Coordinate with storage teams to manage file systems (local and remote), ensuring reliable data backup and disaster recovery procedures.
• User Support & Collaboration: Provide Tier-2 and Tier-3 technical support for researchers, faculty, and internal developers experiencing complex system issues.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate, up-to-date system documentation, network topologies, standard operating procedures, and inventory logs.
• Knowledge Sharing: Present papers, talks, posters, and similar content at local, regional, and national meetings.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related technical field.
• Experience: At least 3 years of professional experience in Linux system administration.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • 3+ years of experience with the installation, configuration, tuning, and troubleshooting of modern Enterprise Linux operating systems.
  • Strong working knowledge of core network services and protocols (e.g., DNS, DHCP, NFS, SSH, LDAP integration).
  • Proven experience with automation and scripting languages (e.g., Ansible, Bash, Python).
  • Familiarity with virtualization platforms and containerization technologies (e.g., VMware, Kubernetes).
  • Strong understanding of information security best practices in an enterprise environment.
  • Excellent problem-solving, time management, and communication skills with the ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related technical field.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Experience with Ansible Automation Platform, OpenShift, Globus, Open OnDemand
  • Experience working in a higher education, research computing, or High-Performance Computing (HPC) environment.
  • Familiarity with parallel file systems (Lustre) and cluster resource managers (Slurm).
  • Relevant professional certifications (e.g., RHCE).

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Hybrid – must be able to access machine room within 90 minutes of system outage during working hours

Compensation And Benefits

• UT market range: MR16
• Anticipated hiring range: $88,000 - $100,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land‑grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land‑grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!