Linux/HPC System Administrator

Argonne; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a Linux/HPC System Administrator to manage and support onsite HPC resources, beamline systems, and related services.

The role involves maintaining multiple HPC clusters, storage appliances, and networking to ensure reliability, performance, and scalability for high-performance computing workloads.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of experience or Master’s with 2+ years in CS/IT or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in HPC systems administration.
• Proficiency in Linux/Unix system administration.
• Experience with Globus, GPU nodes, and HPC cluster management.
• Experience with IBM Storage Scale or GPFS.
• Familiarity with PBS Pro scheduler and job queuing systems.
• Hands-on experience with Grafana monitoring.
• Scripting in Python or Bash for automation.
• Knowledge of networking protocols and security practices.
• Certifications in HPC, Linux, or storage technologies.

Responsibilities

• Configure and maintain GPU nodes and optimize GPU utilization.
• Administer IBM Storage Scale 6K appliances and Spectrum Scale; manage InfiniBand network.
• Provide advanced beamline support for Linux-based systems and troubleshooting.
• Maintain Grafana and other monitoring tools for system health.
• Manage PBS Pro scheduler installations and improve throughput.
• Document configurations, processes, and incidents thoroughly.
• Collaborate with researchers and developers to meet computational needs.
• Implement security best practices and ensure compliance.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Linux/Unix administration

HPC systems administration

Networking & security practices

Grafana monitoring

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Independent work & multi-priority

Python/Bash scripting

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / IT or related field

Master's degree preferred

4+ years experience (BS) or 2+ years (MS) or equivalent

Tools

Globus

GPU nodes

PBS Pro

IBM Storage Scale

GPFS

Grafana

InfiniBand switches

Storage Scale/ Spectrum Scale

Job description

The APS Engineering Support Division (AES) provides reliable operations and technical support to the Advanced Photon Source user community. AES works to ensure that the Advanced Photon Source maintains its status as a preeminent scientific user facility. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Linux/HPC System Administrator to manage and support the onsite HPC resources, beamline systems, and beamline services.

Our administrators design, install, implement, and manage services running on Linux systems within our dynamic environment. The role involves maintaining and optimizing four unique HPC clusters, Globus data transfer nodes, GPU nodes, monitoring systems, IBM Storage Scale appliances, PBS Pro scheduler, and the support of data control and acquisition systems operating beamline experiments. The ideal candidate will ensure the reliability, performance, and scalability of our HPC and beamline infrastructure to support advanced computational workloads.

Key Responsibilities

• GPU Nodes Administration: Configure and maintain GPU nodes for computational workloads. Optimize GPU utilization for machine learning, AI, and other GPU-intensive applications.
• Storage Management: Administer IBM Storage Scale 6K appliances and Spectrum Scale to ensure high availability and performance. Administer Nvidia InfiniBand switches and IB network to ensure high availability. Monitor storage usage and plan for capacity upgrades as needed.
• Beamline Support: Provide advanced level support to Advanced Photon Source Xray Science Division beamline computers, storage, and their associated networking on Linux. Provide second level technical assistance for beamline user support and problem resolution. Implement software and hardware installation and configuration for computers along with network troubleshooting.
• Monitoring & Visualization: Maintain monitoring tools such as Grafana to track system health and performance.
• Job Scheduling: Manage and optimize PBS Pro scheduler installations for efficient job queuing and resource allocation. Troubleshoot scheduling issues and implement policies to improve throughput.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed documentation of system configurations, processes, and procedures. Generate regular reports on system performance, utilization, and incidents.
• Collaboration & Support: Work closely with researchers, developers, and other stakeholders to understand their computational and experimental needs. Provide technical support and training to users of the HPC systems.
• Security & Compliance: Implement security best practices to protect sensitive data and computational resources. Ensure compliance with organizational policies, industry standards, and government regulations.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• 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.
• Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelors and 4+ years’ experience, Masters and 2+ years’ experience, or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in HPC systems administration or a similar role.
• Proficiency in Linux/Unix system administration.
• Experience with Globus, GPU nodes, and HPC cluster management.
• Experience with IBM Storage Scale or GPFS.
• Familiarity with PBS Pro scheduler and job queuing systems.
• Hands-on experience with monitoring tools like Grafana.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.
• Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Certifications in HPC, Linux, or storage technologies.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automation.
• Knowledge of networking protocols and security practices.

Work Environment Office-based with on-site work at HPC facilities. May require after-hours support for critical issues. Job Family Professional Technical (PT) Job Profile Systems Integration Admin/Support 3 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time.

The expected hiring range for this position is $86,299.00 - $134,626.05. 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.

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