Linux HPC Systems Engineer - Secret

HRL Laboratories; Malibu (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

HRL Laboratories is seeking an experienced Linux Systems Administrator specialized in High Performance Computing (HPC) to join their Special Programs IT team in Malibu, CA. The role involves managing Linux systems, implementing new technologies, and requires an active Secret clearance. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in HPC environments and a willingness to learn new technologies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience required.
• Active Secret U.S. Security Clearance; Top Secret/SCI preferred.
• Understanding of VMware vSphere and experience with Windows/Linux environments.

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage Linux systems servers and workstations.
• Monitor, evaluate, and optimize system performance.
• Resolve complex system failures and troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Knowledge of HPC cluster architectures

Linux systems administration

Scripting skills (shell, Python, Perl)

Networking fundamentals

Experience with system monitoring tools

Education

High School diploma/GED

Tools

Slurm

Docker

Kubernetes

Ansible

VMware vSphere

Job description

General Description:

HRL is seeking an experienced Linux Systems Administrator specialized in High Performance Computing (HPC) to join the Special Programs IT team in Malibu, CA. The successful candidate will collaborate with other systems engineers located in Malibu and across the United States. A willingness to learn new technologies is essential. An active Secret clearance and experience in classified programs are required.

Essential Duties:

1. Perform a multi-disciplined range of technical system and application activities.
2. Research, select, plan, and implement new technologies to support scaling of applications to meet business needs.
3. Install, configure, and maintain multiplatform systems hardware, software, and components.
4. Administer and manage Linux systems servers and workstations in various environments.
5. Handle software and hardware installation, file system management, backups, user administration, and device management.
6. Resolve complex system failures, troubleshooting software, hardware, and network issues.
7. Perform system and user account maintenance.
8. Monitor, evaluate, and optimize system performance.
9. Analyze, test, and implement security patches and hardening measures.
10. Document maintenance actions.
11. Develop and promote standard operating procedures and conduct routine hardware and software audits.
12. Assist in IT security incident response and documentation if required.
13. Manage Slurm for resource allocation and job scheduling across clusters.
14. Manage daily system administration of Linux-based cluster computing, storage environments, and network infrastructure.

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of HPC cluster architectures and concepts.
• Understanding of cluster management software (e.g., HPE Performance Cluster Manager, Warewulf, Bright Cluster Manager, OneSIS).
• Familiarity with job scheduling (e.g., Slurm).
• Experience in Linux systems administration.
• Understanding of system hardening standards (e.g., DISA STIG, SCAP).
• Experience integrating Linux into Active Directory.
• Knowledge of high-performance networking protocols (e.g., InfiniBand).
• Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (8, 9) and Ubuntu Linux (20.04, 22.04).
• Scripting skills (shell, Python, Perl).
• Experience with systems management tools (e.g., Satellite, Foreman, Ansible).
• Networking fundamentals knowledge.
• Experience with system monitoring tools like Nagios.
• Ability to work independently or within a team, estimating time and effort accurately.
• Prioritize tasks, manage projects, and complete work timely.

Additional Requirements:

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience.
• Active Secret U.S. Security Clearance; Top Secret/SCI with polygraph preferred.
• Understanding of VMware vSphere.
• Experience with Windows and Linux environments.
• Experience with Privileged Access Management platforms.
• Knowledge of file transfer protocols.
• Experience with hardened Linux configurations.
• Experience with container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with web and database server administration.
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools (GitLab, Terraform, etc.).
• Proficient in cybersecurity principles (least privilege, RBAC, Zero Trust).
• Understanding of package management tools (RPM, DEB).

Education:

High School diploma/GED with 7+ years of experience or equivalent technical education and experience.

Physical and Special Requirements:

• Occasional physical activities including standing, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• This is a 100% on-site position, with occasional evening/weekend work and up to 10% travel.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active Secret clearance, willing to obtain Top Secret/SCI clearance, and meet DoD 8570.01-M IAT Level II certification within 6 months.
• Role involves privileged user access, subject to monitoring and strict security policies.

Compensation:

Salary range: $120,715 - $150,895 + bonus + benefits. Salary is role, level, and location-dependent. Details to be discussed during hiring. This reflects base salary only, excluding bonuses and benefits.

HRL is an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V, maintains a drug-free workplace, and conducts pre-employment substance testing.