Research Computing Systems Engineer

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 92,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University is seeking an HPC System Administrator to join the Structural Mechanics Division in State College, PA. You will maintain HPC systems, develop monitoring scripts, and manage firmware and software updates, while collaborating with scientists, engineers, and vendors.

The role requires strong Linux (RHEL) expertise, cluster scheduling knowledge, and the ability to work with end-users to resolve performance issues.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with Linux operating systems (RHEL)
• Networking, parallel file systems, and security
• Scripting with Bash, Python, and Perl
• Experience with batch schedulers (Slurm, Torque, PBS) and configuration management (Puppet, Chef, Ansible, Salt)
• Ability to obtain clearance up to Secret/Top Secret level if required
• Proven track record of collaboration in multidisciplinary teams

Responsibilities

• Maintain existing HPC systems ensuring compute node and storage availability
• Develop and deploy scripts to monitor system health and usage
• Maintain system firmware and software revisions, perform OS upgrades and patches
• Diagnose hardware failures and perform system diagnostics
• Collaborate with users and vendors to procure components
• Monitor performance and address current and future issues

Skills

Linux (RHEL)

Networking

Parallel file systems

Security

Scripting (bash, Python, Perl)

Batch schedulers (Slurm, Torque, PBS)

Configuration management (Puppet, Chef

Ansible, Salt

Clearance eligibility

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

3+ years relevant experience

Job description

We are searching for a High-Performance Computing (HPC) system administrator to join the Structural Mechanics Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will work with our team of scientists and engineers to develop and advance our nation’s defense capabilities. This position offers broad opportunities for professional growth, including exposure to a range of existing HPC implementations—both in-house and at leading institutions—as well as hands-on involvement in all aspects of HPC administration, from system design to working directly with end-users to resolve computational performance issues.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You Will:

• Maintain existing HPC systems by ensuring compute node and storage availability to end-users
• Develop and deploy various scripts to monitor system health and assess system usage
• Maintain system firmware and software revisions, including operating system upgrades, updates, and patches
• Perform component and system diagnostics to resolve hardware failures
• Work with users and hardware vendors to identify and procure components for both existing and new systems
• Monitor system performance and usage levels and work with team members to resolve immediate and anticipated future issues

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Extensive experience with Linux operating systems (especially RHEL), networking, parallel file systems, and security
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
• A demonstrated track record of setting and meeting goals
• Effective diagnostic and problem solving skills
• Expertise with scripting languages (e.g., bash, python, perl), batch schedulers (e.g., Slurm, Torque, PBS), and configuration management tools (e.g., Puppet, Chef, Ansible, Salt)
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the [Secret/Top Secret] level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

The position’s working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $152,004.00.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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