Research Computing Systems Engineer

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 92,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Retirement plans and generous paid PTO

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College, PA is seeking an HPC System Administrator to support multi-user high-performance computing environments. You will maintain compute nodes, implement monitoring, manage firmware and OS updates, and collaborate with users and vendors to plan upgrades.

This role requires extensive Linux (RHEL), networking, and parallel file system experience, plus scripting (bash, Python, Perl) and workload managers (Slurm, Torque, PBS).

Qualifications

• Extensive Linux (RHEL), networking, parallel file systems, and security experience.
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures.
• Demonstrated track record of setting and meeting goals.
• Effective diagnostic and problem solving skills.
• Expertise with scripting languages and batch schedulers and configuration management tools.
• Eligible for access to classified information at the Secret/Top Secret level.

Responsibilities

• Maintain existing HPC systems by ensuring compute node and storage availability to end-users.
• Develop and deploy scripts to monitor system health and assess usage.
• Maintain system firmware and software revisions, including OS upgrades and patches.
• Perform diagnostics to resolve hardware failures.
• Work with users and vendors to procure components for existing and new systems.
• Monitor performance and work with team to resolve current and future issues.

Skills

Linux (RHEL)

Networking

Parallel file systems

Security

Scripting (bash, Python, Perl)

Diagnostics

Collaboration

Goal setting

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

3+ years relevant experience

Tools

Slurm

Torque

PBS

Puppet

Chef

Ansible

Salt

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

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

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.