Scientific Computing Systems Engineer

Abundance Network; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA, seeks a Science & Engineering Associate 2 to deploy and support cutting‑edge scientific computing infrastructure for experiments such as Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

You will install and configure servers/workstations, manage compute/storage networks, automate tasks with Ansible/Bash/Python, and maintain documentation and inventories. The role requires a BS in computer science, engineering, or related field plus three years of relevant

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field and 3+ years of equivalent work experience.
• Experience applying scientific and engineering principles to support hardware and software systems.
• Ability to lead tasks, manage resources, and mentor junior staff in technical tasks.
• Proficiency documenting procedures, managing admin duties, and staying detail‑oriented in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with Linux, and programming in Ansible, Bash, and/or Python for automation and troubleshooting.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with technical and non‑technical staff.
• Experience in network administration and managing network infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, upgrade, validate, and deploy servers and workstations.
• Operating system installation and configuration.
• Modify, repair, and troubleshoot compute, storage, and network hardware.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software errors by running diagnostics and documenting resolutions.
• Maintain components through repair or replacement and improve existing scripts.
• Manage tickets and follow‑up until resolution according to team standards.
• Maintain internal infrastructure requirements, including workstations, servers, switches, and security updates.
• Record procedures and issues in documentation and ensure internal processes are up to date.
• Perform administrative duties related to equipment and systems for research/engineering projects.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with team members.
• Procure and track hardware components to support projects.
• Flexibility to work outside regular hours to support experiments.
• Perform routine system audits and manage inventory of computing equipment.
• Ensure DCIM databases are up‑to‑date.
• Develop automation scripts using Ansible, Bash, and Python to streamline tasks.
• Deploy and maintain virtual machines.
• Other duties as assigned to meet group deliverables.

Skills

Linux

Ansible

Bash

Python

Networking

Documentation

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related scientific discipline

Tools

Linux OS

Networking hardware

Job description

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA, seeks a Science & Engineering Associate 2 to deploy and support cutting‑edge scientific computing infrastructure for experiments such as Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

You will install and configure servers/workstations, manage compute/storage networks, automate tasks with Ansible/Bash/Python, and maintain documentation and inventories. The role requires a BS in computer science, engineering, or related field plus three years of relevant