Senior High Performance Computing Engineer - Classified Environment

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

UT-Battelle seeks a Senior HPC Engineer to design, implement, and manage HPC systems in a classified environment at ORNL. You will lead architecture, cluster deployment, and optimization while ensuring security and compliance with rigorous policy frameworks.

The role requires deep experience with HPC tooling, parallel programming, and interconnects, and involves collaboration with security teams, scientists, and IT leadership to deliver high-performance, secure computing capabilities.

Qualifications

• BS in computer science, engineering, or a related field and a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.
• 6 years of experience in HPC engineering, focusing on cluster management, parallel computing, and performance optimization.
• Experience in classified environments with security policies, compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, DISA STIGs).
• HPC systems architecture experience with cluster management tools (SLURM, PBS, Moab).
• Linux system administration with scripting/automation (Bash, Python, Ansible).
• Experience with performance tuning tools (Ganglia, Grafana).
• Experience with parallel programming (MPI, OpenMP, CUDA) and high-performance interconnects (InfiniBand).
• Active DOE Q, active DOD Top Secret, or active DOD TS/SCI clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• HPC System Design and Architecture: lead design and deployment of HPC systems in a classified environment.
• Cluster Management and Optimization: oversee installation, configuration, and management of HPC clusters; manage scheduling and resource allocation.
• Security and Compliance: ensure systems meet security policies and regulatory requirements; collaborate with security teams.
• Performance Tuning and Troubleshooting: monitor and optimize HPC performance; resolve bottlenecks and issues.
• Collaboration and Leadership: lead HPC projects; mentor junior engineers; collaborate with scientists and IT leadership.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: stay informed on HPC advancements and propose improvements.

Skills

HPC architecture

Cluster management

Parallel computing

Security/compliance

Performance tuning

Leadership

Documentation

Mentoring

Education

BS in computer science or related field

Tools

SLURM

PBS

Moab

Bash

Python

Ansible

Job description

Overview

Active DOE Q, active DOD Top Secret, or active DOD TS/SCI clearance is required for consideration. The Field Intelligence Operations Division invites candidates to apply to join the team as a Senior High Performance Computing (HPC) Engineer for Classified Computing to lead the design, implementation, and management of HPC systems within a classified environment. We are looking for candidates with extensive experience in HPC architecture, cluster management, and parallel computing, with a proven ability to work within highly secure and regulated environments. This role involves close collaboration with security teams, scientists, and IT leadership to ensure that the HPC infrastructure meets the stringent performance, security, and compliance requirements necessary for classified work.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• HPC System Design and Architecture:
  • Lead the design and deployment of HPC systems, ensuring they meet the computational needs and security requirements of a classified environment.
  • Create and maintain detailed documentation of HPC architectures, configurations, and operational procedures.
• Cluster Management and Optimization:
  • Oversee the installation, configuration, and management of HPC clusters, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and reliability.
  • Implement and manage job scheduling, resource allocation, and load balancing to maximize the efficiency of HPC resources.
• Security and Compliance:
  • Ensure all HPC systems comply with security policies and regulatory requirements, implementing necessary controls and conducting regular audits.
  • Collaborate with the security team to address vulnerabilities and ensure the protection of sensitive data within the HPC environment.
• Performance Tuning and Troubleshooting:
  • Monitor and optimize the performance of HPC systems, identifying and resolving bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
  • Identify and resolve complex issues, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption to critical operations.
• Collaboration and Leadership:
  • Lead HPC-related projects, from initial planning and design through to implementation and operational support.
  • Collaborate with scientists, researchers, and others to ensure that the HPC environment meets their computational needs.
  • Mentor and support junior HPC engineers, sharing expertise and best practices.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
  • Research and remain informed of the latest advancements in HPC technologies, identifying opportunities for innovation and enhancement of the HPC infrastructure.
  • Propose and implement improvements to existing systems and processes to support the evolving needs of the organization.

Basic Qualifications

• BS in computer science, engineering, or a related field anda minimum of 12 years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 6 years of experience in HPC engineering, with a focus on cluster management, parallel computing, and performance optimization.
• Demonstrated experience working in classified environments, including a thorough understanding of security policies, compliance frameworks, and associated standard processes (e.g., NIST, DISA STIGs).
• HPC systems architecture experience, including cluster management tools (e.g., SLURM, PBS, Moab).
• Linux system administration skills, with experience in scripting and automation using tools such as Bash, Python, or Ansible.
• Experience with performance tuning and benchmarking tools for HPC environments (e.g., Ganglia, Grafana, or similar).
• Experience with parallel programming frameworks (e.g., MPI, OpenMP, CUDA) and high-performance interconnects (e.g., InfiniBand).
• Active DOE Q, active DOD Top Secret, or active DOD TS/SCI clearance is required for consideration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with advanced storage solutions and parallel file systems (e.g., Lustre, GPFS, or BeeGFS).
• Professional certifications (e.g., Certified HPC Professional, Linux+, or Security+).
• Excellent leadership and project management abilities.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with cross-collaborative teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, high-security environment.
• Proactive mentality with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement in the rapidly evolving HPC field.

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Work may involve various physical requirements and working conditions.
• Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following:

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

Basic

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.