Senior HPC Engineer, Classified Computing

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Senior HPC Engineer for Classified Computing to design, implement, and oversee HPC systems in a classified environment, collaborating with security, scientists, and IT leadership to meet stringent performance and compliance requirements.

You will lead architecture and cluster management, optimize resource scheduling and load balancing, ensure policy compliance, mentor junior engineers, and pursue continuous HPC innovation.

Qualifications

• BS in computer science, engineering, or related field; 8+ years in HPC engineering.
• 8+ years in HPC with focus on cluster management, parallel computing, performance optimization.
• Experience in classified environments; knowledge of security policies and compliance (NIST, STIGs).
• HPC architecture experience including cluster management tools (e.g., SLURM, PBS, Moab).
• Linux administration with Bash, Python, Ansible; scripting/automation.
• Experience with performance tools (Ganglia, Grafana); parallel frameworks (MPI, OpenMP, CUDA) and InfiniBand.

Responsibilities

• Lead HPC system design and deployment for a classified environment.
• Oversee HPC cluster installation, configuration, and management for performance and reliability.
• Ensure security, compliance, and regular audits; collaborate with security teams.
• Monitor, tune, and troubleshoot HPC performance to minimize downtime.
• Lead projects, mentor junior HPC engineers, and collaborate with scientists and IT leadership.

Skills

HPC engineering

Cluster management

Security and compliance

Linux administration

Parallel programming MPI/OpenMP/CUDA

High-performance interconnects InfiniB

Education

BS in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Slurm

PBS/Moab

GPGPU frameworks

Job description

Overview

The Field Intelligence Operations Division (FIOD), of the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD), 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 architecture, 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 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.
• 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 and a minimum eight (8) years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Eight (8) 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).

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: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Physical Requirements: Work may involve various physical requirements and working conditions.
• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: 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, and Employee Discounts.

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.