Supercomputing System Administrator

Air Force Research Laboratory; Dayton (OH); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory in Dayton, OH, seeks a Supercomputing Systems Administrator to manage DoD HPC assets, install and maintain UNIX/Linux platforms, and support high-performance computing users. You will handle user accounts, backups, and system configurations while advancing operational efficiency and security.

The role requires a US citizen with at least 1 year of specialized experience, ability to obtain a security clearance, and a degree in an ABET-accredited engineering program or

Qualifications

• US citizenship required.
• At least 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Degree in Engineering from ABET-accredited program.
• Bachelor's in CS with 30 semester hours in math/statistics/computer science (for 1550).

Responsibilities

• Administers DoD HPC assets including classified and unclassified systems; installs and configures UNIX/Linux platforms.
• Creates, modifies, deletes user accounts; performs backups and maintains configs.
• Maintains Linux-based system software, Ansible, and firmware; handles patches and OS upgrades.
• Troubleshoots Linux hardware/software issues; documents steps and solutions.
• Develops proposals to improve HPC operations and evaluates new hardware, software, and storage solutions.

Skills

US citizenship

Security clearance eligibility

Clearance eligibility

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Bachelor's degree in computer science with math hours

Job description

OPEN TO ALL US CITIZENS. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 28 August 2026.

Job Overview

Are you ready to take on one of the most cutting-edge roles in tech? As a Supercomputing Systems Administrator, you'll harness the power of state-of-the-art high-performance computing systems to drive innovation and tackle some of the world's most complex challenges. If you're passionate about problem-solving, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to leave your mark on groundbreaking projects, this is your opportunity to make a real impact while advancing your career in the thrilling world of supercomputing!

Position Duties Include But Are Not Limited To

• Serves as an information technology specialist for the DSRC's systems and programs and ensuring proper administration of the classified and unclassified DoD's High Performance Computing (HPC) assets at AFRL. Installing, configuring, maintaining UNIX or Linux based platforms.
• Creating, modifying, and deleting user accounts, performing system backups,and maintaining system configuration files.
• Possessing a fundamental understanding of operating systems and being familiar with either UNIX or Linux commands or utilities at the user level.
• Maintaining Linux based system software,configuration management tools (Ansible) and firmware revisions, including patches, updates, and OS upgrades.
• Solves issues with Linux system hardware, software, and third-party software, and provides detailed and thoughtful analysis of problem and solution.
• Provides solutions and implementing repairs or workarounds, when possible, fully documenting steps taken when required.
• Manages software issues for both the system and user applications, submitting and tracking bugs as required.
• Develops proposals to enhance the operational use of HPC systems and keeping abreast of technological advances to ensure continued optimum service.
• Applying innovative techniques and judgment to assist management in identifying areas where systems can reduce or eliminate labor and time intensive manual processes.
• Evaluates state-of-the-practice approaches within government, industry, and academia; recommends unique, innovative, and effective hardware, software, and storage solutions.
• Prepares, coordinates, & implements policy/procedures for secure computer system operation.
• Troubleshooting complex problems and providing technical support to enable customers' effective use of HPC resources.
• Testing and evaluating current and proposed equipment and software upgrades, and advising management regarding acquisition proposals designed to enhance mission accomplishment

Through Automation. Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship.
• Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lowest grade level or equivalent grade level of the position being advertised.
• Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance.
• Computer Engineer (0854): To meet eligibility of a Computer Engineer, applicants must meet the following basic requirements. Degree in Engineering. The program must have been ABET accredited. For a full description of the 0854 requirements, see the following Occupational Requirements here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf.
• Computer Scientist (1550): To meet eligibility of a Computer Scientist, applicants must meet the following basic requirements. Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. For a full description of the 1550 requirements, see the following Occupational Requirements here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/computer-science-series-1550/.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.

Desired Qualifications

• The ability to communicate highly complex technical concepts to non-expert users, researchers, and computational scientists.
• Analytical skills to diagnose and resolve issues across system, hardware, network, and application layer.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

Yes

Series

• 0854
• 1550
• 2210

Additional Information

• Travel may be required for this position.
• Incentives may/may not be authorized.

Requisition Number 00299

Posting End Date 08/28/2026