Computational Mechanics Support Scientist / Engineer : High Performance Computing (HPC)

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A national research organization in Cape Town seeks a Computational Mechanics Support Scientist/Engineer to support HPC applications and user training. Applicants should have a Master's degree in computational mechanics or data science and experience with Linux infrastructures. Key responsibilities include providing technical support, maintaining software, and collaborating on research initiatives. Strong Linux skills and proficiency in programming are essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required, with 2+ years of HPC support experience.
• Doctoral degree advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to HPC users.
• Compile and maintain software in a Linux environment.
• Test and benchmark HPC applications.
• Support data-intensive research programs.
• Implement user support projects.
• Engage in training for users and community.
• Develop methods for HPC applications research.

Skills

Linux operating system skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Proficiency in Python

Familiarity with research environment

Education

Master’s degree in computational mechanics or data science

Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Job title : Computational Mechanics Support Scientist / Engineer : High Performance Computing (HPC)

Job Location : Western Cape, Cape Town | Deadline : July 28, 2025 | Quick Recommended Links

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About the job :

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Computational Mechanics Support Scientist / Engineer : HPC in the Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) within the National Integrated Cyber-Infrastructure System (NICIS). The incumbent will be responsible for supporting and maintaining a variety of application software packages for researchers across academia, public, private sectors, and internal teams using CHPC's high performance computing cluster resources. This position is based in Rosebank, Cape Town.

Key responsibilities :

1. Provide technical support to CHPC HPC users, including software and workflow support, development and/or customization of user scripts, and effective communication with stakeholders to ensure optimal use of computer platforms;
2. Compile and maintain a wide variety of software and libraries in a Linux environment (including compilers, MPI libraries, Python, R, Perl, etc.) on the CHPC compute systems;
3. Test and benchmark HPC application software to determine optimal setup and efficient use, advising users on best practices;
4. Support data-intensive research programs, including cloud-based applications;
5. Collaborate with team members to implement user support projects that aid the development of the Centre;
6. Provide support and participate in activities across South Africa and possibly internationally, depending on needs;
7. Engage in human capital development initiatives and training for users and the broader research community;
8. Develop and optimize methods for HPC applications research.

Qualifications, skills, and experience :

1. A Master’s degree in computational mechanics (e.g., fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, electromagnetics, discrete element methods) or data science, with at least two years’ experience supporting HPC Linux-based infrastructures;
2. A Doctoral degree in one of the above disciplines is advantageous;

The following attributes are beneficial but not mandatory:

1. Experience setting up or managing multi-node parallel computing systems;
2. Experience developing parallel software;
3. Knowledge of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI);
4. Ability to teach at a postgraduate level.

Must have :

1. Familiarity with the research environment and challenges in South Africa;
2. Strong Linux operating system skills;
3. Experience installing, compiling, and using open-source HPC application software;
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written);
5. A commitment to continuous learning;
6. Proficiency in at least one programming language such as Python, R, C, C++, or Fortran;