Senior HPC Engineer, Classified Computing

Senior HPC Engineer, Classified Computing

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. As part of our team, you will be joining a vibrant group of professionals eager to provide premier customer service to ensure people and information technology remain secure. The team is collaborative and strives to ensure security practices and procedures are understood, implemented, and enforced. All team members deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

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. Guide the architecture of the next-generation of GPUs through an intuitive and comprehensive grasp of how GPU architecture affects performance for datacenter applications, especially Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Drive the discovery of opportunities for innovation in GPU, system, and data-center architecture by analyzing the latest data center workload trends, Deep Learning (DL) research, analyst reports, competitive landscape, and token economics
• 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.
• 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. Find opportunities where we uniquely can address customer needs, and translate these into compelling GPU value proposition and product proposals Distill sophisticated analyses into clear recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences

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: 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. For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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.