Computing; HPC​/Linux Systems Engineer, Senior

Job Title: High Performance Computing (HPC) / Linux Systems Engineer, Senior

Location: Rockville, MD (Onsite required 5 days a week, with potential for reduced onsite days as client needs evolve)

Clearance: Ability to obtain Public Trust

Position

Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated High Performance Computing (HPC) / Linux Systems Engineer, Senior to support our Client. This role is critical in administering and optimizing the institute’s HPC infrastructure that supports bioinformatics workloads, genomic data processing, and scientific research computing needs.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience in Linux systems administration, high-performance storage systems, cloud computing (AWS and Azure), and support for bioinformatics applications and users in a research environment.

• HPC and Linux Systems Administration
  • Administer, monitor, and maintain HPC cluster systems, enterprise storage (Dell EMC Isilon, Unity), and associated applications.
  • Provide day-to-day systems administration for Red Hat, CentOS, SUSE, and Oracle Linux environments, including installing, configuring, and maintaining Red Hat and CentOS systems in enterprise HPC environments.
  • Manage and optimize HPC clusters using Bright Cluster Manage r to ensure reliability, scalability, and performance.
  • Support and manage HPC job scheduling workflows, including Altair/Univa Grid Engine and equivalent schedulers.
  • Troubleshoot complex HPC infrastructure issues in collaboration with client teams, vendors, and NIH partners.
  • Lead and support infrastructure enhancement projects, system upgrades, and modernization initiatives.
• Storage, Backup, and Disaster Recovery
  • Maintain and configure enterprise backup and disaster recovery solutions (Cohesity, VMware, Isilon OneFS).
  • Perform data backup/restore operations across on‑prem and cloud (AWS/Azure) storage systems and participate in quarterly and annual DR tests.
  • Administer NAS, iSCSI, FC SAN storage devices, and support Dell, EMC, and Isilon hardware platforms.
  • Perform data restoration from Dell Power Vault Tape Libraries and manage tape-based backup workflows.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot enterprise file systems including XFS, NFS, SMB, and CIFS.
• Automation, Configuration Management and Scripting
  • Support Infrastructure as Code efforts and modernization using containers, Kubernetes, and cloud automation.
  • Utilize Ansible or Puppet configuration management tools to ensure consistency and repeatability across systems.
  • Write and maintain automation scripts using Shell, Perl, or Python for system administration and HPC workflows.
• Security, Compliance and Vulnerability Remediation
  • Ensure security of HPC and Linux systems by addressing vulnerabilities, updating configurations, and maintaining NIH/HHS compliance.
  • Implement and manage security and vulnerability tools such as Big Fix, Carbon Black, and Nessus.
  • Support secure system configurations in alignment with CIS Benchmarks, NIST 800-53, and NIH standards.
  • Administer DNS and firewall configurations for HPC and Linux environments.
• Networking, Identity and Access Management
  • Manage user accounts, permissions, and data access across HPC clusters, Active Directory, cloud platforms, and hybrid environments.
  • Administer and troubleshoot DNS, AD integration, and firewall rules to support HPC operations.
• Research Computing and Scientific Application Support
  • Support scientific computing and bioinformatics workflows, including installation and management of user‑requested tools and software.
  • Provide expert support in compiling, installing, and testing open‑source or COTS scientific applications across HPC environments.
  • Collaborate with researchers to ensure optimized performance for complex workloads.
• Documentation, ITIL Processes and Operational Excellence
  • Prepare comprehensive documentation including SOPs, system diagrams, contingency plans, and COOP/DR readiness materials.
  • Contribute to incident, configuration, and change management practices following ITIL principles.
  • Conduct research and present quarterly innovation updates to leadership.
  • Participate in requirements gathering with technical and non-technical stakeholders and provide expert…