Senior HPC Engineer - Classified Environment

Senior HPC Engineer - Classified Environment

The Field Intelligence Operations Division (FIOD) of the National Security Directorate (NSSD) is seeking a Senior High Performance Computing (HPC) Engineer for Classified Computing, where you will help shape advanced computing capabilities supporting some of the nation's most important national security and scientific missions. In this role, you will lead the design, implementation, modernization, and operation of HPC environments built to solve complex computational challenges within highly secure classified environments.

You will bring expertise in HPC architecture, cluster management, parallel computing, and performance optimization while helping evaluate and introduce emerging technologies that advance mission capabilities. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of HPC and systems engineers, cybersecurity professionals, scientists, researchers, and mission partners to develop computing solutions that deliver exceptional performance while meeting rigorous security and compliance requirements. This is an opportunity to remain deeply technical while influencing architecture, solving challenging problems, and helping define the future of classified high-performance computing.

You will join a collaborative team that values technical excellence, innovation, service, and shared success. We encourage new ideas, knowledge sharing, and different perspectives, and we are committed to creating an environment where talented people can do meaningful work, continue to grow, and make an impact.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• HPC Architecture & Engineering:
  Lead the design, deployment, modernization, and evolution of secure HPC environments supporting classified national security and scientific missions.
• Cluster Engineering & Performance:
  Engineer and optimize HPC clusters, including Linux operating systems, workload schedulers such as SLURM, resource management, high-speed fabrics, and parallel file systems.
• Automation, Security & Modernization:
  Develop and advance automation using Python, Bash, Ansible, Git, and infrastructure-as-code practices to improve deployment, configuration, patching, monitoring, and operational efficiency.
• Technical Leadership & Mission Partnership:
  Lead complex HPC initiatives from architecture and design through deployment, optimization, and operational transition. Partner directly with scientists, researchers, engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and mission stakeholders to translate computational requirements into effective technical solutions.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical discipline and a minimum of eight years of relevant experience.
• At least five years of hands-on HPC engineering experience involving cluster architecture, administration, performance optimization, or parallel computing.
• Advanced Linux systems engineering experience with automation using Python, Bash, Ansible, or comparable technologies.
• Experience with HPC workload management and scheduling technologies such as SLURM, PBS, or similar platforms.
• Experience with parallel computing technologies such as MPI, OpenMP, and/or CUDA and high-performance interconnects such as Infini Band.
• Experience with HPC performance analysis, monitoring, benchmarking, and optimization.
• Demonstrated understanding of cybersecurity requirements applicable to classified or highly regulated computing environments, including NIST, RMF, and DISA STIGs.
• Eligibility for access to Sensitive or Special Access Program information.
• Current Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience designing or operating large-scale HPC, GPU, or AI/ML computing environments.
• Experience with advanced and parallel storage technologies such as Lustre, GPFS/Spectrum Scale, or BeeGFS.
• Experience with GPU computing, accelerated workloads, containers, or emerging AI/HPC architectures.
• Experience with infrastructure automation, configuration management, Git-based workflows, or infrastructure-as-code.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical efforts, influence architecture, and mentor other engineers while remaining hands-on.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Relevant HPC, Linux, cybersecurity, automation, or infrastructure certifications.
• A strong technical curiosity and commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and engineering excellence in a rapidly evolving HPC landscape.

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.

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