Senior HPC Engineer - Classified Environment

Overview

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.

• Lead the design, deployment, modernization, and evolution of secure HPC environments supporting classified national security and scientific missions.
• Architect scalable compute solutions integrating CPU/GPU resources, high-speed interconnects, parallel storage, scheduling, and supporting infrastructure.
• Establish technical standards, architectures, and engineering approaches that improve performance, reliability, security, and scalability.

• Engineer and optimize HPC clusters, including Linux operating systems, workload schedulers such as SLURM, resource management, high-speed fabrics, and parallel file systems.
• Analyze system and application performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize compute, memory, storage, networking, and GPU utilization.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of complex HPC infrastructure and performance issues.

• Develop and advance automation using Python, Bash, Ansible, Git, and infrastructure-as-code practices to improve deployment, configuration, patching, monitoring, and operational efficiency.
• Engineer HPC systems to meet applicable NIST, RMF, DISA STIG, DOE, DOW, and classified computing requirements, partnering with cybersecurity teams to integrate security throughout the system lifecycle.
• Evaluate and introduce emerging HPC, AI/ML, GPU computing, containerization, and infrastructure technologies that advance mission capabilities.

• 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.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for HPC architecture and engineering decisions and mentor other engineers through knowledge sharing and technical guidance.
• Help shape technology roadmaps and continuously improve the performance, resiliency, and capabilities of the classified HPC environment.

• BS degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical discipline and a minimum of eight years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and certifications may be considered.
• 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.

• 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.

• Sensitive Access:
  Eligibility for access to Sensitive or Special Access Program Information
• Visa sponsorship:
  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Physical requirements:
  
  Work may involve various physical requirements and working conditions.
• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: Q Clearance with SCI:
  This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this…