HPC Systems Administrator

We are seeking an experienced HPC Systems Administrator to support a large-scale High Performance Computing (HPC) environment in a secure, mission-critical setting at Stennis Space Center.

This role focuses on providing senior-level Linux system administration for a large HPC cluster supporting critical customer operations. The successful candidate will maintain system health, sustain security compliance, execute complex upgrades, troubleshoot advanced technical issues, and serve as a trusted advisor to customer stakeholders.

This position requires strong hands-on Linux administration expertise, experience supporting HPC environments, and the ability to operate independently within a highly secure TS/SCI environment.

Responsibilities:

• Perform general Linux system administration for a large HPC cluster, ensuring systems operate reliably and efficiently.
• Monitor and maintain system health, performance, availability, and stability of HPC resources.
• Respond promptly and professionally to customer requests, operational issues, and support tickets.
• Plan, schedule, and execute system upgrades, patches, and configuration changes while minimizing downtime.
• Maintain and enhance the security posture of the HPC environment to ensure systems remain compliant and connected to customer networks.
• Troubleshoot complex Linux and HPC system issues independently and implement effective resolutions.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate security vulnerabilities in accordance with applicable policies and standards.
• Maintain technical documentation and operational procedures.
• Provide knowledge transfer and technical guidance to client system administrators.
• Support customers’ business and mission objectives through effective HPC operations.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor by building and maintaining effective customer relationships.
• Coordinate with hardware support teams while maintaining responsibility for software, operating system, and cluster administration activities.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies, Linux administration practices, and HPC industry trends.
• Exercise independent judgment to develop technical solutions and operational improvements in complex computing environments., Serve as the primary resident Linux/HPC expert for the customer
• Participate in complex HPC modernization and upgrade initiatives
• High-visibility customer-facing role with significant technical ownership
• Opportunity to support the NASA Astronomical Virtual Observatories (NAVO) mission
• Work alongside highly skilled HPC professionals in a secure computing environment

Work Environment: This is a fully onsite position located at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.

You will work within a secure datacenter environment supporting large-scale HPC clusters focused on Linux and RHEL-based systems and associated HPC software stacks. Hardware maintenance is handled by a separate team, allowing this role to focus on Linux administration, cluster operations, software configuration, upgrades, troubleshooting, security compliance, and customer support.

The environment requires strict adherence to security protocols associated with TS/SCI operations. Work hours generally align with a standard onsite schedule, with flexibility needed to support maintenance windows, upgrades, and critical customer requirements.

Active TS/SCI Clearance

• Current CompTIA Security+ Certification
• Current CompTIA Linux+ Certification
• 6+ years of Linux Systems Administration experience
• Experience supporting High Performance Computing (HPC) environments
• Experience administering production Linux HPC clusters
• Strong Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) administration experience
• Experience supporting enterprise Linux operating systems and software stacks
• Proven experience planning and implementing system upgrades in production environments
• Experience identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities
• Experience maintaining compliance within secure or classified environments
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, Experience supporting large-scale Linux clusters
• Experience with HPC schedulers such as Slurm or PBS
• Experience supporting scientific, research, defense, or government HPC environments
• Experience with RHEL 8/9
• Experience with automation technologies including Ansible
• Experience with Linux scripting (Bash, Python, etc.)
• Experience supporting cluster storage technologies
• Experience with datacenter operations supporting HPC environments
• Experience supporting NASA, DoD, or Federal research computing environments

Compensation: $160,000 - $190,000 annually depending on experience, certifications, clearance status, and HPC administration background.