Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer Jobs in Northbrook, IL

We are seeking an Infrastructure / High-Performance Computing (HPC) Support Engineer to join our growing team. This is a hands-on deployment and support role focused on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure within enterprise and government data center environments.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience working in data centers, with preference given to individuals who have supported HPC environments or other large-scale compute infrastructure. This position requires 100% travel Monday through Friday to customer sites across the United States, with employees typically returning home on weekends.

Salary: $90,000-$100,000 (depending on experience)

• Deploy, install, and support HPC infrastructure at customer data centers nationwide
• Install, position, level, and secure racks, cabinets, and associated hardware
• Rack, stack, cable, and configure servers, storage, networking equipment, and HPC infrastructure
• Perform top-of-rack and structured cabling according to deployment documentation and engineering standards
• Perform hardware installation, break/fix, diagnostics, and component replacement across compute, storage, and networking platforms
• Support Linux-based HPC environments, including system administration, operating system installation, patching, and upgrades
• Assist with Linux systems integrated with Windows Server Active Directory environments
• Troubleshoot hardware, operating systems, and infrastructure-related issues to restore service quickly
• Validate system health and perform post-installation testing to ensure successful deployments
• Support application installations, upgrades, and customer-specific requirements within secure environments
• Maintain backup and recovery procedures while ensuring system availability and integrity
• Document deployment activities, configurations, and technical findings
• Safely operate lifts and material handling equipment while moving racks, servers, and infrastructure components
• Lift up to 50 lbs independently and up to 90 lbs with assistance
• Work on ladders and follow all customer and company safety requirements

Requirements

• 2-5 years of experience supporting enterprise data center infrastructure
• Previous hands-on experience with rack and stack deployments, server installation, hardware break/fix, and structured cabling
• Experience installing, placing, setting, and leveling server racks and cabinets
• Experience connecting rack power to facility power or power whips is highly preferred
• Experience supporting Linux operating systems such as RHEL, Rocky Linux, CentOS, or Ubuntu
• Experience troubleshooting enterprise server hardware, storage, and networking components
• Understanding of TCP/IP networking fundamentals and data center connectivity
• Ability to read and follow deployment documentation, rack elevations, and cabling diagrams
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently at customer sites
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced deployment environments
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance (existing clearance preferred)
• Willingness to travel 100% Monday-Friday throughout the United States

• Experience supporting High-Performance Computing (HPC), AI, GPU, or clustered compute environments
• Experience with NVIDIA, Dell PowerEdge, Supermicro, HPE, Lenovo, or similar enterprise server platforms
• Experience with InfiniBand or high-speed Ethernet networking
• Familiarity with HPC cluster deployments and large-scale compute environments
• Experience working in government, defense, or classified environments
• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package for full-time salaried employees is effective immediately upon the start date. Benefits include comprehensive PPO medical coverage with access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) option, a vision plan, and dental insurance with the base dental plan option paid for by PGTEK. Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term disability, and Critical Illness insurance have premiums covered. Additionally, PGTEK offers a matching 401(k) plan and a discount on pet insurance through ASPCA Pet Insurance. An Employee Assistance Program is available at no cost to all employees. PGTEK offers a generous amount of PTO and Holidays, and an Education Assistance Program is available after 12 months of employment.

ABOUT PGTEK:

PGTEK is a true consulting organization dedicated to helping clients achieve their business and technology objectives utilizing our decades of experience and business relationships. PGTEK invests in the educational advancements of our staff by providing the necessary resources to complete Professional and Business Certifications. Our company is our people, and we treat them like family.

EOE, including disability/veterans