High Performance Computing System Engineer information
See salary details
$11.06 - $18.97
0% of jobs
$18.97 - $26.88
0% of jobs
$26.88 - $34.79
1% of jobs
$34.79 - $42.70
11% of jobs
$48.30 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$42.70 - $50.61
19% of jobs
$50.61 - $58.52
19% of jobs
The median wage is $58.71 / hr.
$58.52 - $66.43
22% of jobs
$67.79 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$66.43 - $74.34
20% of jobs
$74.34 - $82.26
4% of jobs
$82.26 - $90.17
4% of jobs
$90.17 - $98.08
0% of jobs
How much do high performance computing system engineer jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for high performance computing system engineer in the United States is $60.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.28 and $68.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
A High Performance Computing (HPC) System Engineer is an IT professional who designs, builds, manages, and optimizes advanced computing systems used for complex computational tasks. These systems, often called supercomputers or clusters, support scientific research, engineering, and big data analytics by providing immense processing power. HPC System Engineers are responsible for configuring hardware, installing specialized software, ensuring system security, and troubleshooting performance issues. They often collaborate with researchers and developers to tailor computing resources to specific application needs.
To thrive as a High Performance Computing (HPC) System Engineer, you need strong expertise in computer science, Linux/UNIX system administration, and parallel computing, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with HPC cluster management tools, workload schedulers like Slurm, and networking technologies is essential, and certifications such as CompTIA Linux+ or Red Hat Certified Engineer are often valued. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you address complex technical issues and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for maintaining reliable, efficient HPC environments that support advanced research and data-intensive applications.
High Performance Computing (HPC) System Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring optimal cluster performance, handling hardware failures, and managing software updates without causing downtime. Balancing resource allocation to maximize throughput while minimizing bottlenecks can be complex, especially in multi-user environments. Additionally, engineers frequently collaborate with researchers and developers to troubleshoot application performance issues, requiring both technical expertise and strong communication skills.
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