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High Performance Computing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than ... We are looking for outstanding High Performance AI Engineer to build groundbreaking multi-agent ...

CoreWeave provides cloud infrastructure services designed to support artificial intelligence and high-performance computing workloads. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Livingston, USA ...

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High Performance Computing information

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$39.5K

$98.2K

$151.5K

How much do high performance computing jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for high performance computing in California is $98,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $124,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in High Performance Computing?

Professionals in High Performance Computing (HPC) are often responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining powerful computing clusters tailored for processing large data sets or running complex simulations. Daily tasks may include optimizing code and workflows for parallel environments, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and supporting researchers or engineers in using HPC resources efficiently. Collaboration is common, as HPC specialists work closely with IT staff, domain scientists, and software developers to ensure systems meet project and organizational goals. This role provides a challenging and dynamic work environment, offering opportunities to continually learn about emerging technologies and methodologies in computational science.

Does HPC pay well?

High Performance Computing (HPC) professionals typically earn competitive salaries due to the specialized skills required, such as programming, system administration, and knowledge of parallel processing. Salaries vary based on experience, education, and location but generally align with other technology and engineering roles in the industry.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

High Performance Computing (HPC) engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in parallel programming, and expertise in hardware and software optimization can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in senior or specialized roles within large tech companies or research institutions. Such positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of innovation and leadership in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the High Performance Computing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in High Performance Computing, you need expertise in parallel computing, computer architecture, and programming languages such as C/C++ or Fortran, often backed by a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with HPC cluster management, job scheduling systems (e.g., SLURM), and experience with accelerators like GPUs or cloud platforms is crucial; certifications in Linux administration or HPC technologies are advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities help professionals excel in complex, collaborative environments. These qualifications enable the efficient design, deployment, and maintenance of advanced computing infrastructure to support scientific and engineering applications.

What is the highest paying computing job?

High Performance Computing (HPC) specialists, including roles like HPC engineers and computational scientists, tend to have some of the highest salaries in the computing field due to their specialized skills in managing large-scale systems, parallel processing, and high-performance hardware. Senior positions with advanced expertise in parallel programming, cluster management, and relevant certifications can earn six-figure salaries, especially in industries like finance, research, and technology. Salary levels depend on experience, location, and industry demand.

What is a High Performance Computing job?

A High Performance Computing (HPC) job involves designing, managing, and optimizing advanced computing systems used for complex calculations, simulations, and data processing. Professionals in this field work with supercomputers, parallel computing frameworks, and high-speed networks to enhance computational efficiency. HPC specialists are commonly employed in scientific research, engineering, finance, and artificial intelligence to solve large-scale problems. Responsibilities often include developing algorithms, maintaining HPC clusters, and improving system performance.

What is a high-performance computing job?

A high-performance computing (HPC) job involves using powerful computer systems and parallel processing techniques to perform complex calculations and data analysis at high speeds. These roles often require knowledge of programming, cluster management, and specialized software to optimize computational tasks in fields like scientific research, engineering, or data science.
What are the most commonly searched types of High Performance Computing jobs in California? The most popular types of High Performance Computing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to High Performance Computing jobs in California? For High Performance Computing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching High Performance Computing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for High Performance Computing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for High Performance Computing jobs? Cities in California with the most High Performance Computing job openings:
Infographic showing various High Performance Computing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,224 per year, or $47.2 per hour.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Data Center Operator

High-Performance Computing (HPC) Data Center Operator

LLNL

Livermore, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have an opening for a High-Performance Computing (HPC) Data Center Operator to monitor, diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair system faults on a large number of high-performance computer (HPC) systems, storage systems and networks, working under minimal supervision. You will interact with other Livermore Computing (LC) staff to remediate problems and provide advanced technical support in a complicated HPC computing and networking environment, working either Swing (4:00pm - 12:00am) or Owl Shift (12:00am - 8:00am). This position is in the Livermore Computing Operations Group in the LC Division within the Computing Directorate.
This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.
This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
You will
  • Provide intermediate technical support and operational monitoring for HPC systems including large Linux clusters, file systems, storage systems, and associated infrastructure.
  • Apply working knowledge of Linux/Unix systems and use in-house and vendor-supplied tools to monitor systems, diagnose issues, and perform routine repairs and recovery actions.
  • Utilize the Laboratory's trouble ticketing system, ServiceNow, for problem ticket tracking.
  • Receive, document, triage, and respond to customer issues during business and off-hours, resolving routine problems or escalating to appropriate technical staff.
  • Perform data center facilities monitoring, problem remediation, and emergency event response during normal daily operation and off-hours.
  • Participate in system installation, hardware swaps, system relocation, and decommissioning activities in support of ongoing data center operations.
  • Promote the use of inter-departmental resources for tools, metrics, and common solutions to team members via email and presentations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

In Addition at the 525.3 Level
  • Provide advanced technical support and monitoring capabilities for the HPC systems clusters, file systems, and storage systems under minimal supervision.
  • Independently troubleshoot and resolve moderately complex hardware, software, operating system, network, and infrastructure issues; analyze symptoms, determine root cause, implement corrective actions, and coordinate escalation when required.
  • Perform advanced technical tasks including installation, diagnosis, repair and maintenance of clustered computer systems and related file systems and networks.
  • Analyze system events, alarms, logs, and monitoring data to identify patterns, isolate faults, and recommend improvements to procedures, tools, or operational practices.
  • Serve as a knowledgeable resource to team members during off-hours operations and contribute to the development, refinement, and documentation of operating procedures and response practices.

Qualifications
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
  • Associate's degree in a computer-related field or equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
  • General working knowledge of networking concepts, protocols, and connectivity troubleshooting.
  • Demonstrated experience using Linux command-line utilities for system monitoring, routine troubleshooting, and routine administration tasks.
  • General working knowledge of enterprise storage concepts such as NAS, RAID, and file system operations.
  • Experience installing, racking, inspecting, replacing, and performing routing troubleshooting and repair ofserver, storage, or network hardware components in a data center environment.
  • Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact with customers and team members with the ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
  • Experience and knowledge of the skills needed for a customer support role to include a focus on listening, rapport-building, friendly and approachable nature, and courtesy and patience.
  • Ability to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays.

In Addition at the 525.3 Level
  • Significant experience developing, refining, and documenting work processes, operational procedures, technical instructions, or troubleshooting workflows.
  • Significant experience administering, maintaining, repairing, securing, and troubleshooting systems in large scale production environments involving Linux, clustered computing, or networked storage, with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrated experience independently diagnosing and resolving moderately complex hardware, software, operating system, storage, and network issues in

Qualifications We Desire
  • Advanced training, certifications and experience in Linux operating systems.
  • Advanced knowledge and experience working in a datacenter
  • Computer Support experience or advanced experience in desktop support.

Pay Range
$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly
$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly for the 525.2 level
$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly for the 525.3 level
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
Position Information
This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
  • Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
  • Flexible Benefits Package
  • 401(k)
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
  • Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
CaliforniaPrivacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitlesjob applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here .