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Hpc Linux Systems Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Site Reliability Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$54.50 - $72.50/hr

Senior Site Reliability Engineer, HPC Infrastructure and Platforms Overview: Seeking highly ... Experience managing Linux/UNIX operating systems in a heterogeneous environment. * Solid ...

Strong working knowledge of Linux systems fundamentals and networked computing environment concepts ... Experience using HPC hardware for Kubernetes - e.g. RDMA, DPUs, Infiniband, many-core CPUs

Senior Systems Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

Develop industrial control applications in C on real-time OS (Linux, VxWorks). * Implement designs and test systems using engineering documentation. * Monitor industry practices to identify ...

... OLCF Supercomputer systems and other OLCF managed HPC clusters. ORNL delivers scientific ... Alpine, RHEL, SLES - general familiarity with Linux sysadmin activities and concepts * Production ...

... OLCF Supercomputer systems and other OLCF managed HPC clusters. ORNL delivers scientific ... Alpine, RHEL, SLES - general familiarity with Linux sysadmin activities and concepts * Production ...

Systems Engineer 2

Maryville, TN · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

The Industrial Data Infrastructure Engineer will act as a member of the data management team ... Proficient in Linux based systems and Kubernetes * Familiarity with CePH, certificate management ...

Showing results 41-60

Hpc Linux Systems Engineer information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$10

$49

$66

How much do hpc linux systems engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for hpc linux systems engineer in Oak Ridge, TN is $49.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.65 and $55.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an HPC Linux Systems Engineer?

An HPC (High Performance Computing) Linux Systems Engineer is a professional who designs, deploys, manages, and maintains Linux-based computing clusters and infrastructure used for high-performance computing tasks. These engineers ensure that computational systems operate efficiently, securely, and reliably, supporting scientific research, simulations, and data analysis. They are skilled in Linux administration, scripting, and often work with specialized hardware and parallel computing environments. Their role is crucial in organizations that rely on large-scale computing resources, such as research institutions, universities, and technology companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an HPC Linux Systems Engineer?

To thrive as an HPC Linux Systems Engineer, you need deep expertise in Linux system administration, scripting, and networking, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with HPC cluster management tools (like Slurm, PBS, or LSF), parallel file systems, and experience with configuration management (such as Ansible or Puppet) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in supporting users and collaborating with technical teams. These skills are crucial for maintaining high system availability, optimizing performance, and ensuring the seamless operation of complex HPC environments.

What are some common challenges faced by HPC Linux Systems Engineers when supporting high-performance computing clusters?

HPC Linux Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing complex software environments, ensuring system reliability, and optimizing performance for large-scale workloads. Balancing user requests with system maintenance needs can be demanding, especially when troubleshooting hardware failures or addressing software compatibility issues. Additionally, coordinating with researchers and developers to deploy and tune applications requires strong communication and problem-solving skills. Staying updated with evolving technologies and security best practices is also essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Hpc Linux Systems Engineer vs Linux Systems Administrator?

AspectHpc Linux Systems EngineerLinux Systems Administrator
CredentialsLinux certifications, HPC-specific knowledgeLinux certifications, general system admin skills
Work EnvironmentHigh-performance computing clusters, research labsData centers, enterprise IT environments
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, scientific organizationsCorporate, government, and educational institutions
Common Search/ComparisonFocus on HPC and specialized Linux systemsBroader Linux system management

The main difference is that Hpc Linux Systems Engineers specialize in managing high-performance computing environments, focusing on optimizing HPC clusters and scientific applications. Linux Systems Administrators handle general Linux system management across various industries. While both roles require Linux expertise, the HPC engineer's role is more specialized in high-performance and research settings.

Infographic showing various Hpc Linux Systems Engineer job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,134 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

HPC Engineer, System Acceptance and User Environment

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Scientific Research and Development Services • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Requisition Id 16993
Overview:
The Organization:
The National Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) provides pioneering computational infrastructure for technical and scientific professionals to accelerate scientific discovery and engineering advances across a broad range of subject areas. NCCS is home to some of the fastest supercomputers and storage systems in the world including Frontier, the first supercomputer to break the exascale barrier and Orion, a 700 petabytes Lustre parallel file system. As an important part of the broader High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, the division also hosts the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF), a Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility. NCCS serves multiple agencies including DOE, NOAA, and the Air Force, and supports the center's Quantum Computing User Program (QCUP) which provides access to state-of-the-art quantum computing resources.
The Team:
The System Acceptance and User Environment Group is within the HPC Operations Section of the NCCS and ensures the functionality, performance, reliability, and usability of NCCS systems. The group's work includes system acceptance, readiness testing, test development, software environment deployment, documentation, and early user support for all NCCS pre-production systems.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
The role comprises the following primary focus:
  • Take technical ownership of user reported problems and provide hands-on support for scientific applications and libraries and users of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and other advanced computing resources.
  • Compile and debug large science and engineering applications.
  • Identify and resolve system-level bugs in conjunction with other technical staff.
  • Work with vendors to resolve issues and implement changes.
  • Install third-party software applications and tools and provide documentation for usage.
  • Develop and implement system tests to ensure newly deployed systems can support user workloads.
  • Proactively ensure that users have up-to-date information about the system, including any changes and their impact on the users. HPC Engineers are very involved in researching and developing documentation and reference material during system early-use and upgrade phases, as well as maintaining them throughout system operation.
  • Participate in the development, maintenance, and delivery of training and outreach materials to users.
  • Respond to general administrative questions (e.g., system status, requests for accessor special accommodation).
  • Implement special projects as requested (e.g., metrics, new tools, policy discussions).
  • Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:
  • BS degree and 5+ years of related experience, or MS and 4+ years of related experience or a Ph.D. degree in computer science or a related field.
  • Prior experience with multiple programming languages and technologies including more than one of the following:
    • Fortran
    • C
    • C++
    • Perl
    • Python
    • Shell scripting (e.g., bash) in a Linux or Unix environment
  • In addition, prior experience working with parallel programming technologies including at least one of the following:
    • MPI
    • OpenMP
    • CUDA
    • HIP
    • Kokkos
    • Raja

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience building and installing scientific software and other 3rd party software applications on HPC systems.
  • Experience with HPC schedulers and resource managers.
  • Experience implementing scientific software on HPC systems.
  • Experience developing and completing tests on HPC systems.
  • Experience with containers technologies (e.g., Apptainer, Podman-HPC).
  • Experience leveraging AI frameworks for scientific workloads.
  • Experience writing user documentation.
  • Experience developing and delivering training for users.
  • Strong technical and analytical skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Always maintains the highest level of integrity when interacting with internal and external customers.
  • Demonstrates a high-energy, positive demeanor and commitment to quality customer service.
  • Contributes to a positive team environment within the center by demonstrating a strong work ethic, effectively communicating with others, and proactively anticipating center and user needs.
  • Experience coordinating and running support teams.
  • Understanding of the requirements of a DOE, DoD, and/or NSF HPC center.

Special Requirements:
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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