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Hpc Software Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to expand that portfolio utilizing the latest technology ... This opportunity is ideal if you possess experience in or a strong enthusiasm for AI/ML, HPC ...

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$141K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to expand that portfolio utilizing the latest technology ... This opportunity is ideal if you possess experience in or a strong enthusiasm for AI/ML, HPC ...

Software Engineer, Lead The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your ... HPC clusters * Knowledge of multi-domain operations, such as air, land, sea, space, cyber, and EW

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Hpc Software Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$66.2K

$153.7K

$214.2K

How much do hpc software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for hpc software engineer in Reston, VA is $153,739.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,100.00 and $180,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the common challenges faced by HPC Software Engineers when optimizing code for high-performance computing clusters?

HPC Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring code scalability across thousands of nodes, optimizing for memory and bandwidth limitations, and dealing with hardware heterogeneity. Debugging and profiling parallel programs can be complex, as issues may not manifest in small-scale tests but appear at larger scales. Collaborating closely with domain scientists and system administrators is essential to balance performance with portability and maintainability across diverse HPC environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an HPC Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an HPC Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C/C++, Python, and parallel computing concepts, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with high-performance computing frameworks (such as MPI and OpenMP), GPU programming (CUDA/OpenCL), and experience with Linux environments are typically required, along with relevant certifications being advantageous. Problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating on complex scientific or engineering projects. These competencies ensure efficient development, optimization, and maintenance of scalable, high-performance applications critical to research and industry.

What is the difference between Hpc Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectHpc Software EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, experience with HPC systemsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field
Work EnvironmentHigh-performance computing clusters, scientific research labsVarious industries, including tech, finance, startups
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, scientific organizations, tech companies with HPC needsBroad industry use, from startups to large corporations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for specialized computing rolesMore general software development roles

Hpc Software Engineers focus on developing and optimizing software for high-performance computing systems, often working in scientific or research environments. Software Developers have a broader scope, creating applications across various industries. While both roles require programming skills, Hpc Software Engineers need specialized knowledge of HPC architectures and parallel computing.

What is an HPC Software Engineer?

An HPC (High Performance Computing) Software Engineer is a specialist who designs, develops, and optimizes software to run efficiently on supercomputers and large computing clusters. They work with parallel programming, performance tuning, and complex algorithms to solve computationally intensive problems in fields like scientific research, engineering, and data analysis. Their responsibilities also include adapting software to leverage the capabilities of advanced hardware architectures, such as GPUs and distributed systems.
Research Computing Software Engineer

Research Computing Software Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

$213K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 hours ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a Research Computing Software Engineer to join the Visualization and Decision Support Division (VDS) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will work within classified research and development and cloud computing (HPC) environments to develop and maintain software solutions to support the computational and data analysis needs of the research community; design, code, test, and optimize software systems that enhance research capabilities and streamline computational workflows. The mission of VDS is to research, develop, and apply technical innovations that provide Decision Advantage to our sponsors through the use of data science, artificial intelligence, simulation, knowledge communication and virtual collaboration technologies. In this role, you will direct a team of engineers and researchers to fulfill this mission.

The position will be located in either State College, PA or Reston, VA and is not eligible for remote work.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Develop, deploy, enhance, and maintain software applications and tools to support research computing needs
  • Implement efficient algorithms and data structures to handle large datasets and complex computations
  • Write clean, well-documented, and maintainable code using modern programming languages
  • Integrate software solutions with existing research computing infrastructure, including cloud platforms
  • Collaborate with other engineers and researchers to ensure seamless integration and functionality of software tools within the research environment
  • Analyze and optimize the performance of software applications, ensuring they meet the high demands of computational research
  • Identify and address performance bottlenecks, memory usage issues, and other technical challenges
  • Provide technical support and troubleshooting for software issues, assisting researchers in overcoming obstacles
  • Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for software tools, including user guides, technical specifications, and troubleshooting procedures
  • Stay up to date with advancements in software engineering and computational research technologies

Additional responsibilities of higher level positions include:

  • Propose and implement new features, improvements, and updates to enhance the functionality and usability of software tools
  • Lead or participate in software development projects, including planning, development, testing, and deployment phases
  • Manage project timelines, deliverables, and milestones to ensure successful and timely completion of software initiatives
  • May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Required skills and/or experience include:

  • Code analysis
  • Cross-team collaboration
  • Data Analysis
  • Presentation Skills
  • Programming
  • Software architecture
  • Software development
  • Software testing
  • Technology acumen
  • Trend analysis

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • Active or recently active TS/SCI clearance
  • A Master's degree in Geography is preferred

Your work location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA or Reston, VA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research Computing Software Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Research Computing Software Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.All positions at ARL require candidates topossess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $97,100.00 - $164,000.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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