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Research Computing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Computing Specialist (High Performance Computing) provides technical and operational support to Office of Naval Research (ONR) Program Officers overseeing the Navy's High Performance Computing ...

Computing Specialist

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$85K - $93K/yr

The Computing Specialist (High Performance Computing) provides technical and operational support to Office of Naval Research (ONR) Program Officers overseeing the Navy's High Performance Computing ...

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Research Computing information

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

To excel in Research Computing, a strong background in computer science, data analysis, and scientific research methodologies is essential, often supported by an advanced degree in a STEM field. Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) systems, cluster management tools, programming languages (such as Python, R, or C++), and certifications in cloud platforms or data science are commonly required. Effective problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help professionals work closely with researchers and interdisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting complex computational research, ensuring efficient system use, and driving innovation in scientific discovery.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of someone working in Research Computing?

In a Research Computing role, you will often support researchers by managing and optimizing access to high-performance computing resources, troubleshooting technical issues, and assisting with the setup of specialized software or tools. You may also help develop computational workflows, maintain data storage systems, and guide users on best practices for maximizing resource efficiency. Collaboration with scientists, faculty, and IT staff is common, as you play a key role in enabling advanced research projects. This hands-on, problem-solving environment provides opportunities to learn new technologies and contribute directly to impactful scientific work.

What is a Research Computing job?

A Research Computing job involves supporting computational and data-intensive research by providing expertise in high-performance computing (HPC), data management, software development, and cloud technologies. Professionals in this field work closely with researchers to optimize code, manage large datasets, and ensure efficient use of computing resources. They may also develop and maintain computing infrastructure, troubleshoot technical issues, and assist with grant proposals requiring specialized computing capabilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Computing jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Research Computing jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Research Computing jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Research Computing job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Computing job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

$213K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Research Computing Software Engineer to join their Visualization and Decision Support Division. The role involves developing and maintaining software solutions to support the computational and data analysis needs of the research community, while directing a team of engineers and researchers to enhance research capabilities.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Develop, deploy, enhance, and maintain software applications and tools to support research computing needs
โ€ข Implement efficient algorithms and data structures to handle large datasets and complex computations
โ€ข Write clean, well-documented, and maintainable code using modern programming languages
โ€ข Integrate software solutions with existing research computing infrastructure, including cloud platforms
โ€ข Collaborate with other engineers and researchers to ensure seamless integration and functionality of software tools within the research environment
โ€ข Analyze and optimize the performance of software applications, ensuring they meet the high demands of computational research
โ€ข Identify and address performance bottlenecks, memory usage issues, and other technical challenges
โ€ข Provide technical support and troubleshooting for software issues, assisting researchers in overcoming obstacles
โ€ข Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for software tools, including user guides, technical specifications, and troubleshooting procedures
โ€ข Stay up to date with advancements in software engineering and computational research technologies
โ€ข Propose and implement new features, improvements, and updates to enhance the functionality and usability of software tools
โ€ข Lead or participate in software development projects, including planning, development, testing, and deployment phases
โ€ข Manage project timelines, deliverables, and milestones to ensure successful and timely completion of software initiatives
โ€ข May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management
Qualifications:
Required:
โ€ข Code analysis
โ€ข Cross-team collaboration
โ€ข Data Analysis
โ€ข Presentation Skills
โ€ข Programming
โ€ข Software architecture
โ€ข Software development
โ€ข Software testing
โ€ข Technology acumen
โ€ข Trend analysis
โ€ข Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
โ€ข Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
โ€ข Ability to obtain a government security clearance
โ€ข U.S. citizenship
Preferred:
โ€ข Active or recently active TS/SCI clearance
โ€ข A Master's degree in Geography is preferred
Company:
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation. Founded in 1945, the company is headquartered in State College, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.