HPC Linux Application Administrator

Description

SSI has an opportunity for an HPC Linux Application Administrator to join the team at AFRL in Dayton, OH.  As an HPC Application Manager, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle management of a defined portfolio of scientific and engineering software. Your primary focus will be ensuring the stability, performance, and availability of this software for users within a large-scale High-Performance Computing (HPC) environment. This position directly supports the research and development activities of the DoD High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP). The HPCMP provides large-scale systems and environments to the DoD RDT&E community which supports the warfighter.

About the Team:

The HPC Application Manager is part of a larger team of system administrators and support specialists responsible for operating and maintaining the HPC infrastructure. The team environment values methodical problem-solving, adherence to established procedures, and a strong commitment to user support.

Requirements

The duties for this position include but are not limited to:

• Software Management: Install, configure, and maintain complex software packages on multiple Linux-based HPC systems.
• User Support: Provide direct technical support by responding to and resolving user-submitted ServiceNow tickets for the assigned application portfolio.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve complex application failures, including OS-level issues such as library dependencies and driver conflicts.
• Validation & Testing: Test and validate application functionality through system changes like maintenance, OS upgrades, and new system deployments.
• Maintenance: Deploy software patches and updates to resolve bugs and address security vulnerabilities.
• Compliance: Ensure all software management tasks adhere to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including formal Request for Change (RFC) processes.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with internal technical teams and external software vendors as necessary to resolve complex application-related issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Clearance & Certification Requirements:

• Active SECRET clearance (US Citizenship required).
• Active 8570.01M/IAT-II certification.

Required Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of related experience, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience including familiarity of an HPC environment.
• Demonstrated experience installing and managing software in a Linux/UNIX command-line environment.
• Experience with shell scripting in a Linux environment.
• Experience troubleshooting software installation and runtime issues (e.g., library dependencies, environment variables).
• Experience providing user support via a ticket-based system (e.g., ServiceNow).

Highly Desirable & Preferred Experience:

• Experience with MATLAB in an HPC context (installation, configuration, troubleshooting).
• Experience compiling applications from source code (make, CMake), particularly for GPU-enabled codes using platforms like CUDA or KOKKOS.
• Familiarity with common HPC technologies, including schedulers (PBS, SLURM), interconnects (InfiniBand), and architectures (Cray EX, Linux clusters).
• Experience with HPC package managers (Spack) and version control systems (GitLab).
• Experience supporting other scientific applications such as Tecplot, FieldView, Pointwise, or Gitlab Runner.

Abilities Required:

• Strong, methodical problem-solving skills for diagnosing application-level issues.
• Excellent detail-orientation with the ability to follow complex procedural and administrative protocols.
• Ability to clearly convey technical information to users of all skill levels.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a larger technical team within defined role boundaries.
• Ability to work a designated schedule while maintaining attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn the technical specifics of new and existing software packages. 

SSI is committed to non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on any characteristics protected by law.

SSI is a HUBZone small business that provides professional services including systems engineering, information systems integration, and technology management services.  SSI offers a generous array of benefits including: Employee Medical, Vision, Dental, and Prescription Drug Insurance Plans, 60% paid premium for dependents.  SSI provides Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability benefits at no cost. SSI employees receive 24 paid days off in the first year on board.  We also provide Military Leave benefits, a 401(k) Retirement Plan, education assistance, Personal Technology Refresh and Employee Referral bonuses. Positions subject to Service Contract Act (SCA) have benefits provided as required by law.