HPC/Linux Systems Engineer - The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University : Job Details

The Digital Engineering Department within the Communications, Information and Navigation Office (CINO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is looking for a motivated and talented HPC/Linux Systems Engineer to provide expertise in the design and operation of Linux-based infrastructure which powers high-performance compute environments and labs. You will support the operation and needs of our digital infrastructure as well as third-party software tools and applications, provide strategies to design/architect, build, and efficiently maintain infrastructure plans based on business requirements and funding, as well as oversee the implementation of new system technologies.

We support hybrid work. The successful applicant will be based out of our Reston, VA office.

You will:

• Have deep knowledge of the Open Source technology platform stack to include operating systems (Linux), virtual machines, networking, data storage and backups, software applications, containers (Docker), container orchestration engines (Kubernetes), as well as the high-performance computing stack
• Develop processes and practices for design, maintenance, continuity of operations (COOP), and secure operation of systems, all in compliance with US government and DoD standards
• Develop and mature compute and lab environment Cloud technologies
• Collaborate with leaders and stakeholders to analyze business needs to define and improve our architectural strategy
• Provide functional knowledge of systems and manage end user relationships with system and technical teams
• Conduct research on emerging technologies
• Recommend new technology solutions or create solutions for existing systems to increase performance, efficiency, reliability, and security
• Provide support for both new & existing systems, upgrades, and maintenance
• Serve as technical liaison with other departments and organizations to implement, integrate, review, and evaluate technologies and services
• Participate in the development, testing, and implementation of contingency plans
• Research, establish, and maintain architectural processes and documentation in electronic iterative formats and enforce key system engineering standards, policies, and/or procedures
• Lead and provide technical guidance to staff and teams

These positions can be filled at multiple levels depending on education and experience. Minimally requires a Bachelors' degree plus 6 years' related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional education and/or experience required for higher level positions.

Required experience/knowledge include:

• Enterprise level architecture design and/or implementation of high-performance computing systems
• Exposure to or experience building & operating within a DoD environment, including knowledge of key NIST/ISO standards, DoD directives, and regulatory requirements (800-171/53 and STIGs)

Preferred experience/knowledge includes:

• Automation of administrative tasks such as configuration and hydration of compute environments
• Containerization technologies to include Kubernetes, Docker and Podman
• Containerization technologies to include Kubernetes
• Linux administration, security, and networking, and virtual machine technologies
• DoD Architecture Frameworks (DoDAF) to protect data and infrastructure against threats
• Compliance with cybersecurity policies, standards, and regulations, including DoD and US government guidelines
• Developing and maintaining incident response plans and participating in incident response activities
• Ability to review, monitor and analyze system performance to detect and respond to abnormal activity

The applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation. You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

ARL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.