High-Performance Computing (HPC) Data Center Operator

  • Full-time
  • Organization: Computing
  • Category: Information Technology/Computing
  • Job Code 2: 525.3 Sr Comp Support Technologist
  • Employee Referral Bonus: $1500
  • Job Code 1: 525.2 Computer Support Technologist
  • Pre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
  • Pre-Placement Medical Exam: Not applicable
  • Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)
  • Position Type: Career Indefinite

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have an opening for a High-Performance Computing (HPC) Data Center Operator to monitor, diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair system faults on a large number of high-performance computer (HPC) systems, storage systems and networks, working under minimal supervision. You will interact with other Livermore Computing (LC) staff to remediate problems and provide advanced technical support in a complicated HPC computing and networking environment, working either Swing (4:00pm – 12:00am) or Owl Shift (12:00am – 8:00am). This position is in the Livermore Computing Operations Group in the LC Division within the Computing Directorate.


This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.


This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will 

  • Provide intermediate technical support and operational monitoring for HPC systems including large Linux clusters, file systems, storage systems, and associated infrastructure.
  • Apply working knowledge of Linux/Unix systems and use in-house and vendor-supplied tools to monitor systems, diagnose issues, and perform routine repairs and recovery actions.
  • Utilize the Laboratory’s trouble ticketing system, ServiceNow, for problem ticket tracking.
  • Receive, document, triage, and respond to customer issues during business and off-hours, resolving routine problems or escalating to appropriate technical staff.
  • Perform data center facilities monitoring, problem remediation, and emergency event response during normal daily operation and off-hours.
  • Participate in system installation, hardware swaps, system relocation, and decommissioning activities in support of ongoing data center operations.
  •  Promote the use of inter-departmental resources for tools, metrics, and common solutions to team members via email and presentations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

In Addition at the 525.3 Level

  • Provide advanced technical support and monitoring capabilities for the HPC systems clusters, file systems, and storage systems under minimal supervision.
  • Independently troubleshoot and resolve moderately complex hardware, software, operating system, network, and infrastructure issues; analyze symptoms, determine root cause, implement corrective actions, and coordinate escalation when required.
  • Perform advanced technical tasks including installation, diagnosis, repair and maintenance of clustered computer systems and related file systems and networks.
  • Analyze system events, alarms, logs, and monitoring data to identify patterns, isolate faults, and recommend improvements to procedures, tools, or operational practices.
  • Serve as a knowledgeable resource to team members during off-hours operations and contribute to the development, refinement, and documentation of operating procedures and response practices.

Qualifications

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
  • Associate’s degree in a computer-related field or equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
  • General working knowledge of networking concepts, protocols, and connectivity troubleshooting.
  • Demonstrated experience using Linux command-line utilities for system monitoring, routine troubleshooting, and routine administration tasks.
  • General working knowledge of enterprise storage concepts such as NAS, RAID, and file system operations.
  • Experience installing, racking, inspecting, replacing, and performing routing troubleshooting and repair ofserver, storage, or network hardware components in a data center environment.
  • Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact with customers and team members with the ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
  • Experience and knowledge of the skills needed for a customer support role to include a focus on listening, rapport-building, friendly and approachable nature, and courtesy and patience.
  • Ability to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays.

In Addition at the 525.3 Level

  • Significant experience developing, refining, and documenting work processes, operational procedures, technical instructions, or troubleshooting workflows.
  • Significant experience administering, maintaining, repairing, securing, and troubleshooting systems in large scale production environments involving Linux, clustered computing, or networked storage, with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrated experience independently diagnosing and resolving moderately complex hardware, software, operating system, storage, and network issues in

Qualifications We Desire

  • Advanced training, certifications and experience in Linux operating systems.
  • Advanced knowledge and experience working in a datacenter
  • Computer Support experience or advanced experience in desktop support.

Pay Range

$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly

$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly for the 525.2 level

$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly for the 525.3 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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