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Pennsylvania State University

Research Computing Systems Engineer

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $92K - $152K 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ July 2nd, 2026
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Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Research Computing Systems Engineer. This role involves administering high-performance computing (HPC) systems within the Structural Mechanics Division at the Applied Research Laboratory, maintaining system performance and reliability, developing scripts for system monitoring, resolving hardware issues, and collaborating with users and vendors to support defense research efforts.

Highlights
  • Maintain HPC systems ensuring compute node and storage availability.
  • Develop and deploy scripts for monitoring system health and usage.
  • Manage system firmware and software updates including OS patches.
  • Perform diagnostics and resolve hardware failures.
  • Collaborate with users and hardware vendors on procurement and system improvements.
  • Expertise required in Linux (especially RHEL), networking, parallel file systems, security, scripting languages (bash, python, perl), batch schedulers (Slurm, Torque, PBS), and configuration management tools (Puppet, Chef, Ansible, Salt).
  • Must be eligible for classified information access at Secret/Top Secret level or higher.
  • Requires minimum of a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years relevant experience or equivalent.
  • Position is fully on-site in State College, PA, with periodic travel required.
  • Salary range is $92,100 to $152,004 with a competitive benefits package including tuition discounts.

Research Computing Systems Engineer Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

We are searching for a High-Performance Computing (HPC) system administrator to join the Structural Mechanics Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will work with our team of scientists and engineers to develop and advance our nation's defense capabilities. This position offers broad opportunities for professional growth, including exposure to a range of existing HPC implementations—both in-house and at leading institutions—as well as hands-on involvement in all aspects of HPC administration, from system design to working directly with end-users to resolve computational performance issues.

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

You Will:

  • Maintain existing HPC systems by ensuring compute node and storage availability to end-users

  • Develop and deploy various scripts to monitor system health and assess system usage

  • Maintain system firmware and software revisions, including operating system upgrades, updates, and patches

  • Perform component and system diagnostics to resolve hardware failures

  • Work with users and hardware vendors to identify and procure components for both existing and new systems

  • Monitor system performance and usage levels and work with team members to resolve immediate and anticipated future issues

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Extensive experience with Linux operating systems (especially RHEL), networking, parallel file systems, and security

  • Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures

  • A demonstrated track record of setting and meeting goals

  • Effective diagnostic and problem solving skills

  • Expertise with scripting languages (e.g., bash, python, perl), batch schedulers (e.g., Slurm, Torque, PBS), and configuration management tools (e.g., Puppet, Chef, Ansible, Salt)

  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the [Secret/Top Secret] level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

The position's working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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 website 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.

 

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $152,004.00.

 

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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