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Pennsylvania State University

Research Computing Systems Engineer

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $86K - $130K 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ May 15th, 2026
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Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Research Computing Systems Engineer. This role involves maintaining and administrating high-performance computing (HPC) systems for the Structural Mechanics Division at the Applied Research Laboratory, including system health monitoring, firmware and software maintenance, hardware diagnostics, and collaborating with users and vendors to optimize computing performance and procure necessary components.

Highlights
  • Maintain HPC systems ensuring compute node and storage availability.
  • Develop and deploy scripts for system health monitoring and usage assessment.
  • Perform system firmware and software maintenance, upgrades, and patches.
  • Diagnose and resolve hardware failures.
  • Collaborate with users and vendors to identify and procure HPC components.
  • Extensive experience required with Linux (RHEL), networking, parallel file systems, and security.
  • Proficiency in scripting languages (bash, python, perl), batch schedulers (Slurm, Torque, PBS), and configuration management tools (Puppet, Chef, Ansible, Salt).
  • Requires current eligibility for Secret/Top Secret security clearance and potential background investigation.
  • Bachelor's degree and minimum 3 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
  • Salary range from $86,300 to $129,500 with comprehensive benefits including a 75% tuition discount.

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.

 

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation.  You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.  Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $129,500.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

 

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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