Computer Systems Senior Engineer

Job Description

The Department of Physics is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to design manage and maintain the departments hardware and software support infrastructure focusing on Linux-based systems and high-performance computing (HPC) clusters necessary to meet the goals of the departments research and teaching mission. The scope of the work currently includes two high performance Linux computer clusters ( 70 and 27 nodes) and a networked system of 70 Linux desktops and servers. The individual will work with the other member of the Physics Department IT team to ensure that all computing and electronic communication needs of the department are met.

Required Qualifications

Advanced computer knowledge for a variety of computer platforms with particular focus on
Linux and high performance computing (HPC) systems.
Ability to understand computer software hardware networks and operating systems and
ability to configure systems to work effectively and reliably.
Ability to analyze computer needs and suggest requirements for future computing needs.
Ability to communicate and work well with faculty students and staff on computing needs.
Willingness to share the responsibility with the other IT team member to monitor systems
after hours and be on call including onsite response to respond to major incidents that
may include physical hardware issues.
Demonstrated experience with administration and support of Linux operating systems
including ability to install configure and maintain Linux systems and supporting users in a
Linux environment.
Demonstrated experience with building managing and maintaining high performance
computing (HPC) clusters.
Knowledge of IT security issues and ability to respond to satisfy university requirements
and best practices in this area.
Bachelors degree or equivalent training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Windows and Mac systems.
Willingness to become knowledgeable about AI and machine learning tools to help advise
physics department members in this area.
Ability to advise faculty and students on the optimal way to meet their high performance
computing (HPC) needs between department maintained resources and those provided by
Virginia Techs Advanced Research Computing.
Experience with GPU computing.

Pay Band

6

Appointment Type

Regular

Review Date

11/04/2024

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges a school of medicine a veterinary medicine college Graduate School and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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