High-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems Engineer
Location: Rockville, MD
Department: Information Technology
(ID: 2025-0683)
Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Axle is seeking a High-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems Engineer to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) located in Rockville, MD.
Benefits We Offer:
- 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- 401K match up to 5%
- Educational Benefits for Career Growth
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Flexible Spending Accounts:
- Healthcare (FSA)
- Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
- Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
- Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)
Overview:
The High-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems Engineer will support the Scientific Computing and Informatics (SCI) team at The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). This role will focus on the design, optimization, security, and maintenance of HPC and cloud-based infrastructures that enable cutting-edge biomedical research through scalable, secure, and high-performing computing environments.
Responsibilities:
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Design, configure, and maintain scalable HPC clusters for optimal performance.
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Support documentation and ATO (Authority to Operate) processes.
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Ensure infrastructure design compliance with federal security standards and best practices.
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Implement monitoring tools such as XDMoD for transparency and user reporting.
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Integrate platforms such as JupyterHub and job schedulers (e.g., Slurm) for improved interactivity.
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Develop and manage AWS-based infrastructure using Terraform, Packer, and Ansible.
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Automate deployment workflows to streamline provisioning, updates, and scaling.
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Manage systems involved in AWS Secure Cloud Bridging (SCB) and STRIDES initiatives.
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Implement CIS benchmark-aligned system hardening using OpenSCAP.
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Administer optimized compute images (CPU/GPU) for scientific workflows.
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Leverage tools such as OpenHPC, Warewulf, and Ansible for environment management.
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Lead and coordinate quarterly patch cycles.
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Partner with researchers and external stakeholders on critical projects.
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Facilitate solution transitions to other NIH centers and collaborators.
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Contribute to publications and team objectives through deep technical engagement.
Qualifications:
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Federal ATO processes experience required
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HPC architecture and performance optimization is required
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Scientific software development and deployment
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High-speed network and parallel file system architecture
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Troubleshooting, diagnostics, and technical support
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Strong communication and multitasking skills
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Programming & Scripting:
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Languages - Pascal, BASIC, Delphi, Visual Basic, C, C++
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Scripting - Bash, Perl, Python, Ruby, PEAR, Tcl
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Systems & Network Administration:
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Linux – RHEL/CentOS, SUSE, Debian, Ubuntu
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Windows – 95–10; NT–Server 2016
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Networking – Active Directory, TCP/IP v4/v6, DHCP, DNS, WINS
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Legacy – NOVELL 3.1–5, VPN, Citrix, Terminal Services
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Monitoring & Management Tools:
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Nagios, Ganglia, HP BAC, Precise i3
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SGI SMC, HP PCM, Bright Cluster Manager (incl. Data Analytics)
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Infrastructure & Automation:
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Puppet, Cobbler, Ansible, Chef
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Red Hat Satellite, Kickstart, RPM optimization
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File Systems & Archiving:
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Panasas (DirectFlow/panfs), DDN (GPFS), SGI DMF, StorHouse/RFS (Filetek)
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HPC Tools & Job Scheduling:
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MOAB/MAUI, Torque, PBS Pro, Windows HPC Scheduler
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Visualization & Remote Access:
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Nice DCV, EnginFrame, VNC, OpenText Exceed OnDemand, Web Remote Desktop
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Containerization & GPU:
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Docker, Kubernetes, Kubeflow, NVIDIA DGX-1 GPU systems
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Databases:
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SQL Server (2000–2008), MySQL, Zope
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High-Speed Networking:
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Infiniband, Mellanox, OFED, Voltaire, Force10
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Proven experience in:
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HPC architecture and performance tuning
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Cybersecurity in HPC/cloud environments
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Infrastructure as Code (AWS, Terraform, Ansible, Packer)
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Supporting scientific workflows in research environments
Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.
The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: [email protected]
This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.
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