Linux System / Platform Engineer

The National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) is seeking a versatile Linux System / Platform Engineer to join our team building and managing Linux-based infrastructure.

More than ever, scientific discovery transforms our world. NERSC is at the forefront, operating some of the world's largest supercomputers for thousands of researchers who use computational power to solve society's most challenging problems.

In this exciting role, you will help build and manage our container and virtual machine platforms and use them to deploy systems that keep our supercomputing center running smoothly and help researchers make the most of its resources, including API endpoints, scientific research tools, authentication, identity and access management, databases, and more. You'll join a group of systems and software engineers and will routinely work with other groups across NERSC on a variety of projects. You'll also collaborate with our counterparts at peer scientific facilities, also operated by the Department of Energy Office of Science, to streamline cutting-edge research using automation and cloud-native and AI tools and techniques.

If you are interested in science, have Linux experience, and would enjoy working in a fast-paced, creative environment with a bright and diverse group of colleagues and a beautiful view from our building in the Berkeley Hills, we want to hear from you!

What You Will Do, at Level 3 :

Work with a team to build and manage Linux systems and storage infrastructure.

Troubleshoot and solve complex technical problems with other team members.

Install, upgrade, and secure equipment and services.

Develop and refactor scripts and other code.

Participate in 24x7 on-call rotation.

Coordinate small project teams or other initiatives (such as the rollout of a new service or system, or a major equipment or software upgrade).

Work with vendors to prioritize efforts and enhance their technologies to meet user needs.

Work with researchers to deploy services using Spin, our container cloud platform based on Kubernetes.

Collaborate within NERSC and across the DOE community to develop services, integrate them into the new NERSC supercomputer Doudna, the NERSC data center environment, and across multiple DOE facilities.

Present developments to NERSC staff and the broader HPC community at science conferences and industry meetings.

Additional Responsibilities, at Level 4 :

Analyze and solve complex technical problems requiring in-depth evaluation of variable factors.

Work at a higher level of independence while carrying out work assignments.

Research, select, and lead the implementation of new technologies.

Develop team strategy and project plans.

Provide leadership and technical guidance to group members and other colleagues at NERSC.

Recommend and lead system improvement efforts that enhance system performance, reliability, and security.

Identify and evaluate emerging HPC technologies and features that could introduce novel capabilities or enhance existing system performance and utility.

Represent NERSC in technical or user advocacy groups to influence the HPC and DOE community to meet user needs.

What is Required, at Level 3 :

Typically, 8+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; alternatively, 6+ years with a Master's degree; or equivalent career experience.

4+ years of experience managing large-scale Linux-based system deployments in a high-performance computing, cloud computing, or hyper-scale environment.

Experience with some or all of our key technologies :

containers (such as Docker or Kubernetes)

virtualization (such as Proxmox or VMware)

cloud-based deployment (such as AWS, Azure or GCP)

Using and developing AI (or machine learning) tools and services

identity and access management

database administration, tuning, and troubleshooting

networked storage systems

backup technologies

Familiarity with automated provisioning systems (such as Chef, Foreman, or Terraform).

Familiarity with configuration management systems (such as Ansible or Puppet).

Working knowledge of Linux system engineering and security practices.

Ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways and derive technical solutions in a collaborative environment to meet end user requirements or needs.

Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in large projects, and contribute to an active and respectful intellectual environment.

Creative, positive, and collaborative work style.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Additional Requirements, at Level 4

Typically, 12+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; alternatively, 8+ years with a Master's degree; or equivalent career experience.

Experience in software engineering or complex scripting.

Experience managing network equipment.

Ability to lead and coordinate projects.

Ability to analyze and resolve significant and unique issues requiring evaluation of multiple intangible factors.

Ability to exercise independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

Notes :

This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.

In-person interviews will consist of standard question and answer sessions and a presentation on a technical topic.

Level 3 : The full salary range of this position is between $136,440 to $230,244 per year and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $153,492 to $187,596 per year depending upon candidates' full skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.

Level 4 : The full salary range of this position is between $155,388 to $262,224 per year and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $174,804 to $213,660 per year depending upon candidates' full skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.

This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

This position requires substantial on-site presence, but is eligible for a flexible work mode, and hybrid schedules may be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA and some telework. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. In rare cases, full-time telework or remote work modes may be considered. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit : careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer : The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values : Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement : As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.