High-Performance Computing (HPC) Center Operations Manager

LLNL•Livermore, CA

10h

About The Position

We have an opening for a High-Performance Computing (HPC) Center Operations Manager to lead a team of 15 technicians providing 24x7 support for HPC systems and facilities. You will oversee advanced monitoring and diagnostics, ensure secure and reliable operations, and implement innovative technical solutions in facilities (mechanical, electrical, cooling) and systems maintenance and operations (monitoring, decommissioning, hardware repairs, software updates). As the Operations Manager, you will provide technical leadership to engineers and technicians, drive continuous improvement in service delivery, and facilitate interactions between the operations and facilities teams. You will collaborate with senior management on planning, budgeting, and organizational initiatives within the Livermore Computing (LC) program. This position includes advanced technical work and leading a team of engineers or computer scientists in technical projects related to HPC facilities or systems engineering (e.g. designing, validating, and optimizing large-scale cooling infrastructure; troubleshooting HPC facilities and systems during emergency situations; collaborating with engineers and external partners to improve facility operations.) As a Group Leader in Livermore Computing Division within the Computing Directorate, you will manage staff recruiting and development and work with the other LC Division managers to ensure consistent administrative practices and training. This position will be filled at the SEL.3 or SEL.4 level

Requirements

This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top-Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience in HPC Facilities and Operations.
Significant experience managing and troubleshooting HPC environments, including monitoring and maintenance of systems (e.g. computers, storage) and facilities (e.g. mechanical, electrical, cooling systems).
Advanced technical experience installing and operating HPC equipment, networks, or associated facilities, and resolving issues in cooperation with vendors and staff.
Significant experience in recruiting and supervising technical staff, preparing performance reviews, and participating in performance management processes.
Advanced communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills to lead a group, explain policies, and interact with management, technical teams, and vendors.
Significant experience developing written processes and/or procedures to improve service delivery and operational efficiency, and experience training technicians and engineers and assessing skills.
Advanced knowledge of data center infrastructure and equipment.
Substantial management, technical, administrative, and leadership skills that enable building positive, trust-based relationships, executing performance management, and directing and monitoring the work of a diverse range of technicians and engineers effectively.
Expert knowledge of strategic planning, advanced problem solving, decision making, and analytical skills necessary to independently anticipate, analyze, advise, recommend, approve appropriate actions, and implement solutions to highly complex issues having significant impact
Highly advanced experience managing complex computer installation projects, independently developing and designing plans, and preparing written specifications and drawings for HPC projects.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience working in a High-Performance Computing Center and responding to emergency situations to diagnose and fix significant issues with computers or mechanical equipment while under pressure.
Experience in payroll supervision, organizational performance alignment, salary management, and knowledge of DOE/NNSA/LLNL policies and procedures.
Experience with HVAC, electrical, and structural systems in a data center environment.

Responsibilities

Provide expert technical leadership to team members, including recruiting, hiring, mentoring, conducting performance appraisals, facilitating quarterly feedback sessions and one-on-one meetings, and managing salary and career development to support staff growth and operational excellence.
Oversee 24x7 support of HPC systems and networks while utilizing advanced monitoring and diagnostic tools to ensure reliability and rapid incident response for systems and supporting infrastructure.
Provide guidance and support to shift supervisors during operational events and ensure effective incident response, resolution, and reporting.
Establish, implement, and continuously improve procedures, schedules, and work priorities for HPC operations, identifying and developing key growth areas for staff and processes.
Lead the development and deployment of innovative tools and processes to enhance operational efficiency and technical service delivery for HPC facilities and operations.
Manage multiple vault type rooms, oversee siting and infrastructure projects, and ensure strict compliance with safety and security policies and requirements.
Develop formal training plans to enhance team skills in alarm response, safety practices, HPC system monitoring, troubleshooting, repair, and issue escalation for operations and facilities teams.
Collaborate with senior management in planning, budgeting, and decision-making; and represent the organization in vendor meetings, cross-divisional initiatives, and external organizations such as Energy Efficiency High Performance Computing Working Group, HPC operational reviews, or other professional best-practice groups.
Keep pace with the escalating demands of next-generation platforms by providing solutions for highly unusual and complex HPC engineering challenges that arise from the intersection of extreme power density, precision cooling demands, evolving HPC compute loads, and mission-critical uptime requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.