HPC Linux System Administrator

Mclaurin Aerospace • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

McLaurin is hiring an HPC Linux System Administrator for its JETS II contract team at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The role supports the FSL, one of Johnson Space Center’s primary compute labs, which hosts analyses for NASA human-spaceflight programs. Its systems comprise more than 700 machines, 26,000 cores, and over 10 PB of storage, serving more than 1,000 users.

The administrator will work with a team to build and maintain FSL services, including high-performance computing, high-end Linux workstations, high-speed networking, and high-speed parallel filesystems. The role emphasizes understanding container technologies and their effective use in HPC environments. The team supports users by investigating system problems, proactively monitoring system health, and helping users effectively use the systems in support of NASA’s human-spaceflight mission. The position is advertised at multiple levels, with consideration depending on candidate experience, requirements, and business needs.

Requirements

• Typically, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent certification in a related area.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the field or a related area.
• Experience in Linux system administration.
• Experience with system configuration management.
• Experience with container-based HPC workflows.
• Experience with complex CI/CD workflows.
• Experience with HPC job scheduler administration.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, planning, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience with large-scale system administration, including at least 2 years in HPC administration.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Red Hat-based systems.
• Familiarity with container technologies such as Docker, Podman, and Apptainer.
• Familiarity with Lustre high-speed parallel filesystems.
• Familiarity with InfiniBand.
• Familiarity with Ansible and Foreman.
• Familiarity with the SLURM resource manager.
• Familiarity with the SPACK software manager.
• Familiarity with log consolidation and monitoring.
• Familiarity with Git/GitLab and software development, including CI/CD.
• Familiarity with the Johnson Space Center campus network.
• Familiarity with NASA security mechanisms, including security plans, POAMs, ATOs, and risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain FSL services alongside a team of HPC System Administrators.
• Administer high-performance computing systems.
• Administer high-end Linux workstations.
• Support high-speed networking and high-speed parallel filesystems.
• Investigate system problems and proactively monitor system health.
• Work with FSL users to help them effectively use the systems in support of NASA’s human-spaceflight mission.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Positive work-life balance
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Generous PTO
• 401(k) after 12 months of service with employer match
• Education assistance
• Relocation assistance, if applicable

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level