HPC Scientific Software Engineer (IT@JH Research Computing)

IT@JH Research Computing is seeking a HPC Scientific Software Engineer to support faculty, researchers, and students engaged in high-performance and AI-driven research across Johns Hopkins University . The position is responsible for deploying, optimizing, and maintaining scientific software and computational workflows on advanced HPC Systems and related infrastructure. Working primarily within Linux-based environments, the engineer manages and troubleshoots complex software stacks, containerized applications, and GPU-accelerated workloads using tools such as SLURM, Easy build, Spack, etc. The role combines ticket-based user support with long-term project work, collaborating closely with interdisciplinary research groups to enhance system performance, streamline data-intensive workflows, and integrate cutting-edge technologies. The position operates with significant independence while coordinating regularly with systems engineers and research computing leadership to ensure reliable, high-efficiency computing resources that advance the university’s scientific mission.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Software Deployment and Design (15%)

• Develop and refine deployment strategies for scientific software on HPC and AI systems.
• Design computational workflows, selecting optimal software configurations, and utilizing tools like Ansible for automation.
• Assist teams in implementing, tuning, and optimizing AI models and gateway applications (e.g., XDMoD, Coldfront, Open OnDemand, CryoSPARC Live, SBGrid, AI Agents).

Performance Optimization (20%)

• Analyze and optimize the performance of AI models and HPC applications, focusing on GPU-enabled computing.
• Implement parallel processing, distributed computing, and resource management techniques for efficient job execution.

Integration and Optimization (15%)

• Develop, debug, and maintain software tools, libraries, and frameworks supporting HPC and AI workloads.
• Collaborate with the system team and software vendors (e.g., NVIDIA, Intel, Matlab) to optimize systems for maximum performance.
• Utilize CUDA, DNN, TensorRT, and Intel Compilers to enhance system performance.

HPC Scientific Software Support (30%)

• Manage and support scientific software deployment across HPC, cloud-based, and colocation facilities.
• Oversee installation, configuration, and maintenance of HPC packages with tools like CMake, Make, EasyBuild, Spack, and Lua module files.

Collaboration and Mentorship (5%)

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including researchers, data scientists, and software developers, to address complex HPC/AI challenges.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Technical Support and Training Workshops and Troubleshooting (15%)

• Resolve complex technical issues and perform root cause analysis for HPC/AI software challenges.
• Implement effective solutions to prevent recurrence and improve system reliability
• Provide training workshops for researchers and students, focusing on troubleshooting, optimizing workflows, and effectively using HPC systems.

Learning and Development (5%)

• Stay current with advances in HPC and AI technologies and methodologies.
• Incorporate new research findings into existing systems to improve performance and capabilities.

Container Orchestration (5%)

• Develop and manage container orchestration strategies to ensure scalability, reliability, and security of applications.
• Oversee the container lifecycle from creation and deployment to scaling and removal.

Documentation and Compliance (5%)

• Create comprehensive documentation for system designs, performance metrics, and project status.
• Ensure compliance with security and regulatory standards for all HPC and AI systems.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in computer science or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• Five years of experience in HPC user support, software deployment, and performance optimization within an academic or research environment.
• Experience in scientific computing environments and applications.
• Hands-on experience with SLURM, for job scheduling.
• Proficiency in Python, Perl, C/C++, and Shell scripting for automation and system management.
• Advanced knowledge of Linux systems and proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Perl, and Shell.
• Familiarity with scientific application management tools such as Containerization, LUA modules, CMake, Spack, and EasyBuild.
• Training Workshops, Performance Optimization and Troubleshooting
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in a quantitative discipline, such as Computer Science Engineering, Physics, Bioinformatics, or related fields, with advanced training in scientific computing.

Classified Title: HPC Scientific Software Engineer Job Posting Title (Working Title): HPC Scientific Software Engineer (IT@JH Research Computing)

Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PF

Starting Salary Range: $85,500 - $149,800 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Remote Department name: 60014601-IT@JH Research Computing Personnel area: University Administration

Originally posted on Himalayas