High-Performance Computing Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of rapid technological advancements, the demand for high-performance computing specialists is higher than ever.

As technology continues to evolve, the need for experts who can optimize, enhance, and secure our high-performance computing infrastructure becomes more crucial.

But what does being a high-performance computing specialist really entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager trying to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of high-performance computing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable high-performance computing specialist job description template, tailored for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

High-Performance Computing Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

High-Performance Computing Specialists are responsible for managing and maintaining high-performance computing (HPC) systems.

They work to ensure the efficient and optimal operation of these systems, troubleshoot any issues, and assist users in utilizing the HPC resources.

The daily duties and responsibilities of a High-Performance Computing Specialist include:

• Designing, configuring, and maintaining high-performance computing systems and networks
• Diagnosing and resolving hardware and software problems in a timely and accurate manner
• Implementing and managing system backup and recovery procedures
• Assisting users in the utilization of high-performance computing resources, including the development of software and systems for HPC environments
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest HPC technologies and industry trends
• Collaborating with other IT professionals to design and implement effective HPC solutions
• Providing training and support to users to maximize system usage
• Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations and best practices
• Monitoring system performance and making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance
• Documenting system configurations, updates, and procedures for reference and auditing purposes

 

High-Performance Computing Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a proficient High-Performance Computing (HPC) Specialist to design, implement, and manage HPC systems and applications.

The HPC Specialist will be responsible for providing technical leadership in the design of high-performance computing infrastructure, delivering efficient performance, and ensuring the reliability and security of the computing environment.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in computer science, with expertise in parallel computing, system administration, and a deep understanding of HPC hardware and software environments.

 

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage high-performance computing (HPC) systems.
• Work closely with researchers and engineers to optimize HPC applications.
• Develop and execute strategies for HPC system performance tuning and optimization.
• Manage HPC system software stack, including the operating system, compilers, libraries, and tools.
• Ensure the security and integrity of HPC systems, applications, and data.
• Document system configurations, changes, and problem resolutions.
• Provide technical support and training for HPC system users.
• Research and evaluate new technologies for HPC system enhancement.
• Monitor system performance and usage to ensure system reliability and stability.
• Participate in the planning and execution of disaster recovery procedures.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a High-Performance Computing Specialist or similar role.
• Deep understanding of parallel computing architectures and algorithms.
• Strong knowledge of Linux operating systems and system administration tasks.
• Experience with HPC schedulers, cluster management, and parallel file systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, or Fortran.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
• BSc degree in Computer Science, Engineering or relevant field. Advanced degree (MSc, PhD) is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: High-Performance Computing Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. The nature of the job may require working in shifts and being on-call to respond to system emergencies.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Information Technology.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $95,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a High-Performance Computing Specialist Do?

High-Performance Computing Specialists are technical professionals who design, implement, and manage high-performance computing (HPC) systems.

They are typically employed by research institutions, universities, governmental agencies, and corporations across various industries.

They work on creating powerful and efficient computing solutions to handle large amounts of data and perform complex calculations.

They are responsible for the whole computing ecosystem, which includes hardware, software, networking, and storage.

High-Performance Computing Specialists often collaborate with researchers, scientists, and engineers to understand their computing needs.

They then design and develop HPC systems that can meet these requirements.

They also monitor the performance of the systems, troubleshoot any issues, and ensure they are running optimally at all times.

They are adept at optimizing code and algorithms to leverage the full potential of the computing system.

Besides, they may also be involved in researching and testing new technologies that can enhance the performance of the HPC systems.

High-Performance Computing Specialists must ensure the systems they design and maintain are secure, reliable, and scalable to accommodate increasing computational needs.

They may also provide training and technical support to users of the HPC systems.

 

High-Performance Computing Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A High-Performance Computing Specialist must possess a unique blend of technical knowledge, analytical abilities, and problem-solving skills.

The job involves the development, maintenance, and troubleshooting of high-performance computing systems and applications.

The essential skills and qualifications for this role include:

• Strong understanding of parallel computing architectures, algorithms, and programming paradigms, to create and optimize high-performance computing systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Fortran, and Python, which are commonly used in high-performance computing.
• Sound knowledge of computer hardware, including processors, memory, storage, and networking components, to understand and improve computing performance.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, hardware issues, and other problems that may arise in high-performance computing environments.
• Experience with high-performance computing tools and libraries, such as MPI, OpenMP, and CUDA, for parallel programming and performance analysis.
• Excellent analytical skills to understand complex computing problems and devise effective solutions.
• Good communication skills to interact with other members of the team, understand requirements, and explain technical concepts clearly.
• Understanding of operating systems, especially Linux, as it is commonly used in high-performance computing environments.

 

High-Performance Computing Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level High-Performance Computing (HPC) Specialists often have at least a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field, with a 1 to 2 years of experience through internships, research projects, or part-time roles involving HPC systems.

These professionals may gain valuable experience in roles such as Systems Administrator, Software Developer, or Data Analyst, where they can develop their technical and problem-solving skills while working with large-scale, high-speed, data-intensive systems.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have substantial background in parallel computing, cluster management, performance tuning, and debugging, often gained in HPC Specialist or similar roles.

They may have also acquired proficiency in programming languages commonly used in HPC such as C++, Python, and Fortran, as well as experience with Linux and Unix operating systems and job scheduling tools.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have further specialized in areas such as computational science, numerical analysis, or machine learning.

They may also have some project management or team leadership experience, making them suitable for roles such as HPC Team Lead or HPC Architect.

Advanced roles may also require a master’s degree or Ph.D. in a related field, with demonstrated experience in designing, deploying, and managing high-performance computing infrastructure.

 

High-Performance Computing Specialist Education and Training Requirements

High-Performance Computing Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

They need to have a strong background in computer systems and architectures, programming, and be familiar with languages such as C++, Python, and Java.

Specialists in this field often hold a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in a specialized area of high-performance computing, computational science, or related field.

These advanced degrees provide in-depth understanding and expertise in designing, implementing, and managing high-performance computing infrastructures.

A solid understanding of algorithms, data structures, and parallel computing is also required for this role.

Therefore, they often undergo specialized training programs to stay updated with the latest high-performance computing technologies.

Certifications in high-performance computing technologies such as MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, and others may be beneficial.

These certifications indicate a candidate’s ability to handle complex computational problems and their dedication to learning advanced computing technologies.

Work experience in a research or industrial environment dealing with high-performance computing systems can also be beneficial.

This can be gained through internships, cooperative education programs, or entry-level jobs in the field.

Continuing education is essential in this role due to the rapidly evolving nature of technology.

Therefore, high-performance computing specialists often participate in workshops, seminars, and courses to stay updated with the latest trends and developments.

 

High-Performance Computing Specialist Salary Expectations

A High-Performance Computing Specialist earns an average salary of $95,195 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, education, the complexity of projects handled, and the geographical location of the job.

 

High-Performance Computing Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a High-Performance Computing Specialist need?

High-Performance Computing Specialists should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to handle complex computing problems.

They should have an excellent understanding of computer architectures, parallel programming, and distributed systems.

Knowledge of high-performance computing languages such as C, C++, and Fortran is also essential.

Good communication skills are also needed to explain technical concepts to non-specialists.

 

Do High-Performance Computing Specialists need a degree?

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field is typically required for a High-Performance Computing Specialist role.

However, due to the complex nature of the work, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree or Ph.D. in these fields.

Certification in high-performance computing or parallel computing can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a High-Performance Computing Specialist resume?

A High-Performance Computing Specialist should have strong technical skills, so look for evidence of proficiency in high-performance computing languages and tools.

They should have experience working with supercomputers and high-performance computing clusters.

Also, check for a strong background in computer science or engineering and any relevant certifications.

Look for any project or work experience that demonstrates problem-solving abilities, innovation, and the ability to work in a team.

 

What qualities make a good High-Performance Computing Specialist?

A good High-Performance Computing Specialist is detail-oriented and has a strong ability to analyze and solve complex problems.

They need to be innovative, continually learning and staying current with technological advancements.

They should also have excellent teamwork skills, as they often work with other specialists to achieve project goals.

Persistence and patience are also crucial, as they may need to troubleshoot complex computing issues.

 

Is it difficult to hire High-Performance Computing Specialists?

Hiring High-Performance Computing Specialists can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a unique combination of skills, including an understanding of computer architectures, algorithms, and high-performance computing languages.

The demand for these professionals is high, particularly in sectors like scientific research, engineering, and data analytics, which can make finding qualified candidates more difficult.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a High-Performance Computing Specialist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about crunching numbers and algorithms.

It’s about sculpting the future of technology, one high-performance computation at a time.

Armed with our dynamic High-Performance Computing Specialist job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why draw the line there?

Go the extra mile with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting meticulous job listings or fine-tuning your resume to impeccable standards.

Remember:

Every calculation is a piece in the larger tech puzzle.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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