What are the responsibilities and job description for the High Performance Computing Systems Administrator position at The University of Akron?
Job Summary
Provide systems programming and management functions for high performance computing systems maintained both on premises and through cloud HPC service providers and in high-performance research computing environment. Work as member of systems team on the administration, integration and maintenance of parallel high-performance computing systems, clusters, as well as other systems and peripherals, including advanced file systems, enterprise storage systems, visualization environments, and networks.
Complex system integration, deployment, and administration projects, system performance analyses, problem resolution, and system security initiatives. Work with senior staff on the development of system management strategies, architectural assessments, system tools, and software for the administration of the high-performance computing systems. Provide technical assistance and consultation for faculty, researchers, students, and technical staff on the use of high-performance computing platforms.
Duties are split between management of externally funded and University of Akron-owned high performance computation resources.
Essential Functions
30% Provide systems support for advanced research computing environment, to include the installation, integration and management of high-performance computer systems, clusters, operating systems, peripherals, and system interfaces; monitors system usage; ensures that the high-performance computing complex is operating at optimal performance and reliability levels; additional duties include consulting, training and the development and maintenance of systems documentation.
30% Monitor hardware, software, virtual infrastructure and on-premise and cloud based HPC applications. Monitor externally funded computer resources. Identify and correct problems. Generate and analyze usage reports and system configurations for performance tuning and capacity planning. Assist in planning and maintaining data center facilities and externally funded resources. Manage backup services.
20% Work with users and other computational professionals in evaluating user requirements, and in the configuration and deployment of computational resources. Participates in the configuration and tuning of batch queuing systems in a massively parallel production environment; collects parallel system utilization statistics; identifies and resolves computer system anomalies and operational problems; and provides systems support and file sharing services. Act as primary liaison for external funding agencies and provide technical support, training and guidance as required.
20% Maintain an understanding of state-of-the-art computing systems and peripherals; computer operating systems; and scalable, parallel architectures. Research and evaluate new and emerging technologies.
Additional Position Information
Education:
Requires some College Courses or High School Diploma and training in related field.
Prefers a relevant Bachelor's Degree.
Licenses/Certifications/Requirements
None.
Experience
Requires a minimum of 2 years’ experience in server operating systems (preferably Unix/Linux), server management, computer system development, networking protocols and programming (preferably bash, python). Highly developed problem solving, communication, and technical writing skills required. Ability to adapt to new technology and maintain currency in technical knowledge is required. Will need to be on site as position requires work with physical equipment.
Preferred Skills/ Knowledge
Knowledge of SLURM schedulding software, familiarity with spack or similiar system for package management, as well as openhpc / warewulf for provisioning. Comfortable with multiple distributions of linux (ubuntu, rocky, centos, oracle, etc.) Comfortable with infiniband networking equipment and software. Familiar with Nvidia CUDA programming.
Physical Requirements
Job is physically comfortable; individual is normally seated and has discretion about walking, standing, etc. May occasionally lift very lightweight objects.
Working Conditions
Standard working environment with possible minor inconveniences due to occasional noise, crowded working conditions and/or minor heating/cooling or ventilation problems. Near continuous use (>70% of the time) of a video display terminal.
Compensation
Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.
Application Instructions
In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume.
Application Deadline
Review of applicants will begin on April 13, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt)
United States of America (Exempt)
Union Affiliation (if Applicable)
For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:
Madilyn Otterbacher
Email
mao76@uakron.edu
________________________________________________________________________
Background Check Statement
The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
State of Residence Statement
It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.
Provide systems programming and management functions for high performance computing systems maintained both on premises and through cloud HPC service providers and in high-performance research computing environment. Work as member of systems team on the administration, integration and maintenance of parallel high-performance computing systems, clusters, as well as other systems and peripherals, including advanced file systems, enterprise storage systems, visualization environments, and networks.
Complex system integration, deployment, and administration projects, system performance analyses, problem resolution, and system security initiatives. Work with senior staff on the development of system management strategies, architectural assessments, system tools, and software for the administration of the high-performance computing systems. Provide technical assistance and consultation for faculty, researchers, students, and technical staff on the use of high-performance computing platforms.
Duties are split between management of externally funded and University of Akron-owned high performance computation resources.
Essential Functions
30% Provide systems support for advanced research computing environment, to include the installation, integration and management of high-performance computer systems, clusters, operating systems, peripherals, and system interfaces; monitors system usage; ensures that the high-performance computing complex is operating at optimal performance and reliability levels; additional duties include consulting, training and the development and maintenance of systems documentation.
30% Monitor hardware, software, virtual infrastructure and on-premise and cloud based HPC applications. Monitor externally funded computer resources. Identify and correct problems. Generate and analyze usage reports and system configurations for performance tuning and capacity planning. Assist in planning and maintaining data center facilities and externally funded resources. Manage backup services.
20% Work with users and other computational professionals in evaluating user requirements, and in the configuration and deployment of computational resources. Participates in the configuration and tuning of batch queuing systems in a massively parallel production environment; collects parallel system utilization statistics; identifies and resolves computer system anomalies and operational problems; and provides systems support and file sharing services. Act as primary liaison for external funding agencies and provide technical support, training and guidance as required.
20% Maintain an understanding of state-of-the-art computing systems and peripherals; computer operating systems; and scalable, parallel architectures. Research and evaluate new and emerging technologies.
Additional Position Information
Education:
Requires some College Courses or High School Diploma and training in related field.
Prefers a relevant Bachelor's Degree.
Licenses/Certifications/Requirements
None.
Experience
Requires a minimum of 2 years’ experience in server operating systems (preferably Unix/Linux), server management, computer system development, networking protocols and programming (preferably bash, python). Highly developed problem solving, communication, and technical writing skills required. Ability to adapt to new technology and maintain currency in technical knowledge is required. Will need to be on site as position requires work with physical equipment.
Preferred Skills/ Knowledge
Knowledge of SLURM schedulding software, familiarity with spack or similiar system for package management, as well as openhpc / warewulf for provisioning. Comfortable with multiple distributions of linux (ubuntu, rocky, centos, oracle, etc.) Comfortable with infiniband networking equipment and software. Familiar with Nvidia CUDA programming.
Physical Requirements
Job is physically comfortable; individual is normally seated and has discretion about walking, standing, etc. May occasionally lift very lightweight objects.
Working Conditions
Standard working environment with possible minor inconveniences due to occasional noise, crowded working conditions and/or minor heating/cooling or ventilation problems. Near continuous use (>70% of the time) of a video display terminal.
Compensation
Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.
Application Instructions
In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume.
Application Deadline
Review of applicants will begin on April 13, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt)
United States of America (Exempt)
Union Affiliation (if Applicable)
For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:
Madilyn Otterbacher
mao76@uakron.edu
________________________________________________________________________
Background Check Statement
The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
State of Residence Statement
It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.