Senior IT HPC Specialist

The Capital Area Division (CAD) Applied Research Associates, Inc. has an outstanding opportunity for an exceptional Senior IT HPC Specialist to support on-going research and development efforts. Are you an IT virtuoso with a passion for superior network functioning? Join us as a Senior IT HPC Specialist and become a key player in maintaining and enhancing the IT infrastructure that supports a high-performance team of scientists and engineers. Your work will ensure our systems run smoothly, securely, and efficiently, supporting our teams and clients to deliver outstanding results. This role combines technical problem-solving, proactive system management, and support for ongoing technology improvement initiatives.

The successful candidate will:

• System Administration: Manage and optimize project-wide IT HPC infrastructure, including servers, networks, and data systems. Support ATO production cycle.
• Network Management: Monitor, configure, and troubleshoot network connections, firewalls, and VPNs to ensure stable and secure connectivity for HPC systems.
• Technical Support: Provide hands-on support to project staff by troubleshooting hardware, software, and connectivity issues.
• Security Management: Implement and maintain security best practices to protect against cyber threats, ensuring data integrity and compliance with relevant policies.
• Software Management: Install, update, and maintain applications and system software, collaborating with relevant teams to streamline tools and processes.
• Automation & Optimization: Develop and deploy automation scripts to streamline repetitive tasks, optimize system performance, and reduce downtime.
• Documentation & Training: Create and maintain documentation on systems, processes, and troubleshooting procedures, and assist in training team members on IT HPC protocols and new technologies.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
• 5+ years in HPC roles, including systems administration, network management, or tech support
• Proficiency with operating systems (Windows, Linux)
• Experience with network configurations, firewalls, and VPNs
• Familiarity with cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure) and virtualization technologies
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices
• Scripting skills in PowerShell, Python, or similar for process automation
• Ability to clearly express in writing technical analysis results.
• TS clearance

Desired Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in solving DoD IT problems
• TS clearance with eligibility for SCI based on single-scope background investigation
• Military or Intel-community defense-related experience of IT Systems