HPC/AI Performance Specialist

LBL • $156K — $191K *
San Francisco, CA 94112In-Person
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
2 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree plus 8 years of experience, or 6 years with a Master's degree, or equivalent experience.
  • In-depth knowledge of data management, storage, and I/O for scientific data.
  • Proven experience in scientific software optimization in HPC or AI contexts, including algorithm design.
  • Active contributions to scientific/open-source projects with a publication record.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills for complex issues.
  • Exceptional communication and networking capabilities.
  • Solid software development expertise.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with teams to optimize software for NERSC's Doudna system.
  • Develop advanced workflows and models for HPC applications.
  • Leverage integrated HPC/AI/data ecosystem for research.
  • Support scientific workflows on NERSC systems.
  • Provide training and user support in performance engineering.
  • Engage with the community to stay updated on AI/HPC trends.
  • Evaluate future supercomputing technologies for NERSC.

Benefits

  • Full-time career appointment with exemption from overtime pay.
  • Flexible work modality available, including potential for hybrid schedules.
  • Engagement with cutting-edge technology in supercomputing and AI.
  • Opportunities for mentorship and professional development through collaboration.
  • Access to a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.
Full Job Description
The National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) at Berkeley Lab seeks enthusiastic engineers to join the NERSC Science Acceleration Program (NESAP). You will collaborate with scientific teams to enable the solution of deep, meaningful problems across all program areas funded by the Department of Energy Office of Science under DOE's Project Genesis mission.

The Challenge: Enabling advanced science at scale on supercomputers. In 2027, NERSC will deploy its next generation HPC system "Doudna" - a system optimized for science workflows involving modelling and simulation, AI and experimental data analysis. The system includes next-generation NVIDIA Vera-Rubin superchips, a high-speed interconnect, and an all-flash VAST file system. NESAP is about employing cutting-edge computational science techniques and advanced performance analysis tools to develop highly scalable, capable and performance complex workflows to meet exciting challenges in Simulation, Data Analysis, and Machine Learning on Doudna and future NERSC supercomputing systems.

At CSE3 level, you will:
  • Collaborate with NERSC staff and code teams to port and optimize software for the Doudna system and future platforms.
  • Develop and refine advanced workflows, algorithms, and models with domain experts for HPC applications.
  • Research and leverage NERSC's integrated HPC/AI/data ecosystem.
  • Support widely used scientific workflows on NERSC systems.
  • Provide performance engineering expertise, training, and user support.
  • Stay current with AI/HPC advancements through community engagement.
  • Help evaluate and shape future supercomputing technologies.
  • Partner with scientists and industry to drive impactful research.
  • Lead or coordinate work on complex projects, applying sound judgment and advanced analysis.


In addition to the above, the CSE4 level will:
  • Mentor early-career staff in computing techniques and projects.
  • Track emerging HPC/AI trends and translate them into opportunities for NERSC users.
  • Develop strategies to balance performance and productivity for the science community.
  • Resolve complex, ambiguous issues using advanced analysis and independent judgment.


We are looking for at CSE3 level:
  • Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of related experience; or 6 years of experience and a Master's degree; or and equivalent combination of education and equivalent experience.
  • Wide-ranging experience in the areas of data management, storage and I/O as applied to scientific data.
  • Experience with the development and performance optimization of scientific software in the HPC or AI context, including algorithms design or applied mathematics.
  • Contributions to scientific and/or open source software projects, public code repositories, publication record.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
  • Ability to network and collaborate with key contacts outside their own area of expertise.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent software development skills.
  • Proven ability to work productively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team balancing divergent objectives involving research, code development, supporting software and consulting with scientists.


The CSE4 level position will have:
  • Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 12 years of related experience; or 8 years of experience and a Master's degree; or equivalent experience.
  • Broad expertise and/or unique knowledge in the areas of data management, storage and I/O as applied to scientific data is required.
  • Ability to work on and resolve significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.


Desired skills/knowledge:
  • Familiarity with HPC/AI architectures and technologies.
  • A proven track record of software development in computing, AI, or domain sciences.
  • Familiarity with computing hardware, CPU/GPU architecture, and HPC systems.


Additional information:
  • Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 17, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
  • Appointment type: This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
  • Salary range:
    • CSE3: The expected salary for this position is $156,864 - $191,724, which fits into the full salary of $139,440 - $235,308 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
    • CSE4: The expected salary for this position is $178,644 - $218,364, which fits into the full salary of $158,808 - $267,996 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
  • Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
  • Work modality: This position requires substantial on-site presence, but is eligible for a flexible work mode, and hybrid schedules may be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA and some telework. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.
  • Multi-level Posting: This position will be hired at the Computer Systems Engineer 3 or 4 (CSE3 or CSE4) level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
  • Export Control Access: This position will involve access to hardware, commodities, and technical information subject to export control regulations including, but not limited to, the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") and/or International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). Accordingly, any hiring decision may depend in part on Berkeley Lab's ability to obtain or rely on federal government authorizations as required, if you are not a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. ("green card holder"), asylee, refugee, or other qualifying protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).


Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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