Position Function:
The Research Engineer will provide technical and programmatic support for Mississippi State University’s NOAA High Performance Computing (HPC) program. This position focuses on the delivery, monitoring, and continuous improvement of HPC services provided to NOAA, including compute systems, file systems, user support, and associated infrastructure. The individual will coordinate with MSU technical staff, NOAA stakeholders, and external partners to ensure system performance, compliance with federal requirements, and successful execution of HPC research and operations.
Salary Grade: 15-18
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC²), an evolution of the MSU NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Computational Field Simulation, at Mississippi State University is a coalition of member institutes and centers that share a common core objective of advancing the state-of-the-art in computational science and engineering using high performance computing; a common approach to research that embraces a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented concept; and a commitment to a full partnership between education, research, and service. The mission of the HPC² is to serve the University, State, and Nation through excellence in computational science and engineering.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Lead day-to-day operations of MSU’s NOAA HPC program, ensuring compliance with contract requirements, deliverables, and timelines.
• Serve as a key point of contact with NOAA technical representatives, MSU leadership, and collaborating partners.
• Oversee delivery of HPC services, including compute systems, storage systems, user support, IT infrastructure, and networking.
• Monitor and analyze system performance, availability, and utilization metrics; prepare reports for NOAA on a recurring basis.
• Collaborate with technical staff on hardware/software upgrades, system replacements, and performance enhancements.
• Develop and maintain – in collaboration with others – project plans, risk management strategies, and quality assurance processes to maintain reliable HPC services.
• Assist with budget tracking, compliance activities, and reporting requirements for federally funded contracts.
• Coordinate workflows across technical teams to achieve program milestones and system deliverables.
• Lead stakeholder engagement, including reviews, audits, and required reporting.
• Ensure effective data migration, system testing, and acceptance processes during system upgrades or transitions.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of HPC research and program success.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Research Engineer I – B.S. in engineering or computer science; less than one year of professional experience in a related area.
• Research Engineer II – B.S. in engineering or computer science; two years of professional experience in a related area; requires two years at previous level or equivalent.
• Research Engineer III – B.S. in engineering or computer science; four years of professional experience in a related area; requires two years at previous level or equivalent.
• Senior Research Engineer – B.S. in engineering or computer science; six or more years of professional experience in a related area; requires two years at previous level or equivalent.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with large-scale federal research initiatives.
• Knowledge of high performance computing operations, systems integration, or scientific computing environments.
• Experience with budget management, compliance, and performance reporting.
• Familiarity with risk management, system testing, and acceptance processes.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knows and effectively applies the concepts, practices, and procedures of high performance computing and/or large-scale IT operations.
2. Continues to develop technical expertise through experience and application.
3. Ability to analyze system performance metrics and develop solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency.
4. Strong ability to work across teams and communicate effectively with federal, institutional, and technical stakeholders.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Occasional and/or light lifting required.
• Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc.
• May involve minor safety hazards where likely result would be cuts, bruises, etc.
• Routine deadlines; variance in work volume predictable; some interruptions are present.
• Involves occasional exposure to demands and pressure from persons other than immediate supervisor.
• Job may occasionally require standing, walking, climbing/balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
At this time, MSU is unable to offer H-1B visa sponsorship for this role. This applies until further notice.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
