Lead Systems Engineer, High-Performance Computing - job 16 of 20

As a Lead Systems Engineer in High-Performance Computing, you will oversee the design and automation of server infrastructure. Your main responsibilities will include deploying and optimizing GPU as a Service, managing complex IT infrastructures, and ensuring high security and availability. You’ll also be involved in hardware lifecycle management and performance benchmarking, all while collaborating with a skilled team.

To excel as a Lead Systems Engineer at our Ashburn location, candidates should possess advanced technical knowledge in high-performance computing systems, particularly with x86 technologies. A strong grasp of GPU systems, datacenter management experience, and proficiency in automation tools like Ansible are essential. Candidates should also have scripting skills in PowerShell and Python, alongside a passion for optimizing server infrastructure.

The Lead Systems Engineer plays a crucial role in fulfilling the ISSE mission by designing high-quality server infrastructures that drive efficiency and security. Your work ensures that our technology environments run smoothly, which directly impacts business success. By automating processes and maintaining robust systems, you help propel the company towards its overarching goal of technological advancement.

The work environment for a Lead Systems Engineer is dynamic and collaborative. You will have the benefit of a hybrid role, which means you'll have the flexibility to work remotely and in-office. The company culture emphasizes teamwork and knowledge sharing, providing an ideal atmosphere for professional growth and innovation in high-performance computing.

Essential skills for a Lead Systems Engineer in high-performance computing include a deep understanding of GPU as a Service, expertise in server components, and the ability to manage complex IT infrastructures. Proficiency in performance testing, automation with tools like Ansible, and scripting in languages such as PowerShell and Python are also vital. Additionally, having a problem-solving mindset and strong analytical abilities are crucial for success in this role.

In answering this question, you should highlight specific projects or experiences where you successfully implemented or managed GPU as a Service. Discuss the performance challenges you faced, how you optimized workloads, and any tools or frameworks you used.

Demonstrate your understanding of best practices for managing distributed systems, including redundancy, failover strategies, and monitoring. Mention any specific technologies or methodologies you've used to maintain high uptime and performance.

Talk about specific security protocols or practices you follow, such as the use of firewalls, encryption, and access controls. You might also discuss your experience with out-of-band management and securing BIOS settings to enhance overall system security.

Highlight the steps you take to conduct performance benchmarks, including selecting appropriate metrics, tools used, and your process for evaluating new technologies. Share any insights you've gained from previous evaluations and how they impacted decision-making.

When answering, give a concise overview of the problem, detailing your analytical process to identify the root cause and the steps you took to resolve it. Highlight any collaboration you achieved with team members and what you learned from the experience.

Discuss your experience managing hardware through its lifecycle, covering aspects such as procurement, maintenance, firmware updates, and eventual decommissioning. Mention any specific projects or technologies related to hardware lifecycle management that you have dealt with.

Focus on a specific example of automation you've implemented. Include the tools (such as Ansible) you used, the tasks you automated, and the improvements seen in operational efficiency or error reduction as a result of your work.

Talk about the resources you use to keep up-to-date with the industry, such as following key publications, attending conferences, or participating in online forums. Mention how you apply this knowledge practically in your projects.

Express the importance of understanding business goals, expected workloads, scalability needs, and budget constraints. Discuss how you gather requirements from stakeholders and translate them into technical specifications.

Emphasize the importance of clear communication and teamwork when collaborating with domain experts. Share any specific strategies you use to facilitate discussions and ensure that everyone’s input is valued in the decision-making process.