HPC Engineer - SC Cleared

An SC-cleared HPC specialist is required to support a high-profile engineering programme within a globally recognised UK manufacturer operating across aerospace, defence, and mission-critical power systems
.

The focus is modernising how HPC and HPC/ML workloads are built, packaged, and run using MPI-optimised container approaches - with pragmatic, implementable outcomes.

• Rapid review of current HPC estate, workflows, and priority use cases (workshops + technical deep dives)
• Containerisation capability sessions focused on real HPC and HPC/ML workloads (not generic platform advice)
• Guidance on MPI‑ready container images, build tooling, and repeatable operational patterns
• Scheduler/runtime alignment and deployment approach (batch, interactive, data science workflows)
• Clear recommendations and next steps; produce a short written report where required
• Core technology focus
• MPI and performance‑aware containerisation (HPC‑first constraints)
• Apptainer / SIF images with OpenMPI (plus viable alternatives)
• Podman / Buildah tooling and secure build practices

• Active SC Clearance
• Must meet programme nationality/eligibility requirements (
  sole nationality required; no dual nationality; no OCI
  )
• Hands‑on experience operating in Beowulf‑style cluster environments
• Excellent practical knowledge of Slurm and job execution patterns
• Strong understanding of best practices for MPI‑optimised container images (build, run, troubleshoot, performance)
• Ability to run structured interviews/workshops with customer engineering teams
• Awareness of SDLC considerations in research/HPC environments
• Familiarity with Jupyter (Hub/Lab/Notebooks) supporting data science workflows on shared compute
• Strong working knowledge of MPI patterns and real‑world operational constraints
• Hybrid Working
• Contract Initially 3‑Months with Lengthy Extensions

• Singularity / SIF format and common HPC workflow patterns
• CFD tooling exposure (e.g.,
  OpenFOAM
  )
• Docker and image lifecycle governance
• Kubernetes used as an HPC runtime environment (where appropriate)
• Run:
  
  AI and GPU slicing concepts

Location:

Nottingham