Scientific Computing Systems Administrator

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, Washington, Richland
Jan 16, 2025
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated andskilled Scientific Computing Systems Administrator to join its team.This position is located in Richland, WA. LIGO is committed to providing work-life balance and flexibility wherepossible. We offer an optional 9/80 alternative work schedule and occasional work-from-home days may beavailable. LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discoveredgravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as wellas R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory's mission spans a broad and vibrant array ofactivities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detectorimprovements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach. For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu Job Summary In your position as a computer systems administrator position at the LIGO Hanford Observatory, you will help managekey computing equipment and systems vital to the operation of the LIGO detector and the analysis of the data. Thework will involve helping to administer and maintain a high throughput computing cluster, instrument control roomcomputers, and instrument infrastructure.You will enable LIGO to collect scientific data and support users analyzing these data to make amazing new discoveries inthe relatively new field of gravitational-wave science. To do this you will work with a team of computing specialists,world leading scientists, and detector engineers who are dedicated to advancing gravitational science. The personworking in this position will help maintain and build the control systems computers and analysis cluster. Your hands-onexperience with computing hardware is a key to success in this position.You will need to help maintain existing computing systems. In addition, you will be able to help design future systems,incorporating new technologies and techniques into the system workflow. Essential Job Duties Help to monitor, maintain, administer, and document scientific computing systems. These include the local highthroughput compute cluster, the instrument control room systems, and instrument supporting infrastructure. Monitor and manage the distribution of scientific data, from acquisition in the instrument through to theanalysis systems which perform both real time and offline analysis. Work with instrument specialists when troubleshooting, designing, or deploying systems and solutions to ensurescience goals can be met. Help with the full life cycle of systems maintenance, including design, physical installation, updates, andretirement of computing systems. Respond to and help troubleshoot both software and hardware computing issues, including technical root causeanalysis and developing both short- and long-term solutions. Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Science, or related field, or 4 years of experience in a related field in lieu of a degree. 5 years of related work experience, with at least 3 years administering Linux systems. Experience with physically installing, maintaining, or upgrading computing equipment. Must have good customer support skills Able to communicate fluently in written and oral English to support users of the LHO computing system. Must be able to obtain and maintain reliable transportation to and from the observatory. Preferred Qualifications Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Science, or related field. 4+ years' experience with the HTCondor batch processing system. Experience running and troubleshooting jobs on the Open Science Grid. 2+ years of experience using Puppet or other configuration management systems. Experience with designing and supporting high-speed Ethernet networks. Experience with software scripting or programming in Python and/or Ruby Experience in running jobs and services via Linux based container systems such as LXC, Apptainer, Docker, or Kubernetes. Experience working with the EPICS control system. Required Documents Cover Letter describing your relevant hands-on experience and your interest in working at LIGO Lab. Resume. Hiring Range $43.25 - $52.25 Per Hour The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf. Disability Accommodations If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.