Hardware & Software Support Engineer - HPC

Location

Primarily on-site at a customer facility near Reading, Berkshire, with occasional support for additional HPC installations across Europe.
Requirement: Must be eligible for UK DV Security Clearance.

About the Role

Bull’s High-Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence & Quantum Business Unit is seeking a Hybrid Hardware & Software Support Engineer to join our HPC Services team. This is a highly visible, customer-facing operational role supporting advanced HPC infrastructures in the UK.

You will work across computing, storage, and networking layers, ensuring the deployment, stability, and performance of large-scale Linux-based systems. While prior HPC experience is an advantage, it is not mandatory - strong Linux and infrastructure engineers eager to grow into HPC & AI are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

Deployment & System Bring‑Up

• Install, configure, and integrate HPC cluster components (compute, storage, networking).
• Perform system installation, initial configuration, and operational readiness checks.
• Apply patches, updates, and conduct routine maintenance activities.

Hybrid Hardware & Software Support

• Provide Level 1 and Level 2 operational support for HPC environments.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving:
• Linux operating systems
• Enterprise server hardware
• High-speed interconnects
• Storage subsystems
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Escalate appropriately within the global support organisation when needed.

Operations & Incident Handling

• Monitor system health and respond to incidents proactively.
• Perform troubleshooting in secure, mission-critical environments.
• Maintain detailed and accurate documentation of incidents and resolutions.

Customer Interface

• Act as the primary technical contact on-site.
• Communicate effectively regarding incidents, planned maintenance, and system status.
• Build trusted relationships with customer technical stakeholders.
• Represent Bull professionally in sensitive and high-profile environments.

Core Technical Skills

What you must know to perform the role successfully:

• Strong Linux expertise (RedHat and/or Debian-based environments)
• Solid understanding of enterprise server hardware (CPU, memory, storage, diagnostics)
• Scripting skills in Bash and/or Python
• Strong networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing, switching, security basics)
• Hands-on experience with infrastructure deployment, configuration, and maintenance
• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical abilities
• Proactive mindset and ability to work independently

Desirable Skills & Experience

Valuable, but not mandatory:

• Experience with HPC clusters
• High-speed networking (40/100GbE, InfiniBand)
• Virtualisation technologies (KVM, OpenStack)
• Storage systems (Ceph, SAN/NAS)
• Parallel filesystems (Lustre, GPFS, BeeGFS)
• Containers (Docker, Podman, Kubernetes)
• Configuration management (Ansible, Puppet)
• Monitoring and observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, Icinga)
• Workload managers (Slurm, PBS Pro)
• Git version control

Candidate Profile

We are looking for someone who:

• Is hands-on, operationally focused, and detail oriented
• Thrives in secure, mission-critical environments
• Approaches troubleshooting methodically, even under pressure
• Communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Takes full ownership of incidents through to resolution
• Is motivated to learn continuously and expand their technical expertise

Education & Experience

Option 1:

• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field + at least 2 years of relevant experience

Option 2:

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience

Strong early-career candidates with solid technical foundations will also be considered.

Benefits:

• Working on advanced HPC and digital infrastructure projects
• Continuous learning and technical skill development
• Career growth within a global technology organisation
• Participation in internal initiatives and community-focused activities.

Join us!

Here, your ideas, your curiosity and your technical excellence directly shape the next era of advanced computing - unlocking enterprise value, accelerating scientific progress and driving positive impact for society.