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Applied Research Associates

Senior IT HPC Specialist

Applied Research Associates, Reston, Virginia, United States, 22090

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Description

The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. has an outstanding opportunity for an exceptional

Senior IT HPC Specialist

to support on-going research and development efforts. Are you an IT virtuoso with a passion for superior network functioning? Join us as a Senior IT HPC Specialist and become a key player in maintaining and enhancing the IT infrastructure that supports a high-performance team of scientists and engineers. Your work will ensure our systems run smoothly, securely, and efficiently, supporting our teams and clients to deliver outstanding results. This role combines technical problem-solving, proactive system management, and support for ongoing technology improvement initiatives.

This position is contingent upon award of a contract expected in late fall 2025.

The successful candidate will:

System Administration:

Manage and optimize project-wide IT HPC infrastructure, including servers, networks, and data systems. Support ATO production cycle.

Network Management:

Monitor, configure, and troubleshoot network connections, firewalls, and VPNs to ensure stable and secure connectivity for HPC systems.

Technical Support:

Provide hands-on support to project staff by troubleshooting hardware, software, and connectivity issues.

Security Management

: Implement and maintain security best practices to protect against cyber threats, ensuring data integrity and compliance with relevant policies.

Software Management:

Install, update, and maintain applications and system software, collaborating with relevant teams to streamline tools and processes.

Automation & Optimization:

Develop and deploy automation scripts to streamline repetitive tasks, optimize system performance, and reduce downtime.

Documentation & Training:

Create and maintain documentation on systems, processes, and troubleshooting procedures, and assist in training team members on IT HPC protocols and new technologies.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field

5+ years in HPC roles, including systems administration, network management, or tech support

Proficiency with operating systems (Windows, Linux)

Experience with network configurations, firewalls, and VPNs

Familiarity with cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure) and virtualization technologies

Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices

Scripting skills in PowerShell, Python, or similar for process automation

Ability to clearly express in writing technical analysis results.

TS clearance

Desired Qualifications:

5+ years of experience in solving DoD IT problems

TS clearance with eligibility for SCI based on single-scope background investigation

Military or Intel-community defense-related experience of IT Systems

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 1200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site charcterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company's success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com .

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the

Senior IT HPC Specialist

position.

Qualifications

Behaviors

Required

Thought Provoking:

Capable of making others think deeply on a subject

Team Player:

Works well as a member of a group

Innovative:

Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Functional Expert:

Considered a thought leader on a subject

Enthusiastic:

Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Detail Oriented:

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Dedicated:

Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Required

Self-Starter:

Inspired to perform without outside help

Growth Opportunities:

Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility

Goal Completion:

Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

Entrepreneurial Spirit:

Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Computer Science

Experience

Required

5-7 years: Relevant work experience

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.