High Performance Computing Senior Engineer

Applications are invited for the following position:

Title of Post: High Performance Computing Senior Engineer

JOB SYNOPSIS

The University of Limerick has embarked on the provision of a central High Performance Computing cluster and research computing supports that will be available to the UL community who require such services. The HPC Senior Engineer will provide technical leadership and ownership of the central HPC cluster to develop, optimise and deploy scalable HPC applications and workflows on HPC and cloud infrastructures using CPU and GPU architectures. Operating as part of the IT infrastructure and wider ITD teams, this role will ensure that HPC capabilities are fully available and utilised at the university. This role will be responsible for the technical management of the system, ensuring it is kept up to date, key changes and improvements are communicated and the research community is supported in using the HPC facilities and other key research computing services.

Office of the Director of Information Technology

Information Technology Division

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary Scale: €61,642 - €87,643 p.a.

University of Limerick is a research-led, energetic and enterprising institution with a proud record of innovation and excellence in education and scholarships. We value creativity, curiosity and excellence in our inclusive community which is committed to social good. Our motto Eagna chun Gnímh translates as Wisdom for Action reflecting our mission to contribute to the discovery of new knowledge for a better world.

Informal enquiries regarding the post may be directed to:

Mr Noel O'Brien

Infrastructure Manager, ITD

University of Limerick

Email: [email protected]

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 4th December 2026

Applications must be completed online before 12 noon, Irish Standard Time on the closing date.

Please note your application must include:

A letter of introduction and a current CV indicating how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job description.

A completed online application form.

Are you currently legally entitled to work and reside in Ireland?

If you are not currently an EEA Citizen and have stated that you are currently legally entitled to work and reside in Ireland, you MUST upload a copy of your current Visa and Work permit in the attachments section application form. Unfortunately, if the attachment, as noted, is required and not provided your application cannot be processed.

Please note your current work authorisation status must allow you to fulfil the terms of the contract on offer.

Please email [email protected] if you experience any difficulties

Applications are welcome from suitably qualified candidates.

Further information for applicants and application material is available online from: University of Limerick Vacancies

We are committed to upholding the principles of fairness, equality, and transparency in pay, in line with the EU Pay Transparency Directive (Directive (EU) 2023/970)

Many thanks for your interest in this role.

TITLE OF POST: High Performance Computing Senior Engineer LOCATION: University of Limerick REPORTS TO: Infrastructure Manager, ITD CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent SALARY SCALE: €61,642 - €87,643 p.a.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB SYNOPSIS:

The University of Limerick has embarked on the provision of a central High Performance Computing cluster and research computing supports that will be available to the UL community who require such services. The HPC Senior Engineer will provide technical leadership and ownership of the central HPC cluster to develop, optimise and deploy scalable HPC applications and workflows on HPC and cloud infrastructures using CPU and GPU architectures. Operating as part of the IT infrastructure and wider ITD teams, this role will ensure that HPC capabilities are fully available and utilised at the university. This role will be responsible for the technical management of the system, ensuring it is kept up to date, key changes and improvements are communicated and the research community is supported in using the HPC facilities and other key research computing services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Higher Education/Professional/Technical qualification in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical discipline - Essential • Relevant professional/technical certifications in areas such as Linux/Unix system administration, cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud), or HPC technologies - Desirable • Certification or formal training in scripting, automation, or configuration management tools (e.g. Python, Bash, Ansible) - Desirable

OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB:

The University of Limerick has embarked on the provision of a central High- Performance Computing cluster and research computing supports that will be available to the UL community who require such services. The HPC Senior Engineer will provide technical leadership and ownership of the central HPC cluster to develop, optimise and deploy scalable HPC applications and workflows on HPC and cloud infrastructures using CPU and GPU architectures. Operating as part of the IT infrastructure and wider ITD teams, this role will ensure that HPC capabilities are fully available and utilised at the university. This role will be responsible for the technical management of the system, ensuring it is kept up to date, key changes and improvements are communicated and the research community is supported in using the HPC facilities and other key research computing services.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The HPC Senior Engineer is responsible for delivering reliable, secure and effective research computing services that support the University’s current and emerging research activities: • Provide subject matter expertise (SME) and technical ownership for the central research computing environment, ensuring services are reliable, secure, meets researchers’ needs and aligned with institutional research priorities. • Manage, maintain and optimise research computing platforms, including HPC clusters, cloud platforms, and storage systems, ensuring they are available and performing well. • Act as a key liaison between academics, researchers, technicians, IT teams, and external providers, ensuring clear communication, clear requirements gathering, and effective user-focused service delivery. • Support researchers in the effective use of HPC, cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and specialist software, including troubleshooting, job scheduling, and technical guidance. • Administer user access, resource allocation, and usage controls, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements, including GDPR and FAIR data principles. • Provide guidance and support on research data storage, backup, security, and lifecycle management in line with best practice and compliance standards. • Develop and deliver training sessions and create user guides and documentation to help researchers and students use available tools effectively. • Support research software environments and programming languages (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB, C++), including advising on code optimisation for parallel computing and performance improvement. • Use monitoring tools to track system health and respond quickly to any issues, including automating routine tasks using scripts and tools (e.g. Python, Bash, Ansible) to improve efficiency and service reliability. • Ensure system updates, patches, and security configurations in line with best practice are applied as per ITD standards. • Ensure all requests for access to or use of research computing facilities are managed in line with established governance, security, and compliance processes. • Work collaboratively with IT infrastructure, security, and data protection teams to ensure services meet required standards for security, compliance, and governance. • Work closely with IT teams across networking, security, storage, backup, and data centre operations. • Keep users informed about system updates, changes, and issues through clear communication. • Help improve and develop research computing services over time, identifying opportunities to enhance performance and user experience.

It should be noted that the above list of duties is not exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned in line with the evolving needs of the research computing function.

Key Working Relationships & Contacts

Reporting to the IT Infrastructure Manager, the successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across IT, including teams responsible for networking, security, storage, backup, and data centre operations, to support the delivery and ongoing optimisation of research computing services.

This role engages with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders across the University. Key relationships include the academic community (academic staff, researchers, research centres, institutes, technicians), ITD technical teams, Office of the Vice President Research and Innovation, and academic and administrative departments.

The role also requires regular collaboration with external partners, including HPC and cloud service providers, vendors, consultants, and implementation partners. Acting as a key liaison between the Office of the Vice President Research and Innovation, researchers, IT teams, and service providers, the post holder will facilitate effective communication, support user needs, and ensure research computing capabilities evolve in line with emerging technical and research requirements.

Working Environment/Special Circumstances

The HPC Senior Engineer is required to exercise a high level of professional judgement, discretion, and diplomacy, balancing multiple priorities across a dynamic and evolving research environment. The role demands the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, contributing effectively within multidisciplinary technical teams while also taking initiative to deliver complex solutions. The position is primarily office-based at a University of Limerick location; however, blended working arrangements may be considered in line with university policy. The role will involve regular engagement with academics, researchers and stakeholders across different disciplines, requiring adaptability in communication and working styles. Given the operational nature of research computing services, including HPC, cloud platforms, and critical infrastructure, there may be a requirement for occasional out-of-hours work to support system maintenance, upgrades, incident resolution, or stakeholder engagement. Flexibility is essential, with time off in lieu provided in accordance with university policy. The role may also involve responding to critical system issues, supporting high-priority research activities, and participating in planned maintenance windows, requiring a proactive and responsive approach to service continuity and performance.

Job Boundaries

The HPC Senior Engineer will need to be self-motivated, capable of working on their own initiative and as be a key member of the ITD team. The role holder needs to be technically minded, adaptable, highly organised, capable of efficient planning & organisation and demonstrate excellent decision- making & problem-solving skills within a collaborative team environment. The role holder will seek direction and support from ITD Management as required, and consult, where relevant with other members of their team, and any other relevant stakeholders as required.

DIMENSIONS:

Budget: This position is responsible for overseeing and optimising the use and cost of research computing resources, including HPC, cloud services, and storage. Ensures value for money, alignment with research needs, and adherence to agreed budgets through active engagement with internal teams and external providers. This role provides financial oversight but does not hold cost centre ownership. Staff: No direct reports initially; however, the role may involve mentoring junior staff, support student researchers, and contributing to the development of a future team as research computing services expand. Customer: Customers include all current and prospective users of research computing services, including HPC and cloud platforms, superusers, ITD management, Office of the Vice President Research and Innovation, and the wider research community such as research centres, institutes, and academic units. Operational: Responsible for the day-to-day operation and optimisation of research computing services. The role supports researchers through technical troubleshooting, evaluating hardware & software procurement requests ensuring compatibility to existing HPC estate, workload management, and guidance on data management, security, and best practices. It involves maintaining system performance, automating administrative tasks, and delivering user training and documentation, to meet evolving computational requirements. Administrative: The position requires a strong ability to plan, document, and manage system changes and configurations to support both technical operations and evolving research requirements, ensuring clarity, consistency, and compliance with best practices.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments, including job scheduling, resource allocation, and optimisation of computational workloads – Essential • Knowledge of Linux/Unix system administration, including user management, patching, and security configuration – Desirable • Familiarity with monitoring and performance tools (e.g. Nagios, Prometheus, Grafana) – Desirable • Knowledge of scripting and automation tools (e.g. Bash, Python, Ansible) – Desirable • Understanding of data management principles, including storage, backup, security, and compliance requirements (e.g. GDPR, FAIR principles) – Desirable • Understanding of governance, access control, and service management processes in a research computing environment – Desirable • Familiarity with research software environments and programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, and C++ - Desirable • Knowledge of domain-specific research software and tools - Desirable

Functional/Work-based Skills

• Delivers reliable, secure, and high-performing research computing services (HPC, cloud, and storage) to meet current and future research requirements – Essential • Applies technical expertise in system administration, HPC, and cloud platforms to support service delivery and ongoing improvement – Essential • Monitors, analyses, and optimises system performance and computational workloads – Essential • Provides effective technical support and troubleshooting across infrastructure, networks, and specialised research software environments – Essential • Works independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary IT and research teams – Essential • Engages with UL community to understand computational needs and translate these into practical technical solutions – Essential • Develops and delivers training, user guidance, and documentation tailored to a research audience – Desirable • Demonstrates strong stakeholder engagement, working effectively with IT teams, academics, researchers, and external service providers – Desirable • Contributes to continuous service improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance performance, usability, and scalability - Desirable

Experience

• 6+ years’ relevant IT/technical experience, ideally within a research computing, HPC, or complex infrastructure environment – Essential • 3+ years’ experience supporting HPC platforms, cloud-based environments, or large-scale storage systems - Essential • Experience in Linux/Unix system administration, including system maintenance, security, and performance optimization – Essential • Experience supporting complex computing environments, including infrastructure, networks, and research applications - Essential • Experience working with cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud) – Desirable • Experience managing or supporting large-scale storage and data environments – Desirable • Experience gathering user requirements and implementing appropriate technical solutions – Desirable • Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across IT and research functions – Desirable • Experience engaging with external vendors or service providers to support service delivery - Desirable

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

|Customer Focus |Ensure good practice is implemented. |4 | | |Is proactive, benchmarks, best practice. | | | |Ensures that appropriate action is taken to | | | |anticipate, investigate and resolve customer | | | |issues/problems in systems and services. | | | |Ensure that such problems are fully documented | | | |within the relevant reporting system(s) | | | |Analyses patterns and trends. | | | |Designs, implements and maintains procedures within| | | |own area of responsibility. | | | |Demonstrates creativity and innovation in applying | | | |solutions for the benefit of the customer. | | |Managing the |Manages their business customers(s) |4 | |Relationship with |Can develop/advise on the business case for IT | | |the Business |enabled change. | | | |Ensures that customer/client needs are fully | | | |identified, and plans are agreed to address them | | | |and are in line with IT strategy / governance, | | | |advises others. | | | |Ensures solutions are implemented to | | | |time/cost/quality. | | | |Advice on opportunities through significant IT | | | |enabled change. | | | |Facilitates open communication and discussion, | | | |promotes understanding of need for future changes | | | |in services, products and systems. | | | |Maintains contact with the customer and | | | |stakeholders throughout change/service delivery to | | | |ensure satisfaction. | | |Plan & Deliver |Works under broad direction. Is fully accountable |4 | | |for own technical work and/or project/supervisory | | | |responsibilities. | | | |Receive assignments in the form of objectives. | | | |Establishes own milestones and team objectives, and| | | |delegates responsibilities within governance | | | |framework. | | | |Analyses, diagnoses, designs, plans, executes and | | | |evaluates work to time, cost and quality targets. | | | |Manages medium scale projects. | | | |Advice on standards, methods, tools and | | | |applications. | | | |Identifies, assesses risk and manages risk - uses | | | |initiative and looks ahead, considers external | | | |developments relevant to own area, identifying | | | |trends and emerging patterns when making | | | |recommendations to others. | | | |Has significant responsibility for the work of | | | |others and allocation of resources. | | | |Demonstrates flexibility and creativity in | | | |delivering with resource constraints. | | |Problem Solving & |Makes decisions which impact on the success of |4 | |Decision Making |assigned projects i.e. results, deadlines and | | | |budget. | | | |Uses specialist/technical or accumulated expertise | | | |and judgement to analyse and propose solutions to | | | |very complex problems. | | | |Resolves problems where there is a range of | | | |information, or diverse, partial and conflicting | | | |data. | | | |Look ahead and consider external developments, | | | |identifying trends and emerging patterns when | | | |making important decisions. | | | |Equips people to make decisions. Ensure that | | | |individuals working in own area have sufficient | | | |information and guidance to make effective | | | |decisions. | | | |Advises on problem solving and decision-making | | | |tools/techniques. | | | |Advice on risk. | | |IT Governance |Understands the purpose, strategies and strategic |4 | | |objectives of the business and own area and how | | | |they/their teams can contribute. | | | |Adheres to standards, policy and procedures, | | | |facilitates and advice on improvements. | | | |Ensures compliance with organisational policies and| | | |procedures and overall information management | | | |strategy. | | | |Ensure compliance with enterprise and business | | | |architecture. | | |Professional |Maintains an in-depth knowledge of specific |4 | |Development |technical specialists. | | |(Expertise) |Has a sound understanding of related technical | | | |areas. | | | |Advice, using specialist knowledge, can be | | | |innovative in applying IT solutions. | | | |Mentors more junior colleagues. | | | |Maintains an awareness of developments in the | | | |industry. | | | |Identify and organise, if appropriate, any training| | | |required. | | | |Identifies new and emerging hardware and software | | | |technologies and products based on own area of | | | |expertise, assesses their relevance and potential | | | |value to the organisation, contributes to briefings| | | |of staff and management. | | | |The specialism can be any aspect of information or | | | |communication technology, technique, method, | | | |product or application area. | | |Change, Adaptability|Supports others during change. |4 | |& Flexibility |Actively monitors and seeks opportunities, new | | | |methods and trends in IT capabilities and products | | | |to the advancement of the organisation. | | | |Clearly articulates and formally reports their | | | |benefits. | | | |Help people to develop a clear understanding of | | | |what they will need to do differently because of | | | |change. | | |Communicate & |Communicate effectively, formally and informally, |4 | |Collaborate |with colleagues, subordinates and customers. | | | |Develops proposals and reports in a style and | | | |language necessary to guide, inform, and/or | | | |persuade. | | | |Facilitates collaboration between people who have | | | |diverse objectives. | | | |Can influence customers, suppliers and peers. | | | |Plays a representational role. | | | |Ensures appropriate communication strategies are | | | |implemented in projects. | | | |Establishes project teams and manages the team | | | |process. | | | |Shares information across teams and encourages | | | |others to do so. | | | |Monitors progress of teams against objectives. | | |Leadership |Sets challenging standards. |4 | | |Encourages and develops personal accountability in | | | |others. | | | |Clearly communicates expectations and consistently | | | |monitors outcomes. | | | |Coaches, guides and supports staff to help them | | | |develop. | | | |Delegates fully and creates opportunities which | | | |help others to develop their potential. | | | |Demonstrates suitable people management styles to | | | |motivate and manage performance effectively. | | | |Sets and ensures personal objectives and work plans| | | |outcomes are met using the Performance & | | | |Development Reviews System (PDRS) process. | | | |Demonstrates technical leadership. | |

Further Information for Candidates:

Are you currently legally entitled to work and reside in Ireland?

If you are not currently an EEA Citizen and have stated, you are currently legally entitled to work and reside in Ireland. You MUST upload a copy of your current Visa and Work permit in the attachments section application form, or your application will not be processed. Please note your current work authorisation status must allow you to fulfil the terms of the contract on offer.

Recruitment Procedures used at University of Limerick (UL)

University of Limerick uses a three-stage recruitment procedure: screening, shortlisting and interview.

Screening: Initially, applications for an advertised position are screened to determine if applicants meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ as outlined in the advertised job description. It is only candidates who meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ that progress beyond this stage.

Shortlisting: Depending on the number of applications remaining, it may not be possible to interview every candidate who has passed the screening process. Therefore, at this stage the Selection Board may review the applications and select a final shortlist of candidates who, in their view, are most closely aligned to the post as advertised.

Interview: Once a shortlist has been finalised, all applicants will be notified of the status of their application. The final shortlist of candidates will then be invited to interview. We aim to provide at least two weeks’ notice to all candidates. The interview process will take the format of a standard interview and may include a presentation –you will be provided with details of this in your invitation to interview letter.

University of Limerick benefits to staff

Employees of the University of Limerick receive a variety of benefits including: • Supported professional development under the Researcher Development Programme and Staff Training Programmes.

• Membership of the Public Sector Single Public Service Pension Scheme.

• Membership of the Income Continuance Plan

• The opportunity to join the University’s Additional Life Cover plan.

• Coverage in the UL Sick Leave Scheme (available under “S” on the HR A- Z)

• Flexible working practices such as the Shorter Working Year Scheme.

• Preferential rates for health insurance.

• Employee wellness is a priority and a number of initiatives take place each year for the benefit of UL employees, see more at Be Well at UL.

• Preferential rates for access to the UL Arena swimming pool and fitness centre.

Additional Links: • Join the Team in UL Join the team in UL | University of Limerick • Link to website for new staff New To UL - Staff Roadmap

Equal Opportunities

University of Limerick holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing equality in higher education. University of Limerick is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to selection on merit, welcoming applicants from all sections of the community. UL is committed to developing and maintaining a positive working environment, in which all employees are treated with dignity & respect. In pursuit of this, it is the policy of the University to provide all employees with an environment which is free from bullying, harassment or victimisation of any form. You can read more about UL’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion here.

Culture Charter A positive culture within an organisation is a shared system of values and behaviours that influence and reflect how its people behave and interact with each other and the wider community. It is shaped by the everyday actions, behaviours and words that are used. The values and behaviours outlined in UL’s Culture Charter should guide how we act, interact and connect with one another in the challenges and successes of university life.

Pension Abatement If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitled to or in receipt of a pension from the Civil or Public Service or where a Civil/Public Service pension comes into payment during the appointee’s re-employment that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012. Please note: In applying for this position you are acknowledging that you understand that the abatement provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/Office/Body will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position.

Qualifications Please take note of the essential qualifications for this position as listed in the job description. If you are successful in being offered this position, the offer will be made pending the Chair of the selection committee verifying your qualifications. Therefore, after the interview, you will be required to forward your transcripts to the Chair by email. No contract of employment will be issued until all required documentation is received.