Computing Systems Professional 3 | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Computing Systems Professional 3

What You Will Do

Come join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions! The Theoretical (T) Division is seeking a Computing Systems Professional to support, lead, and expand its hardware and software systems. In this role you will establish and administer servers and the software stack supporting research needs for the division on both internal and external facing networks. You will also take the lead in assessing, planning, and optimizing computer resources for emerging research efforts and visiting researchers in conjunction with evolving needs, and as technology and institutional requirements change and intersect. The successful candidate will also participate in research efforts around novel hardware performance and its software stack requirements.

T division performs theoretical and computational research and is responsible for delivering excellence in basic and applied research for Los Alamos National Laboratory's mission. The division covers many disciplines of theoretical science, including applied mathematics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and much of theoretical physics, ranging from fundamental physics to the modeling of complex systems. Theoretical results contribute to computer modeling, and the tests and applications that result from modeling help define new directions in basic research. Staff scientists in the division are currently pioneering research in quantum computing, materials design, data science and foundational models for artificial intelligence, novel and quantum materials, nuclear physics, clean energy sources, Earth system modeling across scales, the constituents of matter and their interactions from (sub)nuclear to cosmic scales, health security, and more. Currently, the division has an annual budget over $200M and counts over 190 staff scientists, 20 support staff members, 100 postdoctoral researchers and ~150 summer students, organized into six groups and one center, the Center for Non-Linear Studies (CNLS). Scientific endeavors within the division consistently contribute creative and novel solutions to fundamental science and problems of national importance, including integrated and nuclear deterrence, global threat reduction and preparedness, and energy security. Key strengths of T division include fostering cross-disciplinary research and highly collaborative interactions with experimental teams at the Laboratory, attracting quality scientists from diverse backgrounds and serving as a recruitment pipeline for the whole Laboratory.

In this Computing Systems Professional 3 role you will have opportunities to facilitate and participate in computing research and development activities. You will apply your knowledge of building, configuring, administering, and troubleshooting production Linux computer/support systems and peripheral devices. The position requires strong command-line Linux operating system skills, working knowledge of, or experience with, hardware and software security best practices, and experience scripting in Bash, Python, or similar languages. These systems will require the installation and administration of production Internet applications using Linux system services and resources such as Apache, nginx, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and anacron.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Experience with Ethernet networking, administration, and management, as well as demonstrated experience configuring and managing Ethernet switch and routing hardware experience with Ethernet networking, administration, and management, as well as demonstrated experience configuring and managing Ethernet switch and routing hardware.
  • Experience in formulating and testing hypotheses, investigating alternative solutions, and recommending solutions to technical problems.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team environment, interact with a diverse set of customers, work independently to finish tasks, and to follow up to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical writing.


Education/Experience: Position requires a bachelor's degree and 8 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, applicable advanced vendor and/or professional certification is desirable.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Strong command line Linux operating system skills, working knowledge of or experience with hardware and software security best practices, and experience scripting in Bash, Perl, Python, or similar languages.
  • Experience with CI/CD software development workflows using git and gitlab runners.
  • Experience supporting AI/ML software and hardware technologies.
  • Understanding of LANL policies and requirements as they pertain to computing security and compliance.
  • Experience with scientific and research computing environments.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network

§ Dental and vision insurance

§ Free basic life and disability insurance

§ Paid childbirth and parental leave

§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)

§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs

§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.