At a Glance
- Tasks: Support advanced HPC infrastructures and ensure system performance in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Bull, a leader in high-performance computing and innovative tech solutions.
- Benefits: Continuous learning, career growth, and participation in community-focused activities.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative team with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge HPC and AI projects while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong Linux skills and a proactive mindset; HPC experience is a plus but not required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Primarily on-site at a customer facility near Reading, Berkshire, with occasional support for additional HPC installations across Europe. 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.
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.
Required Skills
- 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
- 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
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.
About Bull
Bull is a story. One with a century of European innovation and a working environment where experts design powerful, sustainable, and sovereign digital solutions, enabling states and industries to retain full control over their data and their AI. Bull is also thousands of engineers, researchers and passionate tech people shaping the future of high-performance computing, AI, and quantum technologies. Every day, our teams push the boundaries of what is technologically possible - from next-generation HPC architectures to exascale supercomputers - supported by world-class R&D, more than 1,600 patents, and unique end-to-end capabilities spanning hardware design, software engineering, data science and quantum research.
What happens next?
- Your application will be reviewed (1-2 business days)
- Short-listed candidates will be contacted for a discussion with HR
- Interview with management team
- Feedback (1-10 business days after the interview).
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.
Hybrid Hardware & Software Support Engineer - HPC in Reading employer: Artificial Intelligence
Bull is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Reading, Berkshire, where you can engage with cutting-edge High-Performance Computing (HPC) technologies. With a strong emphasis on continuous learning and career growth, employees are encouraged to expand their technical expertise while contributing to innovative projects that shape the future of AI and quantum technologies. The collaborative culture fosters trust and communication, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a supportive and forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hybrid Hardware & Software Support Engineer - HPC in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry meetups or tech events in your area, especially those focused on HPC and AI. It's a great way to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a GitHub profile or personal website showcasing your projects, especially if they involve Linux or scripting. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common troubleshooting scenarios related to HPC environments. Practising how you'd handle real-world issues can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Bull.
We think you need these skills to ace Hybrid Hardware & Software Support Engineer - HPC in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant skills and experiences that align with the Hybrid Hardware & Software Support Engineer role. We want to see how your background in Linux, infrastructure, and troubleshooting can shine through!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for HPC and AI, and don’t forget to mention any specific projects or experiences that showcase your skills.
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your technical expertise, especially in Linux systems and networking. If you have experience with scripting or HPC clusters, let us know – we love seeing that kind of initiative!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates as we review your submission!
How to prepare for a job interview at Artificial Intelligence
✨Know Your Linux Inside Out
Since this role heavily relies on Linux expertise, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of RedHat and Debian-based systems. Be prepared to discuss your experience with system installation, configuration, and troubleshooting, as well as any scripting you've done in Bash or Python.
✨Understand HPC Fundamentals
Even if you don't have direct HPC experience, show your eagerness to learn about high-performance computing. Familiarise yourself with the basics of HPC clusters, storage systems, and networking fundamentals. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and willingness to grow into the role.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
As a customer-facing role, effective communication is key. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, and be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to keep customers informed about incidents and maintenance.
✨Prepare for Troubleshooting Scenarios
Expect to face some real-world troubleshooting scenarios during your interview. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to walk through your thought process when diagnosing issues. Show that you can approach problems methodically, even under pressure, and take ownership of incidents until resolution.
