At a Glance
- Tasks: Support advanced HPC infrastructures and ensure optimal performance of Linux-based systems.
- Company: Join Bull, a leader in high-performance computing and AI innovation.
- Benefits: Continuous learning, career growth, and participation in community initiatives.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to shape the future of computing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge technology and work with passionate experts.
- Qualifications: Strong Linux skills and a proactive mindset; HPC experience is a plus.
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.
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.
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 HPC Support Engineer – Linux & On-Site 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 engineers eager to make a meaningful impact in a mission-critical setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hybrid HPC Support Engineer – Linux & On-Site in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry meetups or tech events in your area, especially those focused on HPC and Linux. 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 HPC. This gives you a platform to demonstrate your expertise and passion.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions related to Linux and HPC. Practice explaining your thought process clearly, as communication is key in customer-facing roles like this one.
✨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 HPC Support Engineer – Linux & On-Site in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Hybrid HPC Support Engineer role. Highlight your Linux expertise, troubleshooting abilities, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can contribute to our HPC Services team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about the role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your eagerness to learn and grow in the HPC and AI fields – we love candidates who are passionate about their development!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially in Linux, scripting, and networking. If you have experience with HPC clusters or any of the desirable skills mentioned, make them stand out. We’re looking for hands-on engineers who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
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 skills you have 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 Clearly and Confidently
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. This will help you stand out as someone who can represent Bull professionally.
✨Prepare for Troubleshooting Scenarios
Expect to face some real-world troubleshooting scenarios during your interview. Think through past incidents you've resolved, focusing on your methodical approach and the steps you took to reach a solution. This will showcase your analytical abilities and hands-on experience in mission-critical environments.
