At a Glance
- Tasks: Support advanced HPC infrastructures and ensure system performance and stability.
- Company: Join Bull, a leader in high-performance computing and innovative tech solutions.
- Benefits: Continuous learning, career growth, and involvement in cutting-edge projects.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities across Europe.
- Why this job: Be part of a team pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong Linux skills and a passion for technology; HPC experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
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. We are a people‑centric, innovation‑driven company, where collaboration spans Europe, the Americas and India. We share a common vision of a responsible and sustainable innovation that delivers concrete impact for our customers.
Location
Primarily on‑site at a customer facility near Reading, Berkshire, with occasional support for additional HPC installations across Europe.
Requirement
Must be eligible for UK DV Security Clearance.
About The Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
Core Technical 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
Candidate Profile
- Is hands‑on, operationally focused, and detail oriented
- Thrives in secure, mission‑critical environments
- Approaches troubleshooting methodically, even under pressure
- Communicates clearly with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
- Takes full ownership of incidents through to resolution
- Is motivated to learn continuously and expand their technical expertise
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.
Benefits
- 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.
Hybrid Hardware & Software Support Engineer - HPC in Reading employer: hackajob
Bull is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment where employees can engage with cutting-edge technologies in high-performance computing, AI, and quantum research. With a strong emphasis on continuous learning and career growth, team members are encouraged to develop their technical skills while contributing to impactful projects that shape the future of digital solutions. Located near Reading, Berkshire, Bull fosters a collaborative culture that values expertise and promotes a responsible approach to technology, making it an ideal place for passionate tech professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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! Reach out to current employees at Bull through LinkedIn or industry events. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a mini-project or a case study that highlights your Linux expertise and troubleshooting abilities. Bring it along to interviews to demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of HPC systems, networking fundamentals, and scripting. We want to see how you think on your feet, so practice explaining your thought process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
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 reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Hybrid Hardware & Software 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 passionate about high-performance computing and how your background makes you a great fit for Bull. Don’t forget to mention your eagerness to learn and grow in this exciting field.
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially in Linux, networking, and scripting. If you have experience with HPC clusters or any of the desirable skills listed, make them stand out. We love seeing candidates who are hands-on and detail-oriented!
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’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at hackajob
✨Know Your Linux Inside Out
Since strong Linux expertise is crucial for this role, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of RedHat and Debian-based environments. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Linux systems, including any troubleshooting you've done or configurations you've implemented.
✨Show Off Your Troubleshooting Skills
This position requires excellent analytical abilities and a methodical approach to problem-solving. Think of specific examples where you've diagnosed and resolved issues in high-pressure situations, especially related to hardware or software support.
✨Understand the HPC Landscape
Even if you don't have direct HPC experience, it's beneficial to familiarise yourself with the basics of high-performance computing. Research common architectures, storage systems, and networking technologies used in HPC environments to demonstrate your eagerness to learn and adapt.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
As a customer-facing role, effective communication is key. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, and think about how you would build relationships with technical stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you would handle incidents and keep customers informed.
