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- Tasks: Build and secure cutting-edge GPU clusters for national security workloads.
- Company: Join a top-tier National Security HPC contract in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive freelance contract with potential long-term extensions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security through advanced computing and cyber defence.
- Qualifications: Expertise in HPC, Linux, and Cyber Security required.
- Other info: Work onsite in secure facilities with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
Employment Type: Contract (Freelance)
Clearance Required: SC-Cleared OR DV-Cleared (preferred)
Duration: 12 months initial → 2‑3‑year extensions already budgeted
Start Date: ASAP
Location: United Kingdom
Role Summary: This is a "Tier 1" National Security High‑Performance Computing (HPC) Contract. Build, optimise and performance‑tune exascale‑class GPU clusters that run the country’s most sensitive workloads (think cryptanalysis, nuclear stockpile modelling, real‑time ISR processing, and sovereign AI training). Lock those same systems down to the strictest UK government security standards so they survive and remain auditable in a full zero‑trust, high‑side environment, doing it all on hardened Linux at extreme scale.
IMPORTANT: This is not a "Linux admin with some CUDA experience" role. This is not a "Cyber analyst who once logged into a cluster" role. This role is for UK‑Cleared SMEs who have had experiences at the intersection of raw High‑Performance Computing (HPC), deep Linux systems mastery, and genuine National‑Security‑grade Cyber Defence.
Day‑to‑day you will:
- Profile and refactor classified codes to hit 85–95 % of roofline on H100/H200/B100 and MI300X/MI350 GPUs.
- Design and enforce security controls that survive NCSC penetration tests at supercomputing scale.
- Write or approve the actual SELinux policies, audit rules, and secure boot configurations that get deployed across thousands of nodes.
- Lead incident response and forensic analysis if (when) something anomalous appears on a high‑side cluster.
- Automate secure DevSecOps pipelines that work behind cross‑domain guards and data diodes.
- Brief 1–4‑star officers and SCS/SES civilians on performance gains, risk posture, and future roadmap.
- Influence multi‑billion‑pound future procurements (you will see the requirements documents before most of industry does).
- Explain (in plain English) why your latest kernel patch or CUDA kernel optimisation just delivered a 38 % real‑world speedup on a workload that directly affects national security outcomes.
- Prove that the system is still fully compliant with NCSC CPF and JSP 604.
Active UK SC or DV Clearance (DV‑Cleared Preferred). Proven overlap of High‑Performance Computing + Cyber Security + Linux. Ability to work onsite 3–4 days/week in secure facilities.
High‑Performance Computing (HPC): Large‑scale GPU/CPU cluster optimisation (SLURM, PBS Pro, Bright Cluster Manager, NVIDIA Base Command). Code tuning with CUDA, HIP/ROCm, SYCL, Kokkos, OpenMP 5.x+ offload, MPI. Delivering >80–90 % of theoretical peak on classified workloads.
Cyber Security: Hardening HPC environments to NCSC CPF, JSP 604, HMG IA standards. Zero‑trust implementation, STIGs, CIS benchmarks, secure boot, audit at supercomputing scale. Vulnerability management and secure patching strategies in air‑gapped networks.
Expert‑level RHEL 8/9, AlmaLinux, Rocky or hardened Ubuntu in restricted environments. Kernel tuning, filesystems (Lustre, GPFS, BeeGFS), security‑enhanced Linux (SELinux mandatory profiles). Secure containerisation with Apptainer/Singularity on high‑side networks.
Highly Desirable (fast‑tracks you to interview): Active DV Strap or Enhanced Developed Vetting. Recent/relevant experience at Raytheon, DSTL, GCHQ, NCSC, Porton Down, Boscombe Down or relevant programmes. Certifications: CISSP, CISM, CCP (any level), RHCE, CompTIA Security+. Background in cryptanalysis, hydrocodes, SAR processing or large‑scale secure AI training.
Next Steps: If interested, please send your most recent CV to my email so that we can speak in more detail. I will put a 15‑minute meeting into our diaries as a reminder. Feel free to suggest a different time/day if the one I have selected does not suit you.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Security Engineer employer: iO Associates
Contact Detail:
iO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land High-Performance Computing (HPC) Security Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, meetups, or online webinars related to HPC and Cyber Security. Connecting with professionals in the field can lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your HPC projects, security implementations, or any relevant work. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to the hiring manager or recruiter directly through LinkedIn. A personal touch can make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for openings! We regularly post roles that might be perfect for you. Applying through our site can give you a better chance of getting noticed by our team.
We think you need these skills to ace High-Performance Computing (HPC) Security Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in High-Performance Computing and Cyber Security. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant projects and achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: This role is all about deep Linux systems mastery and HPC expertise. Be sure to include any specific technologies or tools you've worked with, like CUDA or SELinux, and explain how you’ve used them in past roles. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to describe your experiences and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at iO Associates
✨Know Your HPC Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your High-Performance Computing knowledge. Understand the latest GPU technologies and how they apply to national security workloads. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've optimised or secured HPC environments in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Cyber Security Expertise
Prepare to talk about your experience with cyber security in HPC settings. Familiarise yourself with NCSC standards and be ready to explain how you've implemented security controls, managed vulnerabilities, and ensured compliance in previous roles.
✨Show Off Your Linux Mastery
This role demands deep Linux systems knowledge, so be prepared to dive into technical discussions about kernel tuning, SELinux policies, and secure boot configurations. Bring examples of how you've worked with different Linux distributions in high-security environments.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll need to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders, so practice simplifying your language. Prepare to articulate how your work impacts national security outcomes, and be ready to discuss performance gains in a way that resonates with decision-makers.
