Senior HPC Engineer

Viridien (www.viridiengroup.com) is an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that pushes the boundaries of science for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With our ingenuity, drive and deep curiosity we discover new insights, innovations, and solutions that efficiently and responsibly resolve complex natural resource, digital, energy transition and infrastructure challenges.

We are seeking a Senior HPC Engineer to join our global HPC and Digital Platform team. This high-impact role combines advanced Linux system administration with the opportunity to shape next-generation compute platforms. You’ll lead technical projects, resolve complex issues, and collaborate across regions. Alongside technical leadership, you will have the opportunity to act as a deputy to the HPC Manager, supporting team coordination, stakeholder engagement, and operational decision‑making while developing your leadership and management capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as final escalation point for complex Linux issues, delivering expert troubleshooting.
• Support the Technical Program Manager in team leadership activities, acting as a deputy when required and helping to drive team performance, knowledge sharing, and operational excellence.
• Lead deployment of new technologies and compute platforms via Jira workflows, ensuring smooth handover.
• Scout, evaluate, and pilot emerging technologies; run PoCs with a focus on scalability and supportability.
• Manage end‑to‑end technical projects — scoping, planning, deployment, documentation, and handover.
• Coordinate with global sites on installations, upgrades, and infrastructure enhancements.
• Define and maintain IT standards and frameworks to ensure consistency, security, and excellence.
• Optimize Linux systems for performance, availability, and compliance through proactive monitoring.
• Participate in CCRBs and drive continual service improvements.
• Provide 24x7 on‑call support on rotation for incidents and maintenance.
• Use Jira Service Management and ITSM tools to manage escalations, track issues, and document changes.
• Support in‑house applications while ensuring policy alignment.
• Balance project delivery with support duties in a fast‑paced environment.
• Collaborate across development, security, and operations to align IT with business needs.
• Mentor colleagues and represent the team by preparing clear documentation and presentations for technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Qualifications Required:

• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
• 5+ years of Linux administration experience, ideally in an HPC environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and IT service management skills.
• Proficiency with automation/configuration tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, GitLab, Terraform).
• Experience with Docker and container orchestration.
• Scripting skills (Bash, Python, Perl).
• Strong project/time management and communication skills.
• A proactive, adaptable mindset with a passion for learning.
• Proven ability to mentor, guide, and influence technical teams, with a demonstrated interest in developing people leadership and progressing towards a management role.

Preferred:

• Experience with DevOps tools (OpenStack, Kubernetes, CI/CD).
• Cloud administration and virtualization experience.
• Certifications (e.g., LPIC‑2/3, CompTIA Linux+, ITIL Foundation).
• Knowledge of GPUs, RAID, and HPC clustering technologies.

UK Benefits Package

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Annual bonus scheme.
• Initial 22 days annual leave with future increases, complemented by a flexible buying and selling holiday program.
• Company pension with generous employer contribution.
• Life Assurance 4x annual salary.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Group Income protection.
• Wellbeing Unmind app – puts you in control of your mental health.
• A flexible benefits platform with numerous discount schemes – gym membership, restaurants, cinema tickets, and much more!
• Regular social club events, spontaneous reward events throughout the year.
• Cycle purchase scheme.
• On‑site wellness facilities.
• Flexible Private Medical & Dental care programmes.
• Sponsorship of visas/comprehensive relocation packages.
• Employee Referral Scheme.
• Subsidised canteen.