Position Function:
As a Computer Specialist II, you will play a crucial role in optimizing and managing our high-performance computing infrastructure and supporting network to support complex scientific, engineering, and research applications at the Mississippi State University (MSU) High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC2). Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Salary Grade: 16
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC²), an evolution of the MSU NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Computational Field Simulation, at Mississippi State University is a coalition of member institutes and centers that share a common core objective of advancing the state-of-the-art in computational science and engineering using high performance computing; a common approach to research that embraces a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented concept; and a commitment to a full partnership between education, research, and service. The mission of the HPC² is to serve the University, State, and Nation through excellence in computational science and engineering.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Install, configure, and manage Windows operating systems on physical and virtual servers.
2. Create and manage virtual machines (VMs) based on business requirements.
3. Implement security best practices for Windows and virtualized infrastructure.
4. Design, deploy, and manage virtual desktop infrastructure.
5. Monitor system resource utilization and recommend needed hardware/software upgrades.
6. Optimize VM performance through resource allocation and configuring load balancing.
7. Maintain up-to-date documentation of system configurations, processes, and procedures.
8. Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to ensure seamless integration of Windows and virtual desktop infrastructure with other technologies.
9. Stay updated with industry trends and advancements related to Windows and virtualization technologies.
10. Manage, train, and provide operational oversight of junior-level systems administrators, as well as work with other system administration staff members.
11. Other duties as assigned.
This position will occasionally lead small teams and assist in training, developing and evaluation of lower-level computer specialist. This position provides hand on maintenance of high-performance computing and infrastructure supporting researchers.
The above essential duties are representative of major duties in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field.
4 years of experience Directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Working knowledge of networking technologies and services including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP and PXE.
• Experience as a Windows system administrator virtual servers, applications, storage and group policies.
• Strong understanding of security principles and practices.
• Relevant information technology or cybersecurity certifications
• Knowledge of VMware vSphere, vCenter, ESXi,, Horizon, Unified Access Gateway, NVIDIA Grid, Microsoft Remote Desktop, Hyper-V, Citrix Virtual Desktop or other virtualization technologies.
• Knowledge of NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171 or CMMC Security Controls
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and document software business rules and requirements using diagrams, written use cases, and user stories.
• Ability to lead and supervise broad teams providing leading edge technical solutions.
• Strong organization skills and the ability to self-direct efforts to complete documentation requirements.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Work involves occasional exposure to unusual elements found in a data center workspace, such as confined space, medium noises and lifting of items up to 40 pounds.
• Requires limited lifting of files and records and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your transcript(s). Any social numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
