APPLY
The Center for Advanced Computing (CAC) at Cornell University seeks a senior systems administrator to design, deploy, and manage high performance computing (HPC) clusters and servers. Well-qualified candidates will possess multiple years of experience providing support in an HPC environment, will be proficient in troubleshooting hardware issues, and will be able to advance projects with minimal direction.
As Systems Administrator IV, you will build technology that allows Cornell researchers to conduct cutting edge research and advance the frontiers of science. In addition to supporting systems used by New York City-based units, Weill Cornell Medicine, and Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, you will collaborate with other team members working with researchers across the spectrum of academic disciplines at Cornell.
As part of the Cornell community, you will help foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
Key responsibilities include:
-
Leading efforts to implement emerging cloud and storage technologies
-
Designing and making recommendations for hardware and software solutions for new clusters and servers for Cornell customers
-
Integrating new systems into the existing heterogeneous computing environment
-
Maintaining a secure and stable computing infrastructure
-
Testing and evaluating new tools
-
Developing training and documentation for use of systems managed by Center for Advanced Computing
About Us
The Cornell University Center for Advanced Computing (CAC) is a leader in high-performance computing systems, applications, and data solutions that enable research success, help researchers accelerate discovery, and broaden impact. Located on our Ithaca, NY campus, CAC serves the computational and data analysis needs of the Cornell community and their collaborators from science and engineering and the humanities. CAC serves the national community as a partner on the NSF-funded Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE). CAC staff consultants develop and deliver XSEDE training programs and software distributions.
As a core service facility, CAC provides high-performance computing and cloud computing services configured with a variety of software including Red Hat Linux, CentOS, Eucalyptus, Hadoop, SQL Server, and MySQL. A large-capacity DataDirect Networks storage system is available for standard and archival storage. CAC configured and operates a public cloud computing service called Red Cloud that offers unique features desired by researchers, i.e., dedicated cores/RAM and no charge for network traffic.
What We Need
Send us a cover letter and resume outlining your interest in this position and explaining how your experience and qualifications match the position requirements. Your letter is an important component of your application. Please note: visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
When evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:
-
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related technical field with at least five years of experience managing Linux servers and HPC clusters, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
-
Working knowledge of cloud services and virtualization platforms
-
A background in evaluating future technologies and providing recommendations for upgrades and installations
-
Proven experience using compilers to build and debug scientific software installations
-
Demonstrated skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and written and oral communications
-
Demonstrated ability to interact with others on a collaborative team towards a shared project goal
-
Experience in the administration of Linux core services such as SSH, LDAP, Samba, NFS, and Sudo
-
Demonstrated scripting proficiency on various Linux platforms (Python, shell, Java)
-
Demonstrated understanding and ability to address interoperability issues
-
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members
Additionally, although not required, the following would represent pluses:
-
Advanced degree
-
Experience with provisioning tools (warewulf), real-time monitoring tools (OpenXDMod), distributed and parallel file systems (CEPHFS, NFS, Lustre, BeeGFS), and virtualization platforms (Openstack)
Rewards and Benefits
-
This position is located in Ithaca, New York on the campus of Cornell University. The position is eligible for a hybrid working arrangement with periodic work on campus expected. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
-
Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
-
Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions, we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.
-
Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.
University Job Title:
Systems Administrator IV
Job Family:
Information Technology
Level:
G
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Pay Range:
$107,682.00 - $131,611.00
Remote Option Availability:
Hybrid
Company:
Endowed
Contact Name:
Kathy McKee
Contact Email:
[email protected]
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.
Union Positions
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.
Current Employees:
If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.
Online Submission Guidelines:
Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.
Employment Assistance:
For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].
Notice to Applicants:
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
2025-11-11
