Hey everyone! I'm looking for advice from those who have made the jump from traditional sysadmin positions to high-performance computing (HPC) roles. Specifically, I'd love to know how you got started—what steps did you take to get your foot in the door? I've been working as a lead sysadmin for about 5-6 years, mostly on the Linux side (with a bit of Windows too), and while I always consider myself to be learning rather than an expert, I'm really interested in transitioning to HPC. I'm learning about tools like Nvidia GPUs and AI/ML, and I'm curious about whether taking a junior HPC position—even if it means a pay cut—would be a worthwhile move in the long run. I'm also exploring what tools and skills I should learn beforehand, how home labbing with consumer-grade GPUs compares to data center-level ones, and how much networking knowledge is essential. Any insights would be appreciated!
6 Answers
I started at a financial company where I became the subject matter expert for some HPC software. It's been a unique experience mostly on Azure without the hands-on experience that on-premises guys have.
My journey began in helpdesk, then transitioned through various roles until I found my way into HPC. I think exposure to different areas is really beneficial, and I took this role because my team needed someone who could step up.
Is installing and managing hardware a big part of your daily routine in HPC? How much GPU work do you typically do?
I took over an HPC cluster that was a mess when I started. It had 1000 unstable cores, but after a few years, I turned it into a reliable asset with over 8000 cores. I learned a lot through trial and error, like building my own provisioning tools when supported software was too expensive. My advice is to focus on real-world problem-solving and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty—this field is super rewarding, especially as you see your efforts translate into something the team relies on.
This sounds so interesting! I’m just starting out and want to transition into HPC like you. What do you think is the best way to learn about this field?
Awesome insight! Has the tech you've worked with scaled over time? Do you upgrade hardware often to keep pace with the latest in GPUs? Also, do you manage just one HPC setup, or do you offer it as a service to clients?
I knew a lot about Linux and that helped me land an HPC job. The transition was smoother than I thought it would be!
How do you like it compared to being a traditional Linux admin? Do you work more in a data center environment with bare metal, rather than cloud stuff?
Thanks for all the responses—I'm diving deeper into HPC! Is there a growing trend in the job market for this kind of role?
You're right about the pay! And the chance to work with cutting-edge hardware makes it all the more appealing.
It's definitely niche, but there's a higher pay ceiling for HPC jobs. Plus, the work itself is way more exciting! I recommend checking out events like SC25 to see what's new in the field.
I moved into managing HPC storage clusters after starting as a Linux admin, which has been quite a shift but a rewarding one.
How's it differ from your previous experiences? Do you enjoy working in HPC more? I’ve found being a Linux admin fun, but Windows has made me rethink my choices.