Platform Engineer (HPC & AI Infrastructure)

The High Performance Computing group at ETH Zurich provides world-class HPC and AI/ML infrastructure to researchers across all departments. We operate compute clusters with thousands of CPUs and GPUs, petabytes of storage, and high-speed, low-latency networks across multiple data centres in Switzerland.

As research workloads continue to evolve, we are building a hybrid and open platform that brings together traditional HPC and modern AI workloads.

We are looking for a Platform Engineer with a passion for Linux, automation, and open-source technologies to help us build and operate this infrastructure.

Job description

You will play a key role in automating and operating a large-scale, distributed computing platform. You will work with modern open-source technologies in a vendor-neutral ecosystem and contribute to building a highly reliable and efficient environment for scientific workloads.

What you will do

• Automate infrastructure provisioning and operational workflows using modern IaC tools
• Operate, troubleshoot, and improve Linux systems on both bare metal and virtual infrastructure
• Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines
• Build and operate on-premise cloud services based on Kubernetes
• Design and maintain observability platforms using metrics, logs, dashboards, and alerting systems
• Support core infrastructure services such as DNS, DHCP, and HTTP
• Troubleshoot networking issues involving TCP/IP, routing, and firewalls
• Occasional datacenter floor work (racking, cabling, bare-metal troubleshooting and repairs)

Profile

You are a curious and motivated engineer with a passion for automation and new technologies. You enjoy working collaboratively in a team while also being able to take ownership of tasks independently. Strong communication skills in English are essential, enabling you to work effectively in our international environment.

Required technical experience and skills

• Solid experience operating Linux systems in production environments
• Experience automating repetitive operational tasks
• Experience with shell scripting (Bash) and programming in at least one language such as Python, Go or Rust
• Familiarity with Kubernetes, Prometheus and Grafana
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Configuration Management (e.g. Cdist, Ansible, Terraform or similar)
• Basic understanding of TCP/IP networking, routing and firewalls

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience with HPC technologies such as InfiniBand networks and multi-GPU systems
• Experience deploying or operating Lustre or other parallel file systems
• Familiarity with Slurm, Spack, and scientific software environments
• Experience with hardware provisioning and out-of-band management technologies such as BMC, IPMI and Redfish
• German language skills

We offer

Your job with impact: become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society. 

Working at the Vice Presidency for Infrastructure and Sustainability (VPIN) means helping to shape the future of ETH Zurich – an inspiring, international and innovative institution. Your commitment creates the best conditions for excellence in teaching, research, knowledge transfer and sustainability at ETH Zurich. 

In an open, inspiring atmosphere, trust, reliability and mutual respect form the foundation of our collaboration. We offer not only security, but also diverse opportunities for development. With us, you can look forward to meaningful work in an innovative and appreciative environment – one that you can help shape and that opens new perspectives for you. 

• Flexible working models with the option to partly work from home
• We live by the principle of Lifelong Learning. 
• Benefits such as public transport subscriptions and car sharing, access to the wide range of ASVZ sports activities, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits. 

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• Résumé / CV
• Job references and diplomas

Further information about the HPC Group can be found on the website of Scientific IT Services. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Olivier Byrde (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.