(Senior) Storage Systems Engineer
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron; a huge scientific facility designed to produce very intense beams of X-rays, infrared, and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology.
World class science requires world class computing infrastructure. Our Scientific Computing team provides computing network and storage systems that keep Diamond and its scientists at the forefront of scientific research
About the Role
We now have an opportunity for a (Senior) Storage Systems Engineer (Internally know as (Senior) Storage Systems Administrator) within Diamond’s Scientific Computing team to support and develop the various specialist storage systems used for cutting edge science. High performance parallel file systems are used to capture the data from the beamline experiments and are closely coupled to high throughput computing platforms via low latency networks.
The Scientific Computing group is responsible for the scientific and control computing used for the collection, analysis, and storage of experimental data. The technical demands are varied and challenging with data streaming from state-of-the-art detector systems at high rates and volumes, and users requiring very fast feedback of their results.
This role will provide expertise and leadership for the development of all storage solutions within Scientific Computing including NAS filers, specific custom systems and parallel file systems that will continue to meet the demands of the scientific instruments and data analysis, you will also plan and commission infrastructure that will support the operation of Diamond-II.
You will work alongside other specialists in networking and computing and contribute to the development and maintenance of the Scientific Computing infrastructure as a whole.
Depending on candidates’ knowledge, skills and experience, there is an opportunity at a senior level to take on line management responsibility and undertake project management of large integrated storage and computer systems.
About You
You will hold a degree level qualification in a computing or science subject or demonstrate equivalent experience.
You will need experience in the following areas:
- Modern computer systems; common hardware configurations, management of same.
- Common network protocols such as PXE, DHCP, DNS, CIFS and NFS.
- GNU/Linux OS and administration of same.
- Linux command line and simple scripting.
To be considered for the senior role, you will also need to demonstrate experience of:
- Systems administration of Linux or Unix
- Storage and file systems
- Scalable parallel file systems such as Lustre and Spectrum Scale
- High performance or high throughput computing
- Scripting in Bash and/or Python
- Low latency network technology such as Infiniband
- Configuration management systems such as Ansible or Puppet
Lack of experience in any of the above will not rule you out of consideration as long as you can demonstrate the ability to assimilate complex technology.
You will also demonstrate good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills in order to interact with staff and facility users at all levels.
This role qualifies for a non-pensionable allowance of £3000 per annum at Senior level
Benefits
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 25 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays, along with flexible working hours and an excellent pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.
To Apply
Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.
The closing date for applications is 22nd June 2025, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.
Other information
Diamond is open to different ways of working and we are committed to supporting our employees to have more flexibility and autonomy over where, when and how long they work.
Where relevant, and possible for the role, we will consider flexible working arrangements, secondment and job share opportunities.
Diamond attracts talented individuals from around the world and currently employ 56 different nationalities. Reflecting trends in our sector we employ more men than women. Therefore, we particularly welcome applications from suitably qualified women.
If you are disabled and would like to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please let us know via the online application process.
Diamond are members of Working Families (the UK’s work-life balance organisation) and we have also achieved the Disability Confident Level Two award.