HPC Storage Analyst

DataDirect Networks (DDN.com) is a world leader in massively scalable storage systems. Headquartered in Chatsworth, California, we are the leading provider of scalable high performance data storage. DDN enables its customers to extract value and deliver results from their information. Our customers include the world’s most data-intensive organizations and Enterprises, with use cases ranging from online content and social networking, high performance cloud and grid computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, life sciences, media production, security and intelligence. Learn more about what DDN has to offer, its products and customers at www.ddn.com

The HPC Storage Analyst function is a customer facing role that is, at its core, focused on being a single point of contact and technical advisor for a strategic customer.  The candidate must be able to manage customer expectations in demanding situations, provide technical support to a specific customer on routine management and operation of existing DDN equipment.  Other responsibilities include workflow planning, configuration best practices and maintenance.  This position is also expected to perform troubleshooting and support activities on-site while in a secured environment.  The HPC Storage Analyst will mainly be responsible for filesystem support of DDNs EXAScaler solutions and be a point of escalation for classified DDN storage solutions.

These solutions are based on the Lustre parallel filesystem.  Knowledge of Lustre filesystem architectures and troubleshooting is highly desired. The OSE must have considerable knowledge of file system operations, disk-based storage, Linux operating systems, IB and Ethernet networking, troubleshooting techniques, and performance tuning.  Must have strong communication skills, including: ability to connect with customers via phone, face to face, and in written correspondences. The OSE will be required to visit customer sites as needed for hands on work and customer collaboration as well as collaboration with DDN support.  This position requires a TS/SCI clearance level.

As the onsite point of contact for the customer, the OSE must build strong relationships internally to DDN as well as with the customer.  The customer will rely on the person in this role to insure a smooth and satisfying operation and support experience every time. 

Job Functions/Responsibilities:

• Be the main escalation point for the customer for high performance filesystem solutions
• Escalation management with product vendors and customers;
• Resolve file system issues on large, scalable customer systems and ensure customer satisfaction;Responsible to liaise with sales, support and engineering teams for problem resolution;
• Demonstrate a thorough technical understanding of clients’ needs, including how those pertain to DDN products and services;
• Clearly communicate complex technical topics to the varied knowledge levels of external customers;
• Develop positive and trustworthy relationships with customers;
• Multi-task and manage competing priorities, ensuring all objectives are accomplished;
• Demonstrable understanding of data storage concepts: RAID/Erasure Coding, block storage, file systems, etc;
• create test plans and procedures for customer upgrades and troubleshooting;

Minimum Requirements: 

• Must have 5+ years’ experience in a similar technical role;
• BSc in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Sciences, or equivalent;
• This position requires a TS/SCI clearance level;
• Experience supporting post-sales efforts is essential to success in this position;
• Proven in-depth technical knowledge and problem analysis skills;
• Excellent troubleshooting skills;
• Excellent customer interfacing skills;
• Solutions orientated with an aptitude from analytical thinking and problem solving;
• Proven skills and a solid team player;
• Good verbal and written communication skills (English, second language beneficial).
• Must comply with all government mandated health and vaccination requirements

Essential Technical Requirements:

• Experience in Lustre; administration/implementation/support;
• Strong knowledge of Linux architecture and fundamentals.
• Good understanding of the technical fundamentals of the system infrastructure including open system platforms (UNIX, Linux, Windows), networking, and file system.
• Demonstrable understanding of data storage concepts: RAID/Erasure Coding, block storage, file systems, etc.;
• Understanding of networking concepts: IP, TCP, routing, etc.;

Preferred Technical requirements include:

• Other parallel filesystems such as Spectrum Scale or StorNext
• Experience reading, writing and debugging shell and Python or Perl scripts;
• Networking (InfiniBand Definite Plus);
• Experience working with NAS protocols: NFS, CIFS, FTP, sftp, etc.
• Experience working with authentication protocols (Active Directory, LDAP).
• Scripting Experience (Python, PHP, JavaScript..etc..)

DDN has a very strong orientation towards these 4 characteristics and any successful employee will demonstrate these capabilities: 

Self-Starter - Takes independent action to identify and solve problems. Seeks out relevant information needed to make decisions. Gets involved with new initiatives. 

Success/Achievement Orientation - Delivers quality results consistently. Targets, achieves (or exceeds) measurable results. Sets challenging goals, focuses on critical priorities, and is accountable. 

Problem Solving - Recognizes problems and responds with a systematic assessment that identifies and addresses cause of issue. Practical, realistic, and resourceful. 

Innovative - Builds and improves key business processes that enhance the effectiveness of DDN. Generates new ideas, challenges the status quo, and solves problems creatively.

DataDirect Networks, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, sex stereotyping, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.