HPC Container Platform Consultant (SC Cleared) - Principal Consultant (Contract) An SC-cleared HPC specialist is required to support a high-profile engineering programme within a globally recognised UK manufacturer operating across aerospace, defence, and mission-critical power systems . The focus is modernising how HPC and HPC/ML workloads are built, packaged, and run using MPI-optimised container approaches - with pragmatic, implementable outcomes. What you'll deliver: Rapid review of current HPC estate, workflows, and priority use cases (workshops + technical deep dives) Containerisation capability sessions focused on real HPC and HPC/ML workloads (not generic platform advice) Guidance on MPI-ready container images, build tooling, and repeatable operational patterns Scheduler/runtime alignment and deployment approach (batch, interactive, data science workflows) Clear recommendations and next steps; produce a short written report where required Core technology focus Slurm job scheduling MPI and performance-aware containerisation (HPC-first constraints) Apptainer / SIF images with OpenMPI (plus viable alternatives) Podman / Buildah tooling and secure build practices Essential criteria (must have) Active SC Clearance Must meet programme...