We Gotta Bring in the CommUNITY

SCinet is about more than building the world’s fastest temporary network, it is also about training engineers on how to operate it and to take those lessons back home when SC concludes. To achieve this goal, SCinet makes use of several community outreach programs to recruit new team members. One of those is the CommUNITY program. CommUNITY’s mission is to strengthen the high-performance computing (HPC) community in the region where the annual SC Conference is held. It prepares participants for the technology jobs of the future through education, mentorship, and experience, which they learn firsthand as members of the SCinet. SCinet has been built on the knowledge that innovation thrives when people with different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences come together – when HPC unites. Therefore, SCinet and its many volunteers strive to create a community where everyone feels valued, empowered, and able to reach their full potential.

SCinet is looking for candidates from the Chicagoland area willing to take on this challenge. Applicants from all levels of experience are encouraged to apply, from technology newcomers to career professionals looking to expand their skill set and experience. Aspirants learn how to design, implement, and operate cutting-edge networking technology during a hands-on, real-world deployment. There are many different opportunities for CommUNITY members on the SCinet team, from networking to communications to HPC cluster management. 

While working with SCinet, CommUNITY volunteers experience the many benefits of participating with the conference. Selectees will have the opportunity to build their professional network through interaction with both their cohort and the SCinet community at large. Working with SCinet also provides access to cutting-edge workshops and tutorials within the SC Conference. 

The following are testimonials from previous CommUNITY participants:

Everyone in SCinet was open to answering my questions, teaching me new technologies, and introducing me to their roles. I learned a lot just from talking with them. And, it helped quell some of the doubts that I have about my future career. Similarly, having my cohort there with me also gave me opportunities to learn as well. Since their own experiences prompted questions or ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.

The hands-on SCinet experience was very valuable because it allowed application of concepts in real time within a large scale production-level network environment rather than learning them in isolation. Being embedded in a specific team gave me meaningful ownership, exposure to real operational challenges, and insight into how large-scale networks are designed, deployed, and supported. Mentorship played a key role by providing access to experienced professionals who were generous with guidance, feedback, and career advice. The peer cohort was equally impactful, creating a collaborative community where knowledge-sharing and problem-solving felt natural.

Apply Today!

If you would like to apply for the SCinet CommUNITY program or know someone in the Chicago metro area who would make an excellent candidate, share the link and/or apply online at: 

CommUNITY@SC26

CommUNITY@SC26 applications close on June 12, 2026. Take the next step and see what “networking at SC” really means. The SCinet team looks forward to working with you!