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CSC

In practice, Ilkka’s work involves ensuring the operation of systems important to supercomputers, such as electricity, automation, and cooling. A special feature of working with data centers is the length of the life cycle of the supercomputers stored in them.

“A supercomputer has a lifespan of 5 to 6 years. You have to be constantly aware about the direction in which the industry is developing and what kind of new solutions are being developed. So studying new things is continuous,” Ilkka describes his work.

At the moment, Ilkka is involved in the dismantling arrangements of the supercomputers scheduled for decommissioning as well as in the design of the systems for the new machines.

Continuous learning and support from the community

Ilkka, who is passionate about learning, sees job rotation opportunities within the organization as one of CSC’s strengths. He utilized this possibility himself while working for a group focusing on virtual platforms for about a year.

“It was a good and educational experience as I got to see what’s really inside the servers. I learned how the software operates there,” Ilkka says.

The flexibility at work and the support of the work community are also important for Ilkka at CSC. Tasks can be allocated among team members based on the situation, keeping everyone’s workload manageable even during busy times. This also ensures sufficient leisure time, which Ilkka says he spends mainly with family, repairing technical equipment and exercising.

The job description of the operations manager varies depending on the type of person chosen for the position.

Ilkka Niskanen, CSC

Diverse skills are required in data center work

According to Ilkka, versatile skills is needed in maintaining data centers for supercomputers. One can apply for such positions with an engineering background, but for example, electrical and heating, ventilation, and cooling experts are needed as well.

“You have to understand technology or at least be interested in it,” Ilkka sums up the prerequisites for data center work.

On the other hand, Ilkka thinks that his current position could also be filled by a person with expertise related to finances and budgeting, rather than a more technical background.

“The job description of the operations manager varies depending on the type of person chosen for the position. I am an engineering person and I am learning economics at the same time. But this could just as well go the other way,” Ilkka says.


Watch a video of Ilkka sharing his thoughts on his work at CSC. You can change the subtitle language in Settings.