William Thigpen

HECC Component Manager

As manager of the High-End Computing Capability (HECC) Component, William (Bill) Thigpen leads key supercomputing environment development efforts—including operation of an energy-efficient system named Aitken, in our new Modular Supercomputing Facility (MSF)—to significantly reduce the water and power required to cool today’s supercomputers and provide more computing capability to NAS users.

In this role, Thigpen oversees the deployment and testing of ground-breaking technologies. Currently, these efforts include utilizing technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud technologies to further enhance our high-end computing users’ experience. He is also evaluating the potential benefits of quantum computing on NASA’s mission challenges.

Thigpen’s extensive industry career supporting government contracts includes software engineering and mission support management. Before joining NAS in 1999, his work in industry involved leading an advanced systems development group and managing technical teams that provided HEC capabilities and services to NASA researchers. He also developed a wide variety of software solutions including operating systems, network and messaging protocols, machine control software and air traffic control software. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Nebraska Omaha.