Senior Mainframe Systems Engineer z/OS

Industry

Electric Utilities / Enterprise Infrastructure (Must have)

Key Responsibilities1. IBM z/OS Systems Programming

• Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade IBM z/OS operating systems and associated system software.
• Perform software installation, maintenance, and servicing using SMP/E, including PTF application and management.
• Manage independent software vendor (ISV) products and related system maintenance activities.
• Maintain and troubleshoot PARMLIB, JES2, SDSF, IPL procedures, and other core z/OS components.
• Ensure system reliability, availability, and operational stability across enterprise mainframe environments.

2. Mainframe Hardware and Operating System Upgrades

• Lead or support IBM Z hardware refresh initiatives and z/OS upgrade projects.
• Work with IODF, HCD, LPAR configuration, and system initialization procedures.
• Plan and execute IPL activities, system maintenance windows, and infrastructure changes.
• Coordinate upgrade activities with infrastructure, application, storage, networking, and operations teams.
• Validate system functionality and stability following upgrades and hardware changes.

3. Production Support and Problem Resolution

• Provide advanced technical support for complex mainframe incidents and production issues.
• Perform dump analysis, root-cause analysis, and problem determination.
• Analyze SMF and RMF data to identify performance bottlenecks, resource utilization issues, and capacity constraints.
• Participate in on-call rotations and resolve critical production issues within established service-level expectations.
• Follow ITIL-based incident, problem, and change management processes.

4. Performance Tuning and Capacity Planning

• Monitor, analyze, and optimize mainframe performance across CICS, DB2, MQ, batch processing, and related workloads.
• Identify resource constraints and recommend system-level improvements.
• Support capacity planning and performance forecasting for growing business and application workloads.
• Collaborate with application and infrastructure teams to improve system efficiency and operational resilience.

5. Mainframe Automation and Modernization

• Develop and maintain automation using REXX, Ansible for z/OS, Zowe, or similar tools.
• Automate repetitive system administration, maintenance, monitoring, and operational activities.
• Improve platform visibility through monitoring, reporting, and operational automation.
• Support modernization initiatives involving z/OS Connect, APIs, CI/CD pipelines for z/OS, and hybrid cloud integration where applicable.

6. Security, Compliance, and Change Management

• Execute system changes through documented, reviewed, and approved change control procedures.
• Support compliance requirements associated with NERC CIP and other applicable enterprise security standards.
• Follow established security, access control, audit, and operational risk management procedures.
• Maintain accurate system documentation, change records, and operational evidence.

7. Documentation, Leadership, and Knowledge Transfer

• Create and maintain technical runbooks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and system documentation.
• Provide knowledge transfer and technical guidance to internal and co-sourced engineering teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and help improve the overall technical capabilities of the team.
• Communicate technical issues, operational risks, recommendations, and remediation plans clearly to infrastructure leadership.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in IBM z/OS systems programming within large enterprise environments.
• Strong expertise in IBM Z mainframe architecture and z/OS internals.
• Extensive experience with SMP/E, software maintenance, PTF management, and ISV product servicing.
• Strong working knowledge of PARMLIB, JES2, SDSF, IPL processes, and core z/OS system administration.
• Proven experience supporting z/OS operating system upgrades and IBM Z hardware refreshes, including z15, z16, or z17 environments.
• Practical experience with IODF/HCD, LPAR configuration, and system initialization planning.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem determination skills, including dump analysis and SMF/RMF performance analysis.
• Deep technical expertise in at least one of the following areas:
• CICS
• DB2
• IBM MQ
• Mainframe storage and DFSMS
• Mainframe security, including RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret
• Experience supporting mission-critical production systems and participating in on-call rotations.
• Knowledge of ITIL incident management, problem management, and change control processes.
• Strong documentation, communication, troubleshooting, and stakeholder management skills.
• Must possess valid U.S. work authorization and be able to pass a comprehensive background check and personnel risk assessment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in regulated industries, including electric utilities, banking, insurance, or government.
• Knowledge of NERC CIP compliance requirements and security controls in critical infrastructure environments.
• Experience with mainframe networking technologies, including:
• TCP/IP on z/OS
• VTAM/SNA
• OSA
• Enterprise Extender
• Familiarity with mainframe automation and monitoring tools such as:
• IBM System Automation for z/OS (SA z/OS)
• IBM NetView
• IBM OMEGAMON
• Equivalent monitoring and automation platforms
• Experience with REXX, Ansible for z/OS, Zowe, and operational automation.
• Exposure to z/OS Connect, API integration, CI/CD for z/OS, and hybrid cloud modernization.
• Experience working in co-sourced or outsourced delivery models with multiple technical teams and service providers.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring engineers and developing operational documentation and knowledge-transfer materials.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $55.00 - $60.00 per hour

Work Location: Remote