Mainframe Consultant
- Hirextra Inc.
9 Hours Ago
NA
W2
Phoenix-AZ
11-20 Years
Required Skills: Mainframe, Linux
Job Description
Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer
We are seeking an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to support IBM Z virtualization environments and Linux on Z platforms. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with IBM z/VM, Linux on IBM Z, virtual machine administration, system maintenance, troubleshooting, and automation.
Key Responsibilities
- Install, configure, administer, and maintain IBM z/VM 6.x/7.x environments.
- Provision, scale, manage, and decommission virtual machines/guest systems.
- Administer DirMaint, VMSES/E, RACF for z/VM, and related components.
- Perform RSU, PTF, APAR, and other z/VM maintenance activities.
- Perform system IPLs and hardware configuration updates using HMC.
- Install and maintain RHEL, SUSE, and Ubuntu Linux on IBM Z.
- Manage Linux workloads running on z/VM, including patching, upgrades, and vulnerability remediation.
- Monitor CPU, memory, I/O, capacity, and overall system performance.
- Troubleshoot z/VM, Linux, VM, storage, networking, and performance issues.
- Provide L2/L3 production support and analyze system logs and metrics.
- Automate operational and provisioning activities using REXX, Shell, and Python.
- Support CI/CD, DevOps, container, and application deployment initiatives.
- Implement Linux hardening and RACF-related security controls.
- Maintain system documentation, configuration records, and operational procedures.
- Follow ITIL/ServiceNow change management processes.
- Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution.
Required Qualifications
- Strong hands-on experience with IBM z/VM 6.x/7.x.
- Strong experience administering Linux on IBM Z, particularly RHEL, SUSE, or Ubuntu.
- Experience with VM provisioning, lifecycle management, and DirMaint.
- Hands-on knowledge of VMSES/E, RSUs, PTFs, and APARs.
- Experience with HMC operations and IPL processes.
- Knowledge of z/VM storage, DASD, and networking.
- Strong troubleshooting and performance-management skills.
- Experience with REXX and Shell scripting; Python is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Sysplex, networking, and storage integration.
- Exposure to OMEGAMON, Grafana, or similar monitoring tools.
- Experience with Ansible and automation.
- Knowledge of Docker/Kubernetes and container workloads on Linux on Z.
- Exposure to hybrid cloud and enterprise integration environments.
- Experience with security, compliance, vulnerability remediation, and DR processes.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a hands-on IBM Z professional who can independently manage z/VM virtualization and Linux on Z environments, troubleshoot complex production issues, automate routine operations, and work effectively with infrastructure, application, security, and DevOps teams.
Note: This position requires candidates to be able to work onsite in the Phoenix, AZ area three days per week. Candidates open to relocation will also be considered.
