Job Title: Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer

Duration: 6 Months - CONTRACT [NO BENEFITS]
Work Location: Phoenix, AZ / Plano, TX / Charlotte, NC / Richmond, VA / Jacksonville, FL / Pennington, NJ / Chicago, IL
Work Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite, 2 Days Work From Home

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to install, configure, maintain, and optimize IBM z/VM environments and Linux operating systems running on IBM Z infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with virtual machine administration, Linux on Z, system maintenance, performance monitoring, automation, and enterprise security practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. z/VM Administration

• Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade IBM z/VM systems.
• Manage the complete lifecycle of virtual machines, including provisioning, scaling, and decommissioning.
• Administer z/VM components, including DirMaint, VMSES/E, and RACF for z/VM security.
• Apply system maintenance, including RSUs, PTFs, APARs, and other service updates.
• Perform system Initial Program Loads (IPLs) and hardware configuration updates through the Hardware Management Console (HMC).

2. Linux on IBM Z Administration

• Install, configure, and maintain Linux distributions on IBM Z, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES), and Ubuntu.
• Support the deployment and administration of Linux workloads running on z/VM.
• Ensure system stability, performance, availability, and security compliance.
• Perform operating system patching, upgrades, and vulnerability remediation.
• Manage file systems, storage, and network configurations.

3. Operations and Technical Support

• Monitor system performance and availability, including CPU, memory, and I/O utilization.
• Analyze workload performance and capacity requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve performance bottlenecks, virtual machine failures, and Linux operating system issues.
• Analyze system logs, metrics, and diagnostic information to maintain operational stability.
• Provide Level 2 and Level 3 technical support for production environments.

4. Automation and Integration

• Automate system provisioning and operational tasks using REXX, shell scripting, and Python.
• Support DevOps initiatives and integration with CI/CD pipelines.
• Assist with container technologies, including Docker and Kubernetes, where applicable.
• Collaborate with application teams to deploy and support workloads on Linux on IBM Z.

5. Security and Compliance

• Implement and maintain security controls, including RACF integration for z/VM.
• Apply Linux operating system hardening practices.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise security standards and audit requirements.
• Support vulnerability assessments, security remediation, and patch management.

6. Governance and Documentation

• Maintain system documentation, configuration records, and operational procedures.
• Follow ITIL-based change management processes and ServiceNow workflows.
• Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution for z/VM and Linux environments.
• Ensure system changes are documented, reviewed, and implemented according to established procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with IBM z/VM, preferably versions 6.x and 7.x.
• Experience administering Linux on IBM Z, including RHEL, SUSE, or Ubuntu.
• Practical experience with virtual machine provisioning, administration, and lifecycle management.
• Experience with z/VM directory management, including DirMaint.
• Knowledge of z/VM system maintenance processes, including RSUs, APARs, and VMSES/E.
• Familiarity with HMC operations and system IPL procedures.
• Understanding of DASD storage and networking within IBM Z environments.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across z/VM system administration, Linux operating systems, performance, and configuration issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of IBM Sysplex environments, networking, and storage integration.
• Experience with monitoring tools such as Grafana and OMEGAMON.
• Familiarity with automation tools such as Ansible, REXX, Python, and shell scripting.
• Exposure to cloud integration and hybrid infrastructure environments.
• Experience with containerized workloads running on Linux on IBM Z.
• Familiarity with enterprise IT service management, change control, and disaster recovery practices.