zOS Systems Engineer

zOS Systems Engineer
Malvern, PA - HYBRID

Role Summary

The Sr. z/OS Systems Engineer is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and optimization of the z/OS operating system and its associated subsystems. Unlike traditional storage-focused roles, this position emphasizes Middleware integration, Application Portability, and Modernization. You will be the primary technical lead for migrating legacy mainframe workloads to distributed platforms (Linux/AIX/Windows) and supporting high-availability messaging environments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operating System Support: Install, maintain, and upgrade z/OS, DB2, CICS environments across multiple LPARs, including performing HCD changes for I/O subsystem migrations.
• Workload Migration: Lead strategic projects to port legacy z/OS applications (CICS/DB2/WebSphere) to modern architectures like Microfocus, Tomcat, or SQL Server.
• Database Collaboration: Assist DB2 DBAs with version upgrades (e.g., v11 to v12) and monitor Distributed Data Facility (DDF) activity.
• Monitoring & Optimization: Replace and manage system monitoring tools (e.g., transitioning from Omegamon to ASG-TMON) to ensure 24/7 environment stability.

Technical Requirements

• Mainframe Core: Deep proficiency in z/OS, JCL, ISPF, REXX, and SAS Programming.
• Platform Breadth: Hands-on experience with AIX (pSeries), Linux, and Windows Server environments.
• Messaging & Web: Expert-level knowledge of IBM MQ, WebSphere (v5.1 through v8.5), Tomcat, and Apache HTTP Server.
• Hardware Management: Familiarity with HCD/HCM, HMC, and fiber-attached storage/tape devices.
• Legacy Tooling: Experience with Easytrieve, COBOL, and Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Business Recovery/Disaster Recovery (DR) planning and execution.
• Proven track record of cost-reduction through platform consolidation or "Mainframe-to-Cloud/Open-System" migrations.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and contractors during complex infrastructure shifts.