Z/OS Lead / Architect
Job DescriptionJob Description
Job Role : z/OS Architect (IBM)
Location : Remote
Mode of interview : Video interview
Only apply if you have served at client as an Z/OS Lead / Architect
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly experienced z/OS Architect to lead mainframe infrastructure initiatives, including hardware planning, data center migrations, and vendor coordination. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in IBM z/OS systems and mainframe architecture, with a strong ability to manage complex technical environments and drive operational excellence. Must have knowledge on IODF, IOCP designing and configuration, etc.
Required Skills:
• z/OS Administration
• Mainframe Architecture
• Data Center Migrations
• Hardware & Software Upgrade Coordination
• IODF, IOCP Designing Experience
Nice to Have Skills:
• Programming knowledge (REXX, COBOL, ASBMLR)
• ITIL principles and processes
Responsibilities:
• Lead mainframe hardware configuration (CPU/CEC, DASD, VTS/TAPE, HMC, FICON Directors)
• Manage hardware lifecycle planning, vendor coordination, and support activities
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during data center migrations
• Provide ongoing support for mainframe hardware, including monitoring and maintenance
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to ensure timely upgrades and repairs
• Design and implement z/OS data replication strategies
• Build and support LPARs, Parallel Sysplex, Coupling Facility, SSI Clusters, and GDPS environments
• Maintain and optimize mainframe infrastructure (zOS, zLinux, zVM, zTPF)
• Ensure compliance with IT policies, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans
• Review and improve existing IT hardware infrastructure
• Maintain hardware inventory and generate progress reports
• Provide leadership in testing, troubleshooting, and system optimization
• Evaluate technology risks and contribute to contract technical scopes
Qualifications:
• High Level of experience with IBM z/OS operating system (zOS 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1)
• Strong experience on z/OS Datacenter migrations
• Mainframe Architecture knowledge with building new environments
• Experience in coordinating with vendors to complete hardware and software upgrades
• Lead the mainframe hardware configuration (CPU/CEC, DASD, VTS/TAPE, HMC and FICON Directors), inclusive of hardware planning lifecycles, vendor engagement for upgrades, and product support of repair/maintenance actions
• Ability to address technical problem determination issues during Datacenter migrations
• Responsible for the ongoing support for all mainframe hardware, including monitoring, trouble shooting, problem resolution, and maintenance including escalation to vendors for service restoration and problem resolution
• Strong network architecture understanding
• Business knowledge and application understanding
• Knowledge on z/OS Data Replication Strategy and implementation
• Experience and understanding of mainframe LPAR builds, Parallel Sysplex, Coupling Facility, SSI Clusters and GDPS environments
• Knowledge z/OS MF configuration and setup
• Work experience with other mainframe architects and vendors, communicating project progress/status expectations, and reviewing deliverables
• Migration details sharing which includes server hardware, software, and operating systems data gathering
• Expertise in IOCP / IOCDS / IODF / HCD
• Knowledge of replication services, IBM Flash Copy, Global Copy, Global mirror, Metro Mirror, Dell-EMC replication
• Working knowledge of TAPE GRID Clusters and hardware VTS/TAPE sharing between Operating Systems
• Ability to navigate mainframe systems such as zOS, zLinux, zVM, and zTPF
• Support mainframe infrastructure computing, storage, storage fabric, resiliency, and disaster recovery solutions
• Expertise in stabilizing the mainframe complexes (zTPF, zOS, zVM, zLinux) by providing high quality technical expertise
• Ability to engage in highly technical IT discussions concerning installations, upgrades, maintenance, and support
• Provide high level leadership while coordinating testing, troubleshooting, and modification of the operating system to provide near 100% operating efficiency
• General knowledge and expertise in CEC, DASD, VTS, HMC and FICON and other hardware.
• Generate, publish and communicate project progress
• Assuring all IT activities are performed within the parameters of applicable compliance, codes, and regulations.
• Evaluating technology risks to develop disaster recovery and BCP
• Reviewer for technical scope in contract with client and subcontractor
• Maintain Hardware Inventory and submit reports
• Review existing IT Hardware Infrastructure upgrade path and align / identify opportunity for improvements
• Knowledge of ITIL principles and processes
• Programming capabilities and a plus (REXX/COBOL/ASBMLR/etc)
• Ability to make decisive and quick IT business decisions as necessary to meet company and customer SLA’s
• Have the technical ability and ambitious to take a project, run with it, and challenge yourself