Lead Administrator (Support &Operations)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 31, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 28, 2026.
Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced Mainframe z/OS Engineer to support the administration, availability, performance, security, and modernization of enterprise IBM Z environments. The role requires strong hands-on expertise in z/OS system programming, infrastructure support, troubleshooting, upgrades, automation, and operational governance.
Key Responsibilities
Install, configure, maintain, upgrade, and support IBM z/OS environments.Perform z/OS system administration, maintenance, patching, and lifecycle management using SMP/E.Manage and troubleshoot core z/OS components including JES2, TSO/ISPF, USS, DFSMS, WLM, RMF/SMF, RACF, and Communications Server.Support IPL, system initialization, PARMLIB changes, system configuration, and recovery activities.Monitor system health, capacity, availability, and performance and drive proactive improvements.Perform problem determination for system-level incidents, including analysis of ABENDs, system dumps, logs, SYSLOG, SMF/RMF data, and diagnostic information.Support storage and dataset management including DFSMS, SMS, VSAM, catalog, HSM, and tape-related services, depending on the environment.Support software installation, upgrades, PTF application, maintenance, and compatibility assessment.Work with related Mainframe technologies and teams including CICS, Db2, IMS, MQ, storage, network, security, automation, and operations.Develop and maintain REXX, JCL, CLIST, or other automation to improve operational efficiency.Participate in DR exercises, resiliency testing, capacity planning, performance tuning, and change/release activities.Maintain technical documentation, SOPs, operational procedures, configuration records, and audit evidence.Collaborate with application, infrastructure, security, vendor, and service-management teams for incident, problem, change, and service-improvement activities.Identify opportunities for automation, modernization, observability, and operational optimization across the Mainframe platform.
Skill Requirements
Required Technical SkillsStrong hands-on knowledge of IBM z/OSJES2, TSO/ISPF, JCLSMP/EUSS / z/OS UNIXDFSMS / storage management fundamentalsRMF, SMF and performance monitoringRACF or equivalent Mainframe security conceptsREXX / CLIST / scripting and automation System IPL and z/OS configurationIncident, problem, and change managementStrong troubleshooting and root-cause-analysis skillsPreferred SkillsExposure to one or more of the following would be advantageous:IBM Z hardware and LPAR/PR/SM conceptsCICS, Db2, IMS, IBM MQHMC Mainframe networking including TCP/IP and VTAM Enterprise scheduling and automation platformsMainframe monitoring and observability toolsDisaster recovery and business continuityMainframe modernization and hybrid-cloud integrationAnsible, Python, Git, REST APIs, or DevOps automation in a Mainframe environment
Other Requirements
ExperienceRelevant hands-on experience in z/OS system programming, engineering, administration, or infrastructure support.Experience supporting business-critical enterprise Mainframe environments.Experience working within structured ITIL-based Incident, Problem, Change, and Release Management processes.Desired ProfileStrong analytical and problem-solving capability.Ability to independently troubleshoot complex Mainframe infrastructure issues.Good written and verbal communication skills.Comfortable working with global delivery, infrastructure, application, and vendor teams.Strong focus on availability, security, compliance, documentation, automation, and continuous improvement.