Senior Mainframe Storage and Backup Administrator

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe Storage and Backup Administrator to oversee, manage, and optimize enterprise-level mainframe storage and backup environments. This role requires deep technical expertise in IBM DS8000 series storage systems, GDPS replication technologies, virtual tape (TS7700/TS7780), backup and recovery solutions, and mainframe data protection strategies. The ideal candidate will ensure stability, high availability, performance, and resilience across all storage and backup platforms supporting mission-critical business workloads.

Key Responsibilities

Mainframe Storage Administration

• Manage and maintain IBM DS8000/DS8950F storage arrays and related components.
• Configure and support GDPS Metro Mirror, Global Mirror, and GDPS HyperSwap environments.
• Administer TS7700/TS7780 Virtual Tape Systems including Grid and Clustering.
• Implement and manage Safeguarded Copy and other data protection features.
• Support enhanced-format datasets and DFP segment management.
• Perform storage provisioning, allocation, tuning, and troubleshooting for z/OS environments.

Backup & Recovery

• Design, implement, and maintain backup and recovery strategies for mainframe systems.
• Manage backup schedules, retention policies, and virtual tape environments.
• Conduct routine recovery validations, DR drills, and failover/failback simulations.
• Support business continuity initiatives and CoLO or multi-DC migrations.

Performance & Capacity Management

• Conduct capacity planning for disk, tape, and replication environments.
• Analyze performance metrics, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements.
• Generate regular reporting on consumption, growth, and performance trends.

Tools & Automation

• Administer CA Disk (DMS), CA Allocate, CA View/Deliver, and CA Vantage.
• Automate operational tasks and reporting using REXX, JCL, or other scripting tools.

Operational Support

• Provide 24/7 support as part of an on-call rotation, including off-business hours and weekend production changes.
• Collaborate with system programmers, application teams, and disaster recovery teams.

Documentation & Knowledge Transfer

• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, SOPs, and recovery guides.
• Mentor junior team members and assist in cross-training across the team.

Required Qualifications

• Combined minimum of 9 years’ higher education and/or related work experience
• Strong knowledge of IBM DS8000/DS8950F, GDPS replication solutions, and TS7700/TS7780 virtual tape systems.
• Expertise with CA storage products: CA Disk, CA Allocate, CA View/Deliver, CA Vantage.
• Deep understanding of DFSMS, VSAM RLS, SMS constructs, DFP, enhanced-format datasets, and z/OS storage architecture.
• Proven experience with backup/recovery planning and execution.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years hands-on experience in mainframe storage administration in large-scale environments.

• Experience with Active-Active mainframe architectures.
• Prior involvement in multi-data center migrations or CoLO transitions.
• Familiarity with z/OS, JES2, REXX, and automation frameworks.
• IBM or Broadcom certifications in Storage, GDPS, or Tape Technologies.

Soft Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong collaboration across teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to mentor junior staff and lead knowledge-transfer efforts.
• High attention to detail and discipline in documentation.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-availability environments.

We support our team members with generous benefits.

• Competitive compensation
• Health, welfare, and retirement benefits
• 401(k) match at 5%
• Work-life balance and flexible work arrangements
• Banking Officers start with 25 days PTO plus 12 paid holidays
• 40 hours paid volunteer hours per year
• Much more. For details, see: M&T Benefits Overview

Location