Job Description: Mainframe Automation Specialist
Job Title: Mainframe Automation Specialist / Engineer (Competitor Product to IBM SA Migration)
Project: Mainframe Automation Migration to IBM Z System Automation (SA z/OS)
Location: Remote
Contract : Long Term
Role Overview
We are seeking a specialized Mainframe Automation Engineer with proven expertise in converting and migrating legacy automated operations tools—specifically from competitor products like Broadcom CA OPS/MVS, BMC Control-O, or IBM/ASG AF/OPER—to IBM Z System Automation (SA z/OS).
Note: This role requires direct hands-on automation tool replacement/migration experience, not standard z/OS system programming or routine version upgrades.
Key Responsibilities
- Automation Tool Migration: Lead the end-to-end conversion of rules, scripts, and state management policies from legacy automation packages (CA OPS/MVS, BMC Control-O, AF/OPER) to IBM Z System Automation (SA z/OS).
- Rule & Script Analysis: Analyze existing automated rules (AOF rules, Control-O rules, AF/OPER rules), REXX scripts, and state management tables to translate them into IBM SA policies.
- IBM SA Configuration: Design, build, and customize IBM Z System Automation policies, automation control files (ACF), and REXX automation routines to match or exceed existing functionality.
- System Integration: Integrate IBM SA z/OS with sub-systems including z/OS, CICS, IMS, DB2, JES2/JES3, NetView, and Hardware Management Console (HMC) / BCPii.
- Testing & Cutover: Execute dry-runs, parallel testing, disaster recovery (DR) simulations, and IPL automation testing to ensure a seamless tool cutover without operational downtime.
Must-Have Qualifications & Screening Criteria
- Direct Product Migration Experience: Proven track record of successfully migrating/converting an enterprise mainframe environment from a competitor tool (CA OPS/MVS, BMC Control-O, AF/OPER) to IBM SA z/OS (or vice versa).
- Hands-on Automation Engineering: Expertise writing and refactoring REXX / NetView REXX scripts, rule suites, and state management frameworks across multiple automation tools.
- Target Environment: Deep expertise in IBM Z System Automation (SA z/OS), IBM Z NetView, and Customization Dialogs.
- Legacy Tool Knowledge: Practical knowledge of at least one major legacy automation tool (CA OPS/MVS, Control-O, or AF/OPER).
Important Note
The client is specifically looking for candidates with hands-on experience migrating or converting from one mainframe automation product to another. General z/OS system programming, version upgrades, and routine maintenance experience will not qualify. Candidates must demonstrate direct involvement in an actual automation product replacement or migration project, including the source and target products.