z/OS Architect (REMOTE)

Contract

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 languages 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

Certifications Required:

Relevant z/OS Certification

Years of Experience: 12.00 Years of Experience