What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer position at Infinite Computer Solutions (ICS)?
We're seeking for an Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer for our direct client. Please review the below job Description and revert with your interest for the same.
Job Details:
Role: Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer
Location : Phoenix, AZ metro area; hybrid working model (3 days week)
Start date : ASAP
Contract to hire
Overview:
The Role:
We are seeking an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to support IBM Z virtualization environments and Linux on Z platforms. This role is responsible for provisioning, maintaining, and optimizing virtual machines and Linux systems running on z/VM, ensuring high availability, performance, and secure operations in enterprise environments.
Responsibilities:
z/VM Administration:
- Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/VM systems
- Manage lifecycle of virtual machines (guests):
- Provisioning
- Scaling
- Decommissioning
- Administer z/VM components such as:
- DirMaint
- VMSES/E
- RACF for z/VM security
- Apply system maintenance:
- RSUs, PTFs, APARs, and service updates
- Perform system IPLs and hardware configuration updates via HMC
Linux on Z Administration:
- Install, configure, and maintain Linux distributions on IBM Z:
- RHEL, SUSE, Ubuntu
- Support deployment and management of Linux workloads on z/VM
- Ensure system stability, performance, and security compliance
- Perform patching, upgrades, and vulnerability remediation
- Manage file systems, storage, and network configurations
Operations & Support:
- Monitor system performance and availability:
- CPU, memory, I/O utilization
- Workload performance and capacity
- Troubleshoot and resolve system issues:
- Performance bottlenecks
- VM failures
- Linux system errors
- Analyze logs and system metrics to ensure operational stability
- Provide L2/L3 support for production environments
Automation & Integration
- Automate provisioning and operational tasks using:
- REXX, Shell scripting, Python (preferred)
- Support DevOps and integration initiatives:
- CI/CD pipelines
- Container platforms (Docker, Kubernetes optional)
- Assist application teams with deploying workloads on Linux on Z
Security & Compliance
- Implement and maintain security controls:
- RACF integration for z/VM
- Linux OS hardening
- Ensure compliance with enterprise standards and audit requirements
- Support vulnerability management and patch remediation
Governance & Documentation
- Maintain system documentation and configuration records
- Ensure all changes follow:
- ITIL / ServiceNow change management processes
- Support DR planning and execution for z/VM and Linux systems
Required Qualifications:
- Strong experience with:
- IBM z/VM (z/VM 6.x / 7.x)
- Linux on IBM Z (RHEL/SUSE/Ubuntu)
- Hands-on experience with:
- Virtual machine provisioning and management
- VM directory management (DirMaint)
- System maintenance (RSUs, APARs, VMSES/E)
- Knowledge of:
- HMC operations and IPL processes
- Storage (DASD) and networking on z systems
- Strong troubleshooting skills across:
- z/VM system issues
- Linux OS performance and configuration
Preferred Experience:
- Knowledge of Sysplex, networking, and storage integration
- Experience with Monitoring tools (e.g., Grafana, OMEGAMON) and Automation tooling (Ansible, scripting)
- Exposure to Cloud integration / hybrid environments and Container workloads on Linux on Z