Job Title: Mainframe ZOS Admin Location: Poughkeepsie, NY Duration : long term contractJob Summary: The z/OS System Administrator is responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and optimization of the IBM z/OS operating system and associated subsystems. This role ensures the high availability, security, and performance of the mainframe environment, supporting business-critical applications and services. The administrator works closely with developers, operators, and other IT staff to support and enhance the mainframe ecosystem. Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee the installation, upgrade, configuration, and maintenance of the z/OS operating system and supporting software.
- Monitor and tune system performance to ensure 24x7 operational stability.
- Maintain expertise in z/OS utilities and tools including HCD, SMP/E, RACF, TCP/IP, SMTP, FTP, DFDSS, DSF, SMS, Infoprint, TLS, and VTAM.
- Support TSO, JCL, and ISPF environments; provide assistance to developers and operators on access or job execution issues.
- Manage user access and security using RACF and coordinate elevated access provisioning for new staff and contractors.
- Administer hardware configurations through HMC, DS8910, and Luminex VTL subsystems.
- Support OEM software such as OPS/MVS (alert management), Zeke job scheduler, and Zara tape management system.
- Collaborate with programmers on debugging job abends and other mainframe-related issues.
- Maintain server pack knowledge and perform software installations and upgrades.
- Implement and support consistent environments across development, staging, testing, and production.
- Identify and resolve system/process deficiencies and suggest optimizations.
- Support change management by ensuring the latest application releases are implemented with minimal disruption.
- Create, update, and maintain system and user documentation and training materials.
- Contribute to annual updates of the Disaster Recovery Support Manual.
- Participate in a 24x7 on-call rotation with other mainframe team members to ensure continuous support and system availability.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of experience in z/OS system administration.
- Strong knowledge of mainframe architecture, subsystems, and utilities.
- Proficient in TSO/ISPF, JCL, and system monitoring tools.
- Experience with RACF security and user management.
- Familiarity with job scheduling and automation tools (e.g., Zeke).
- Experience supporting hardware configurations via HMC and mainframe storage/tape systems.
- Ability to diagnose complex system issues and implement corrective actions quickly.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and in a team.
- Availability to provide 24x7 support on a rotating basis.