Mainframe Admin

Job Title: Mainframe ZOS Admin

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY

Duration : long term contract

Job 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.