Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer - DP #13

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Title: Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer Duration: 6 Months - CONTRACT [NO BENEFITS] Work Location: Phoenix, AZ / Plano, TX / Charlotte, NC / Richmond, VA / Jacksonville, FL / Pennington, NJ / Chicago, IL Work Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite, 2 Days Work From HomeJob Overview We are seeking an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to install, configure, maintain, and optimize IBM z/VM environments and Linux operating systems running on IBM Z infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with virtual machine administration, Linux on Z, system maintenance, performance monitoring, automation, and enterprise security practices.Key Responsibilities 1. z/VM Administration Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade IBM z/VM systems.Manage the complete lifecycle of virtual machines, including provisioning, scaling, and decommissioning.Administer z/VM components, including DirMaint, VMSES/E, and RACF for z/VM security.Apply system maintenance, including RSUs, PTFs, APARs, and other service updates.Perform system Initial Program Loads (IPLs) and hardware configuration updates through the Hardware Management Console (HMC).2. Linux on IBM Z Administration Install, configure, and maintain Linux distributions on IBM Z, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES), and Ubuntu.Support the deployment and administration of Linux workloads running on z/VM.Ensure system stability, performance, availability, and security compliance.Perform operating system patching, upgrades, and vulnerability remediation.Manage file systems, storage, and network configurations.3. Operations and Technical Support Monitor system performance and availability, including CPU, memory, and I/O utilization.Analyze workload performance and capacity requirements.Troubleshoot and resolve performance bottlenecks, virtual machine failures, and Linux operating system issues.Analyze system logs, metrics, and diagnostic information to maintain operational stability.Provide Level 2 and Level 3 technical support for production environments.4. Automation and Integration Automate system provisioning and operational tasks using REXX, shell scripting, and Python.Support DevOps initiatives and integration with CI/CD pipelines.Assist with container technologies, including Docker and Kubernetes, where applicable.Collaborate with application teams to deploy and support workloads on Linux on IBM Z.5. Security and Compliance Implement and maintain security controls, including RACF integration for z/VM.Apply Linux operating system hardening practices.Ensure compliance with enterprise security standards and audit requirements.Support vulnerability assessments, security remediation, and patch management.6. Governance and Documentation Maintain system documentation, configuration records, and operational procedures.Follow ITIL-based change management processes and ServiceNow workflows.Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution for z/VM and Linux environments.Ensure system changes are documented, reviewed, and implemented according to established procedures.Required Qualifications Strong hands-on experience with IBM z/VM, preferably versions 6.x and 7.x.Experience administering Linux on IBM Z, including RHEL, SUSE, or Ubuntu.Practical experience with virtual machine provisioning, administration, and lifecycle management.Experience with z/VM directory management, including DirMaint.Knowledge of z/VM system maintenance processes, including RSUs, APARs, and VMSES/E.Familiarity with HMC operations and system IPL procedures.Understanding of DASD storage and networking within IBM Z environments.Strong troubleshooting skills across z/VM system administration, Linux operating systems, performance, and configuration issues.Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of IBM Sysplex environments, networking, and storage integration.Experience with monitoring tools such as Grafana and OMEGAMON.Familiarity with automation tools such as Ansible, REXX, Python, and shell scripting.Exposure to cloud integration and hybrid infrastructure environments.Experience with containerized workloads running on Linux on IBM Z.Familiarity with enterprise IT service management, change control, and disaster recovery practices.