Mainframe System Engineer

Job Title: z/OS Administrator / Mainframe System Engineer Job Location: Hybrid [3 days in Office] - Hartford, CT, USA. Other Location: St Paul, Minnesota/ Cockeysville, MD **** Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future**** Role Overview We are seeking a highly skilled z/OS Administrator / Mainframe System Engineer to manage and support enterprise mainframe environments. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in IBM z/OS systems, strong experience in system upgrades, security, performance tuning, and hands‑on exposure to advanced mainframe components including encryption, networking, and storage subsystems. Salary and Other Compensation The annual salary for this position is between $75,000 to $90,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans. In this role, you will Administer and maintain IBM z/OS environments (z/OS 3.1 and above) ensuring high availability and reliability Perform mainframe LPAR builds, system configuration, and environment setup Execute z/OS upgrades, including installation of patches, fixes, and system enhancements Install, configure, and maintain ISV products Manage system parameters including PARMLIB maintenance Monitor and analyze system performance using RMF and SMF, and provide performance reports Configure and administer z/OSMF (z/OS Management Facility) Support and maintain Parallel Sysplex environments Manage and resolve z/OS‑related incidents and production issues Optimize workload management using WLM Additional Responsibilities Conduct data review analysis, provide summaries, and recommend improvements Manage certificate inventory and renewal for applications across the environment Configure and validate AT‑TLS (Application Transparent Transport Layer Security) Perform ZFS (z/OS File System) operational tasks Analyze and resolve Connect:Direct issues, including configuration and troubleshooting Collaborate with DB2 teams on Precisely POC (Proof of Concept) tasks Implement and manage IDSF (Integrated Cryptographic Service Facility) encryption What you’ll need to succeed (required skills) 8+ years of experience in IBM z/OS operating systems Hands‑on experience with Parallel Sysplex architecture Proficiency in SMPE (System Modification Program Extended) Experience with RMF (Resource Measurement Facility) and SMF (System Management Facility) Strong knowledge of WLM (Workload Manager) Solid understanding of IBM System z architecture Experience with zOSMF configuration and administration Proven experience in z/OS upgrades, patching, and maintenance Expertise in ISV product installation and lifecycle management Preferred Skills Experience working in large‑scale enterprise mainframe environments Strong troubleshooting skills across networking, security, and storage layers in z/OS Familiarity with encryption technologies and secure communications (ICSF, AT‑TLS) Experience supporting file systems and data transfer tools (ZFS, Connect:Direct) Exposure to DB2 ecosystem and integration tools (Precisely) Benefits Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off 401(k) plan and contributions Long‑term/Short‑term Disability Paid Parental Leave Employee Stock Purchase Plan Work model At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work‑life balance through our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid role requiring 3 days a week at the client site in Hartford, CT/ St Paul, Minnesota/ Cockeysville, MD, USA. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations. We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role. Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law. Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cognizant