Mainframe z/VM & Linux

Mainframe Z/VM & Linux Systems Programmer

CTG is seeking to fill a Mainframe z/VM & Linux Systems Programmer position for our client. Responsible for administering, supporting, and optimizing IBM z/VM hypervisor environments and Linux on IBM Z (z/Linux) systems. This role focuses on virtualization management, Linux workload hosting, performance tuning, storage/network integration, and maintaining highly available enterprise workloads on IBM Z infrastructure.

Location: Phoenix, AZ metro area (Hybrid working model)

Duration: 6 months with option to convert after 6 months

Citizenship Requirements: USC, Permanent Resident, or Other EAD holders only (no visa dependent candidates)

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain IBM z/VM hypervisor environments.
• Provision, configure, and support Linux on IBM Z (z/Linux) guest systems.
• Manage virtual machines, system resources (CPU, memory, I/O), and workload allocation.
• Perform performance monitoring, tuning, and capacity planning across z/VM and Linux workloads.
• Troubleshoot issues across z/VM, Linux (RHEL, SUSE, Ubuntu on Z), storage (DASD, SAN, FCP), and networking (HiperSockets, OSA, TCP/IP).
• Implement system patching, upgrades, and lifecycle management.
• Support backup, recovery, high availability, and disaster recovery processes.
• Configure virtual networking, storage pools, and guest provisioning.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using Bash, Python, REXX, or shell scripting.
• Collaborate with storage, network, security, and z/OS teams.
• Support security and compliance controls, including RACF integration.
• Participate in on-call rotation and production support escalation.
• Maintain technical documentation, standards, and operational runbooks.

Required Skills

• IBM z/VM administration and virtualization expertise
• Linux on IBM Z (z/Linux) system administration
• Enterprise Linux experience (RHEL, SUSE, Ubuntu on Z)
• Strong understanding of DASD, SAN, FCP, HiperSockets, OSA, TCP/IP
• Performance tuning and capacity planning experience
• Scripting/automation: Bash, Python, REXX, or shell scripting
• Backup, DR, and high availability concepts
• Security integration experience (RACF preferred)
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills

Experience

• 5+ years of experience with IBM z/VM and Linux on IBM Z environments
• Experience in enterprise-scale Linux systems administration
• Experience supporting production mainframe infrastructure

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Excellent verbal and written English communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group are required.