Mainframe Network Engineer - Long term - Contract - W2 - US - Multiple locations

MF Network Engineer
Phoenix, AZ, Dallas, TX, NJ & Charlotte, NC
Long Term

Contract - W2 Only

The Role:

The Mainframe Network Engineer is responsible for the design, configuration, implementation, and support of network connectivity for IBM mainframe environments. This role ensures reliable, secure, and high-performing communication between mainframe systems, distributed platforms, external partners, and enterprise applications. The engineer will work on key technologies such as TCP/IP, VTAM, SNA, Enterprise Extender, TN3270, FTP, and network security controls, supporting critical production workloads in large enterprise environments.

Mainframe Network Administration:

Install, configure, and maintain z/OS Communications Server components.
Support and manage TCP/IP configuration on z/OS systems.
Maintain and troubleshoot VTAM definitions and network resources.
Configure and support Enterprise Extender (EE) and SNA connectivity where applicable.
Maintain TN3270 access and session-related connectivity for end users and applications.

Network Connectivity & Support:

Ensure stable communication between mainframe systems and:
Distributed servers
External vendors/partners
Internal enterprise applications
Middleware platforms
Diagnose and resolve connectivity issues involving:
IP routing
Port communication
Session failures
DNS resolution
Firewall-related blocks
Support file transfer protocols such as FTP, SFTP, and other secure data exchange solutions.

Security & Compliance:

Work closely with network security teams to enforce secure communication protocols.
Ensure compliance with enterprise security controls and audit requirements.
Support SSL/TLS certificate implementation and secure transmission standards.
Assist with firewall rule validation, port usage reviews, and vulnerability remediation.

Disaster Recovery & Resiliency:

Support network design and recovery procedures for Disaster Recovery (DR) environments.
Validate communication paths for failover systems and backup data centers.
Participate in DR tests and business continuity exercises.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum 5+ years of experience in • Typically in mainframe networking or z/OS communications support
Familiarity with JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF
Ability to analyze logs, traces, and dump information relevant to communications issues
Solid knowledge and experience on TCP/IP on z/OS , VTAM, SNA / Enterprise Extender, TN3270, FTP / SFTP and TLS.

Preferred Experience

Experience in supporting transmission products such as Connect Direct.
The ability to work independently as well as part of a team
Excellent troubleshooting and customer service skills
Participate in on-call rotation with the engineering teams.
The ability to follow a project through to completion, and/or to work as part of a larger team to complete the components of a complex project
IBM mainframe or networking certifications are a plus