Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer

We're seeking for an Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer for our direct client. Please review the below job Description and revert with your interest for the same.

Job Details:

Role: Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer

Location : Phoenix, AZ metro area; hybrid working model (3 days week)

Start date : ASAP

Contract to hire

Overview:

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to support IBM Z virtualization environments and Linux on Z platforms. This role is responsible for provisioning, maintaining, and optimizing virtual machines and Linux systems running on z/VM, ensuring high availability, performance, and secure operations in enterprise environments.

Responsibilities:

z/VM Administration:

• Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/VM systems
• Manage lifecycle of virtual machines (guests):
• Provisioning
• Scaling
• Decommissioning
• Administer z/VM components such as:
• DirMaint
• VMSES/E
• RACF for z/VM security
• Apply system maintenance:
• RSUs, PTFs, APARs, and service updates
• Perform system IPLs and hardware configuration updates via HMC

Linux on Z Administration:

• Install, configure, and maintain Linux distributions on IBM Z:
• RHEL, SUSE, Ubuntu
• Support deployment and management of Linux workloads on z/VM
• Ensure system stability, performance, and security compliance
• Perform patching, upgrades, and vulnerability remediation
• Manage file systems, storage, and network configurations

Operations & Support:

• Monitor system performance and availability:
• CPU, memory, I/O utilization
• Workload performance and capacity
• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues:
• Performance bottlenecks
• VM failures
• Linux system errors
• Analyze logs and system metrics to ensure operational stability
• Provide L2/L3 support for production environments

Automation & Integration

• Automate provisioning and operational tasks using:
• REXX, Shell scripting, Python (preferred)
• Support DevOps and integration initiatives:
• CI/CD pipelines
• Container platforms (Docker, Kubernetes optional)
• Assist application teams with deploying workloads on Linux on Z

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain security controls:
• RACF integration for z/VM
• Linux OS hardening
• Ensure compliance with enterprise standards and audit requirements
• Support vulnerability management and patch remediation

Governance & Documentation

• Maintain system documentation and configuration records
• Ensure all changes follow:
• ITIL / ServiceNow change management processes
• Support DR planning and execution for z/VM and Linux systems

Required Qualifications:

• Strong experience with:
• IBM z/VM (z/VM 6.x / 7.x)
• Linux on IBM Z (RHEL/SUSE/Ubuntu)
• Hands-on experience with:
• Virtual machine provisioning and management
• VM directory management (DirMaint)
• System maintenance (RSUs, APARs, VMSES/E)
• Knowledge of:
• HMC operations and IPL processes
• Storage (DASD) and networking on z systems
• Strong troubleshooting skills across:
• z/VM system issues
• Linux OS performance and configuration

Preferred Experience:

• Knowledge of Sysplex, networking, and storage integration
• Experience with Monitoring tools (e.g., Grafana, OMEGAMON) and Automation tooling (Ansible, scripting)
• Exposure to Cloud integration / hybrid environments and Container workloads on Linux on Z