Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer

Role: Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer

Location: Multiple locations (Hybrid)

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.
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