W2 ONLY Mainframe System Administrator

Mainframe System Administrator

Location : Cypress, CA (100% Remote)
Duration : Long term

Job Responsibilities

The Mainframe System Administrator is responsible for the administration, maintenance, and optimization of the Client's mainframe computing environment.

This role ensures availability, performance, and integrity of mission-critical systems including z/OS, subsystems like Db2, and enterprise-level monitoring and storage platforms.

The administrator supports daily operations as well as project-based activities, such as modernization initiatives or disaster recovery planning.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong hands-on experience with tools including Omegamon, Db2, IBM Workload Manager (WLM), and Hitachi Data Storage and Data Domain systems.

Position Overview:

Title: Mainframe System Administrator

Type: Contract (initial 6 months, will extend — 3–4 year need)

Location: 100% Remote

Work Hours: Flexible, standard hours are 8am–5pm PST; on-call support required

Focus: Primarily production support, with involvement in active projects (optimization, security, data center move, etc.)

Hiring Context:

Reason for Hire: Backfill

Tech Environment:

Operating System: z/OS

Hardware: IBM Z15 (moderate size)

Storage Systems:

Hitachi SAM

Data Domain (for backups)

Applications: Written in COBOL — familiarity is helpful but not core

Server: Single-server mainframe environment

Ticketing Systems: Jira preferred, but ServiceNow or similar is acceptable

Required Skills & Experience:

Native z/OS system administration experience

Strong knowledge of IBM Omegamon

Working knowledge of Db2

Solid change management experience (ITIL-aligned preferred)

Experience with mainframe + storage integration

Comfortable running ad hoc queries, optimizing performance, and supporting mainframe-based systems

Soft Skills & Qualities (Critical):

Excellent communication skills — must be proactive and confident

Must have a positive attitude, be independent, and able to "stand on their own two feet"

Should not be quiet/reserved — this is a highly collaborative and visible role

No specific industry experience required

Current & Upcoming Projects:

Mainframe performance optimization

Security and compliance enhancements

Upcoming data center move

Top Skills Summary (from JD + intake):

Communication

Change Management

Native z/OS

IBM Omega Mo

Db2

Ticketing systems (Jira preferred)

Mainframe + storage administration (Hitachi SAM, Data Domain)