We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Network Engineer to design, configure, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot network connectivity within IBM mainframe environments. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with z/OS Communications Server, TCP/IP, VTAM, SNA, Enterprise Extender, and TN3270.
The engineer will ensure secure, reliable, and high-performance communication between mainframe systems, distributed platforms, enterprise applications, middleware, and external partners. This role also involves production support, network security, disaster recovery, and connectivity troubleshooting in a mission-critical enterprise environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Mainframe Network Administration
Install, configure, maintain, and support IBM z/OS Communications Server components.
Configure and manage TCP/IP networking on IBM z/OS systems.
Maintain and troubleshoot VTAM definitions, network resources, and communication sessions.
Support SNA connectivity and Enterprise Extender (EE) configurations.
Maintain and troubleshoot TN3270 connectivity and end-user sessions.
Analyze network configurations and ensure optimal connectivity and system performance.
2. Network Connectivity and Troubleshooting
Maintain reliable communication between mainframe systems, distributed servers, middleware platforms, enterprise applications, and external partners.
Troubleshoot IP routing, port connectivity, DNS resolution, session failures, and firewall-related connectivity issues.
Support FTP, SFTP, and other secure file transfer solutions.
Analyze communication logs, traces, and diagnostic information to identify and resolve production issues.
Collaborate with application, infrastructure, and network teams to resolve complex connectivity problems.
3. Network Security and Compliance
Implement and support secure communication protocols and enterprise network security controls.
Support SSL/TLS certificate implementation and secure data transmission.
Assist with firewall rule validation, port reviews, and vulnerability remediation.
Ensure compliance with enterprise security policies, audit requirements, and operational standards.
4. Disaster Recovery and Resiliency
Support mainframe network connectivity and recovery procedures for disaster recovery environments.
Validate network communication paths for failover systems and backup data centers.
Participate in disaster recovery testing and business continuity exercises.
Help maintain network availability and resiliency for critical production workloads.
5. Production Support and Collaboration
Provide technical support for mainframe networking incidents and service requests.
Use JCL, TSO/ISPF, and SDSF as required for mainframe administration and troubleshooting.
Coordinate with infrastructure, security, application, and network teams to implement solutions.
Participate in on-call rotations and production support activities.
Support projects from planning and implementation through testing and production deployment.