Job Description
Must Have Technical/Functional Skills
z/OS fundamentals, TCP/IP networking, VTAM/SNA, RACF security, monitoring tools (SDSF, NETSTAT), and middleware connectivity (CICS, DB2, MQ)
Operational Capabilities:
Incident & change management, performance monitoring, capacity planning, and automation (REXX scripting)
Functional Strengths:
24x7 production support, strong troubleshooting ability, stakeholder coordination, and compliance awareness (SOX/NERC-CIP)
Roles & Responsibilities
- Network Operations & Monitoring
Perform 24x7 monitoring of mainframe network components and connectivity
Monitor TCP/IP stack, ports, sessions, and communication failures
Track alerts, logs, and performance metrics using monitoring tools
Ensure high availability and stability of network services
- CP/IP & Connectivity Management
Configure and manage z/OS TCP/IP stack and profiles
Manage ports, IP addressing, DNS resolution, and routing
Ensure connectivity between:
Mainframe Distributed systems
Mainframe External applications (middleware, APIs)
Support inter-LPAR communication (Sysplex, HiperSockets)
- Incident Management & Troubleshooting
Identify, analyze, and resolve network-related incidents (P1/P2/P3)
Troubleshoot:
Connection failures
Port/service issues
MQ/DB2/CICS connectivity problems
Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and provide resolution
Act as single point of contact for network issues (L2)
- Change & Configuration Management
Implement changes to network configurations (TCP/IP, security rules, ports)
Participate in:
CAB meetings
Change implementation and validation
Maintain network configuration documentation
Ensure minimal disruption during changes
- Security & Compliance (Critical for Utilities)
Administer network-level security controls using RACF
Implement access controls for ports, services, and users
Support audits and compliance requirements (NERC/CIP, SOX)
Perform vulnerability and patch management activities
- Middleware & Integration Support
Ensure network connectivity for:
CICS (transaction systems)
DB2 (database connections)
MQ (message queues)
Support distributed integration (WebSphere, APIs, external apps)
Troubleshoot application-level network issues
- Performance & Capacity Management
Monitor network performance (latency, throughput, session usage)
Identify bottlenecks and optimize configurations
Provide inputs for capacity planning (IP usage, bandwidth)
Generate performance reports and KPIs
- High Availability & Disaster Recovery
Support HA setup and failover mechanisms
Participate in DR drills and recovery testing
Ensure network readiness during IPLs and system restarts
Maintain network redundancy and resiliency
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