Senior Mainframe Automation SME

Title Senior Mainframe Automation SME

Position Contract to Hire

Location Remote work

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of Mainframe automation using OPS/MVS and System Automation.
• Develop, enhance, and maintain automation for IPL (startup/shutdown) with a focus on stability, repeatability, and minimal manual intervention.
• Support and improve Disaster Recovery (DR) processes, including GDPS workflows and recovery automation.
• Partner with z/OS, Middleware, Application, Scheduling, and Infrastructure teams to align automation with operational and business requirements.
• Drive phased IPL automation strategies to support controlled startup/shutdown during maintenance windows.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and system issues across Production, Non Prod, and Staging environments.
• Create and maintain operational documentation, runbooks, and standards to ensure supportability and knowledge transfer.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies; contribute to backlog refinement, PI planning, and roadmap definition.

Required Skills & Experience

• A minimum of eight years of Mainframe experience with strong hands on expertise in enterprise automation.
• Broadcom OPS/MVS: rule development/tuning, automation frameworks, and use of newer product capabilities.
• IBM System Automation (SA z/OS): policy configuration, resource automation, and operational integration.
• GDPS: strong understanding and experience with GDPS automation (e.g., Metro/Global/XRC concepts as applicable).
• NetView: monitoring/integration experience and operational troubleshooting.
• Strong z/OS core knowledge: JES2/JES3 concepts (as applicable), SYSLOG/message handling, WTORs, system start/stop sequencing, and IPL procedures.
• Strong scripting skills with REXX (advanced), and ability to build supportable automation solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work in high availability production environments and lead incident/problem resolution.

Preferred / Desired Skills

• Watchtower / observability tooling experience.
• Ansible playbook development for Mainframe automation.
• OPS/MVS REST API integration (e.g., integrating automation workflows with external orchestration tools).

Experience modernizing automation processes and implementing