Mainframe z/VM & Linux

The Role:

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.

•  

• Responsibilities:

• 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

•  
  
  
  

• Job Qualifications

• 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