Mainframe Network Engineer

Job description of Mainframe Network Engineer:

• Architect, deploy, and manage mainframe network environments using VTAM, SNA, TCP/IP, DVIPA/DDVIPA, Sysplex Distributor, and HiperSockets.
• Continuously monitor network performance, latency, throughput, and traffic using tools like OMEGAMON, RMF, IBM NetView, Wireshark, and SolarWinds.
• Diagnose and resolve performance bottlenecks and protocol mismatches.
• Implement and enforce security protocols including RACF, IP filtering, AT-TLS encryption, IPSEC, intrusion detection, firewall and VPN configurations.
• Participate in periodic security audits and maintain compliance with governance standards.
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues, trace packet-level failures, and resolve VTAM, TCP/IP, hardware, and encryption errors.
• Provide 24/7 on-call support and disaster recovery operations, including system backups and failover strategies.
• Maintain detailed documentation: network diagrams, SOPs, change logs, incident reports.
• Liaise with system programmers, DBAs, application teams, vendors, and third-party service providers for integration, upgrades, and troubleshooting.

Experience Required

• 10–15+ years of hands-on mainframe network engineering experience.
• Proven background working with z/OS mainframe environments, Parallel Sysplex, VTAM, TCP/IP, and SNA.

Technical Expertise

• In-depth understanding of network protocols: TCP/IP, SNA, VTAM, DVIPA/DDVIPA, HiperSockets, Sysplex Distributor.
• Proficiency with monitoring/troubleshooting tools (OMEGAMON, RMF, IBM NetView, Wireshark). 
• Security know-how: RACF, IP filtering, AT-TLS, VPN, IPSEC, IDS/IDS. 
• Experience developing and implementing high-availability and disaster recovery strategies on mainframe networks.
• Familiarity with scripting (REXX, CLISTs) and automation for routine tasks and network toolkits.

Certifications (Preferred)

• IBM certifications such as z/OS Administrator or IBM Certified System Administrator. 
• Networking/security credentials: CCNP, CISSP, or equivalent.

Added Advantage:

• Familiarity with hybrid cloud/mainframe integration architectures. 
• Experience with file transfers: Connect-Direct, FTP(S), sFTP, TPX, Supersession.