Mainframe Engineer (contract)

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Mainframe Engineer to join a leading enterprise technology organization supporting critical infrastructure, business continuity, and modernization initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Mainframe Infrastructure Engineering: Design, implement, maintain, and support enterprise z/OS mainframe environments, ensuring platform stability, performance, and reliability.
• Systems Programming & Administration: Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain mainframe operating systems, infrastructure software, and third-party vendor products across complex environments.
• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Lead disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution efforts while supporting next-generation business continuity initiatives and safeguarded recovery technologies.
• Infrastructure Architecture: Partner with engineering and business stakeholders to design scalable infrastructure solutions and contribute to long-term technology roadmaps.
• Modernization & Automation: Drive modernization efforts by identifying opportunities to automate processes, improve operational efficiency, and enhance traditional mainframe services.
• Project Leadership: Manage infrastructure-focused projects from planning through implementation, coordinating activities across multiple technical teams and stakeholders.
• Compliance & Audit Support: Assist with audits, risk assessments, and regulatory requirements by ensuring infrastructure controls, documentation, and processes remain compliant.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Information Technology with significant hands-on mainframe systems programming or infrastructure engineering experience
• Extensive experience supporting z/OS environments in large enterprise organizations
• Strong experience installing, configuring, and maintaining mainframe operating systems and infrastructure software
• Experience leading complex infrastructure projects and technical initiatives
• Deep understanding of mainframe communications and networking technologies including VTAM and TCP/IP
• Experience with IBM Connect, data transport solutions, and enterprise infrastructure tooling
• Knowledge of architecture and design principles within large-scale technology environments
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field

Preferred Experience

• Experience with RACF, ACF2, and TSS security frameworks
• Knowledge of JCL, ISPF/TSO, DB2, IMS, and CICS
• ITIL or ITSM experience, including Release Management, Change Management, and CMDB processes
• Experience installing IBM operating systems and Independent Software Vendor (ISV) products
• Background in disaster recovery strategy, testing, and business continuity planning
• Advanced infrastructure engineering certifications