Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer

Overview

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 HMCLinux on Z

• Linux on IBM Z Administration:

  • Install, configure, and maintain Linux distributions on IBM Z
  • 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:

  • Maintain system performance and availability: Monitor 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)
  • Aid 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

Required Qualifications

• 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