z/OS system engineer

About the Role

This position involves hands-on installation and maintenance of IBM and ISV products on z/OS, with a focus on system integrity, change control, and efficient software deployment.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain IBM and ISV products using SMP/E (RECEIVE, APPLY, ACCEPT) and non-SMP/E methods.
• Manage PTF/APAR workflows, CSI management, and zone maintenance across development and production LPARs.
• Maintain and update critical system control datasets, including LNKLST (LINKLIST), APF-authorized library lists, and IEASYSxx/IEAPARMxx parmlib members.
• Understand dynamic versus IPL-time activation for system changes.
• Execute z/OS release-to-release migrations using SMP/E-driven CBPDO/ServerPac workflows or zOSMF Software Management.
• Perform pre/post-migration checks, apply coexistence PTFs, and plan for fallback scenarios.
• Utilize IBM z/OSMF for software instance management, deployment workflows, and health checks to streamline product deployments and system configuration changes.
• Ensure system-level changes comply with change management processes, including impact analysis of LINKLIST/APF additions, parmlib cascading effects, and regression testing in a multi-LPAR sysplex environment.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience with SMP/E for product installation and maintenance.
• Proven ability to manage system control datasets (LNKLST, APF-authorized libraries, parmlib members).
• Experience executing z/OS migrations and upgrades using SMP/E or zOSMF.
• Working knowledge of IBM z/OSMF for software deployment and workflows.
• Strong discipline in system integrity and change control processes.