Middleware Support Engineer

NPO USA Inc; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology services firm in Toronto is seeking an experienced middleware administrator to manage and optimize Apache, IBM WebSphere, and Tomcat environments. The role involves installing, configuring, and maintaining middleware across various stages, as well as scripting for automation and providing L2/L3 support for incidents. Ideal candidates should have strong skills in security compliance and the ability to work collaboratively in a high-pressure environment.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with Apache HTTP Server, IBM WebSphere, Tomcat, and IIS.
• Solid understanding of HTTP/S, J2EE architecture, web services, and application hosting.
• Experience with Linux/Unix and Windows Server environments.
• Familiarity with load balancers, reverse proxies, and network fundamentals.
• Proficiency in scripting (Shell, Bash, Python, PowerShell).
• Experience with monitoring tools (Zabbix, etc.).
• Knowledge of SSL certificates, keystores, truststores, and security protocols.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain middleware environments across development, QA, and production.
• Manage application deployments, patches, upgrades, and environment refreshes.
• Monitor system performance and troubleshoot middleware issues.
• Configure and manage clustering and high-availability setups.
• Analyze logs and performance metrics to identify bottlenecks.
• Apply security patches and manage authentication integrations.
• Develop scripts to automate deployments and maintenance tasks.
• Provide L2/L3 support for middleware incidents.

Skills

Apache HTTP Server

IBM WebSphere

Tomcat

IIS

Linux/Unix

Windows Server

Scripting (Shell, Bash, Python, PowerShell)

Monitoring tools (Zabbix)

SSL certificates and security protocols

Load balancers and reverse proxies

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Middleware Administration & Support

• Install, configure, and maintain Apache, IBM WebSphere, Tomcat, and IIS environments across development, QA, and production.
• Manage application deployments, patches, upgrades, and environment refreshes.
• Monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues related to middleware, integrations, and application connectivity.
• Configure and manage clustering, load balancing, and high‑availability setups.

Performance & Optimization

• Analyze logs, thread dumps, and performance metrics to identify bottlenecks.
• Tune JVMs, web servers, and application servers for optimal performance.
• Implement caching, connection pooling, and resource optimization strategies.

Security & Compliance

• Apply security patches, SSL/TLS certificates, and hardening standards.
• Work with security teams to ensure compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements.
• Manage authentication/authorization integrations (LDAP, SSO, OAuth, etc.).

Automation & DevOps Integration

• Develop scripts (Shell, Python, PowerShell, etc.) to automate deployments, monitoring, and maintenance tasks.
• Integrate middleware components with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab, Azure DevOps, etc.).
• Support containerization and cloud migration efforts where applicable.

Incident & Change Management

• Provide L2/L3 support for middleware‑related incidents and service requests.
• Participate in on‑call rotation for critical production support.
• Document changes, configurations, and troubleshooting procedures.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with application developers, DBAs, network engineers, and security teams.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
• Participate in architecture discussions and contribute to middleware strategy.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong hands‑on experience with Apache HTTP Server, IBM WebSphere, Tomcat, and IIS.
• Solid understanding of HTTP/S, J2EE architecture, web services, and application hosting.
• Experience with Linux/Unix and Windows Server environments.
• Familiarity with load balancers, reverse proxies, and network fundamentals.
• Proficiency in scripting (Shell, Bash, Python, PowerShell).
• Experience with monitoring tools (Zabbix, etc.).
• Knowledge of SSL certificates, keystores, truststores, and security protocols.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure in mission‑critical environments.
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.