Mainframe Infrastructure Solution Architect

Cognizant; Chennai District; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading IT services provider is seeking a Mainframe Infrastructure Solution Architect - Presales to provide technical leadership and strategic guidance throughout the presales cycle. The ideal candidate should possess deep technical knowledge of mainframe environments and exceptional communication skills. Responsibilities include solution design, client engagement, and modernization strategies. Candidates with 12+ years of experience and strong expertise in COBOL, JCL, and cloud platforms are encouraged to apply. The role is full-time and offers opportunities for significant client interaction.

Qualifications

• Typically 12+ years of experience in a technology environment focused on mainframe infrastructure solutions.
• Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on technical experience with mainframe systems.
• Strong understanding of cloud platforms and experience in architecting solutions for mainframe to cloud migration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and definition of overall mainframe infrastructure solution frameworks.
• Analyze client requirements to architect tailor-made mainframe solutions.
• Act as the primary technical SME during the presales phase, supporting the sales team in all technical aspects.

Skills

COBOL

JCL

PL/I

Assembler

REXX

Natural

RPG

DB2 for z/OS

IMS DB

VSAM

Adabas

CICS

IMS TM

z/OS

z/VM

zLinux

MQ

WebSphere

IBM Debug Tool for z/OS

Syncsort

SPUFI

ChangeMan

Endevor

CA-7/ESP/Control-M

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Job description

Job Title

Mainframe Infrastructure Solution Architect - Presales

Location

Bengaluru / Chennai / Gurgaon / Pune

Job Type

Full-time

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Mainframe Infrastructure Architect to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role will be responsible for providing technical leadership and strategic guidance throughout the presales cycle, focusing on mainframe solutions and modernization initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical knowledge of mainframe environments, coupled with exceptional communication and presentation skills to articulate complex solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences, including C-level executives.

Responsibilities

• Solution Design & Architecture:
• Lead the design and definition of overall mainframe infrastructure solution frameworks for mainframe components within client proposals and bids.
• Analyze client requirements, existing IT landscapes, and business objectives to architect tailor-made mainframe solutions, including on-premise, cloud, and hybrid models.
• Develop detailed architectural designs, high-level designs, and associated documentation (e.g., application views, multiple sections & views, artefacts).
• Evaluate and recommend solutions to integrate mainframe systems with the broader technology ecosystem.
• Identify improvements, options, and tradeoffs to define target state solutions.
• Presales & Client Engagement:
• Act as the primary technical subject matter expert during the presales phase, supporting the sales team in all technical aspects.
• Engage directly with clients, including C-level executives, technical decision-makers, and business stakeholders, to understand their challenges and demonstrate how our mainframe solutions can address their needs.
• Develop and deliver compelling technical presentations, demonstrations, and proofs-of-concept (POCs).
• Collaborate with sales, program/project, and consulting teams to ensure proposed solutions align with client expectations and internal capabilities.
• Participate in the development of RFP/RFS responses, providing technical analysis, cost estimations, and architectural validation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Mainframe Modernization & Innovation:
• Provide technical and strategic input for mainframe modernization strategies, including re-hosting, refactoring, re-platforming, and rewriting initiatives.
• Guide customers in planning, evaluating, architecting, and re-engineering legacy applications to leverage modern cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.).
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML for modernization), and best practices in mainframe and cloud landscapes.
• Contribute to the development of white papers, case studies, and thought leadership content related to mainframe solutions and modernization.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship:
• Provide technical leadership to design, development, and implementation teams for custom solutions.
• Mentor developers, designers, and junior architects, fostering their growth and enhancing their capabilities.
• Contribute to internal architecture practices by conducting interviews and sharing knowledge.
• Costing & Risk Management:
• Develop fully costed solution architectures and provide accurate cost estimates for mainframe solution implementation (such as MFaaS) and ongoing support.
• Identify implementation risks and potential impacts, proposing mitigation strategies.
• Validate solutions from a technology, cost structure, and customer differentiation perspective.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Typically 12+ years of experience in a technology environment, with a strong focus on mainframe infrastructure solutions
• Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on technical experience with mainframe systems and technologies such as:
• Languages: COBOL, JCL, PL/I, Assembler, REXX, Natural, RPG.
• Databases: DB2 for z/OS, IMS DB, VSAM, Adabas.
• Transaction Managers: CICS, IMS TM.
• Operating Systems: z/OS, z/VM, zLinux.
• Middleware: MQ, WebSphere.
• Tools: IBM Debug Tool for z/OS, Syncsort, SPUFI, ChangeMan, Endevor, CA-7/ESP/Control-M (Job Schedulers).
• Proven experience in designing and delivering complex mainframe solutions, including large-scale migrations and modernizations.
• Strong understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and experience in architecting solutions for mainframe to cloud migration/integration and tools like Zowe, OpenShift, Wazi
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Proven presentation skills, comfortable presenting to large groups and executive levels.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer Engineering / relevant
• Experience with specific mainframe modernization tools and patterns (re-architecture, rewrite, refactor, rehost).
• Familiarity with distributed client-server architecture systems.
• Exposure to GenAI technologies (LLMs, NLP) for application modernization assessments or code transformation.
• Experience with ITILv3 or ITSM principles.

IBM Mainframe administration certification