Mainframe z/OS System Administrator

Kyndryl Inc.; Chennai; Hybrid; INR 2,500,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Be Well program

Hybrid-friendly culture

Job summary

Kyndryl is seeking a seasoned Mainframe z/OS System Administrator to manage IBM z/OS environments for mission-critical workloads. You will handle installations, maintenance, tuning, and modernization efforts, collaborating with infrastructure, storage, security, and application teams to ensure stability and security.

You’ll participate in disaster recovery, performance optimization, and modernization initiatives, with opportunities to lead initiatives and mentor peers within a diverse,

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Mainframe z/OS System Administration with hands-on expertise in installation, configuration, maintenance and support.
• Proficient in applying patches, managing third-party software and ensuring system reliability.
• Experience with SYSRES builds, PTFs, DR drills and z/OS license management.

Responsibilities

• Manage and administer IBM z/OS systems and related software products.
• Perform installations, upgrades, maintenance and customization of z/OS environments.
• Monitor system performance, capacity and availability for reliable operations.
• Troubleshoot OS, hardware and software issues to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate disaster recovery testing and business continuity activities.

Skills

Mainframe z/OS

System administration

z/OS patching

On-call support

Tools

JES2/JES3

TSO/ISPF

SMP/E

HCD

Job description

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems that drive advantage for the world’s leading businesses. We are at the heart of progress; with proven expertise and a continuous flow of AI-powered insight, enabling smarter decisions, faster innovation, and a lasting competitive edge. For our people—Kyndryls—that means doing purposeful work that powers human progress. Join us and experience a flexible, supportive environment where your well-being is prioritized and your potential can thrive.

The Role

Your Role As a Mainframe z/OS System Administrator at Kyndryl, you will manage and support IBM z/OS environments that run mission-critical enterprise workloads for some of the world's largest organizations. You will be responsible for system installation, configuration, maintenance, performance tuning, problem determination, and modernization initiatives. Working closely with infrastructure, storage, security, and application teams, you will ensure the stability, availability, and security of the mainframe platform while driving operational excellence and automation.

What You Will DO

• Manage and administer IBM z/OS systems and associated software products.
• Perform z/OS installations, upgrades, maintenance, and customization activities.
• Monitor system performance, capacity, and availability to ensure optimal operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operating system, hardware, and software issues.
• Administer JES2/JES3, TSO/ISPF, SMP/E, HCD, and system utilities.
• Coordinate disaster recovery testing, backup, and business continuity activities.
• Collaborate with application, storage, network, and security teams on infrastructure projects.
• Support mainframe modernization and technology transformation initiatives.

One of the benefits of Kyndryl is that we work with clients in a variety of industries, from banking to retail. Whether you want to broaden your knowledge base or narrow your scope and specialize in a specific sector, you can find your opportunity here. You’ll also get the chance to share your expertise by recommending modernization options, identifying new business opportunities, and cultivating relationships with other teams and stakeholders. Does the work get challenging at times? Yes! But you’ll collaborate with a diverse group of talented people and gain invaluable management and organizational skills, which will come in handy as you move forward in your career.

Your future at Kyndryl

Every position at Kyndryl offers a way forward to grow your career, from Junior System Administrator to Architect. We have opportunities for Cloud Hyperscalers that you won’t find anywhere else, including hands-on experience, learning opportunities, and the chance to certify in all four major platforms. One of the benefits of Kyndryl is that we work with clients in a variety of industries, from banking to retail. Whether you want to broaden your knowledge base or narrow your scope and specialize in a specific sector, you can find your opportunity here.

Who You Are

You’re good at what you do and possess the required experience to prove it. However, equally as important – you have a growth mindset; keen to drive your own personal and professional development. You are customer-focused – someone who prioritizes customer success in their work. And finally, you’re open and borderless – naturally inclusive in how you work with others.

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

• 10+ years of experience in Mainframe z/OS System Administration, with extensive hands-on expertise in z/OS installation, configuration, maintenance, and support. Skills in applying patches, managing third-party software and ensuring system reliability. Hands-on expertise in SYSRES builds, applying PTFs, performing disaster recovery drills and updating license keys. Proficiency in product maintenance, upgrades and compatibility checks for z/OS 3.1 and IBM z16 hardware. Adept at troubleshooting any system failures, freeze, job abends and performance issues. Willingness to provide 24/7 on call support to resolve any system issues. Experience of working on many migration projects as part of mainframe modernization.

Preferred Technical and Professional Experience

• Strong expertise in IBM z/OS architecture design and engineering, including knowledge of Parallel Sysplex and GDPS.
• Experience in mainframe modernization initiatives.
• Experience of supporting the IBM z16 and IBM z17 mainframe systems.
• Exposure to mainframe integration with Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud.
• Any leadership and mentoring experience will be an added plus.

Being You

The "Kyn" in Kyndryl means kinship, which represents the strong bonds we have with each other, our customers and our communities. We focus on ensuring all Kyndryls feel included and we welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in growth, and we’re excited to see what you can bring. At Kyndryl, employee feedback has told us that our number one driver of employee engagement is belonging. That sense of belonging - being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team - is fundamental to our culture and fueling great experiences for our customers. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you the ability to thrive and contribute to our culture of empathy and shared success. That’s The Kyndryl Way.

What You Can Expect

Your career with us isn’t just a job—it’s an adventure with purpose. We offer a dynamic, hybrid-friendly culture that supports your well-being and empowers you to grow. Our Be Well programs are thoughtfully designed to support your financial, mental, physical, and social health—because we know that when you feel your best, you do your best. From your very first day, you’ll dive into impactful work that powers the systems our customers rely on every day. You won’t just contribute—you’ll make a difference, tackling meaningful projects that sharpen your skills and fuel your growth. We’re here to champion your journey. With powerful tools to chart your career path, personalized development goals aligned with your ambitions, and continuous feedback to keep you inspired and on track, you’ll have everything you need to thrive and evolve. You’ll develop in-demand skills to grow your career and achieve your ambitions with access to cutting-edge learning opportunities—from certifications with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to coaching and hands-on experiences. And through it all, you’ll be part of a culture that values empathy, restless learning, and a devotion to shared success. We want you to thrive here—and we’re committed to helping you do just that.

At Kyndryl, we achieve progress the world depends on, with purpose. Beginning with the purpose that matters to you. Because here, you will be part of a culture designed with purpose. One that is restless, empathetic and devoted. Where we are committed to sustainable progress for our customers and supporting the communities where we work and live. All of you is what we want. And what we need.