Mainframe zOS Administration Specialist

Kyndryl; Karnataka; Hybrid; INR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Kyndryl is seeking a System Administrator in India to design, implement, and maintain enterprise z/OS storage solutions. You will lead DFSMS/SMS governance, manage DASD capacity, and ensure data lifecycle, recoverability, and DR across complex mainframe environments.

This role requires 10+ years of z/OS experience, on-call readiness, and collaboration with security, application, and vendor teams. Join a hybrid culture focused on growth and reliability.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Mainframe z/OS system programming experience.
• Patches, third-party software, and ensuring system reliability.
• DR drills, SYSRES builds, and license key management experience.
• Knowledge of z/OS 3.1 and IBM z16 hardware.
• Willingness to provide 24/7 on-call support.
• Experience in mainframe modernization and migration projects.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain enterprise-class z/OS storage solutions for reliability and performance.
• Lead architecture and governance of DFSMS and SMS environments.
• Manage DASD capacity planning and hardware upgrade strategies.
• Administer and support VTOC, catalogs, and DFSMSdss for data lifecycle and recoverability.
• Monitor storage performance, analyze I/O workloads, and resolve root causes of incidents.
• Ensure high availability, backup, DR, and business continuity across storage.

Skills

z/OS administration

Mainframe modernization

On-call support

Storage management

Disaster recovery planning

Tools

z/OS

DFSMS

SMS environments

JCL

ISPF

REXX

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 System Administrator at Kyndryl, you’ll solve complex problems and identify potential future issues across the spectrum of platforms and services. You’ll be at the forefront of new technology and modernization, working with some of our biggest clients‑which means some of the biggest in the world.

What You Will Do

• Design, implement, and maintain enterprise‑class z/OS storage solutions to ensure reliability, scalability, and performance.
• Lead the architecture and governance of DFSMS and SMS environments, including Storage Groups, Data Classes, Storage Classes, Management Classes, and ACS routines.
• Manage DASD capacity planning, storage optimization, hardware upgrades, and long‑term growth strategies.
• Administer and support VTOC, VTOCIX, catalogs, DFSMShsm, and DFSMSdss, ensuring efficient data lifecycle management and recoverability.
• Monitor storage performance, analyze I/O workloads, troubleshoot complex issues, and drive root‑cause resolution for critical incidents.
• Ensure high availability, resiliency, backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and business continuity capabilities across the storage environment.
• Collaborate with security teams to maintain compliance with audit, regulatory, and access‑control requirements.
• Lead strategic initiatives including storage modernization, hardware refreshes, data center migrations, z/OS upgrades, cloud integration, automation, and disaster recovery enhancements.
• Develop and implement automation solutions using REXX, JCL, ISPF, and vendor tools to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual effort.
• Serve as the highest level of technical escalation for storage‑related issues, providing expert guidance and operational leadership.
• Partner with application, infrastructure, security, and vendor teams to deliver storage services that align with business objectives.
• Mentor junior engineers and system programmers, promote knowledge sharing, and contribute to the development of standards, procedures, and best practices.

Your Future at Kyndryl

Every position at Kyndryl offers a way forward to grow your career, from Junior Administrator to Architect. We have training and upskilling programs 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 customers 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 programming, 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 oncall support to resolve any system issues.
• Working knowledge of mainframe GDPS.
• Good understanding of flip and stay disaster recovery model.
• Experience of working on many migration projects as part of mainframe modernization.
• Should provide recommendations on optimizing system performance.

Preferred Technical and Professional Experience

• Experience in z/OS administration.
• Experience in mainframe modernization initiatives.
• Experience of supporting the IBM z16 and IBM z17 mainframe systems.
• 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. 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.

Join the Kyndryl Way

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. Join us, and together, we can advance the vital systems that power human progress.