Lead Mainframe z/OS SRE

Burtch Works; Cary (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Burtch Works is seeking a Lead Mainframe z/OS SRE to architect, design, and direct modernization of mainframe systems across multiple locations, with a hybrid in-office requirement. You will drive reliability, scalability, and alignment with business goals.

The role demands 7+ years of mainframe engineering, deep IBM z/OS expertise, and proven leadership of cross-functional teams. You will collaborate with stakeholders to implement resilient, automated solutions and governance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of mainframe engineering experience in service delivery, engineering, or architecture.
• Expertise in IBM z/OS, WLM, RACF and related mainframe technologies.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, and implementation of mainframe solutions.
• Provide technical leadership to mainframe teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver mainframe solutions.
• Establish mainframe intake and change processes and performance tuning.
• Assist in BCP design exercises using Ansible and related technologies.
• Review telemetry data and ensure high availability, security, and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Architecture

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

IBM z/OS

WLM

RACF

Ansible

OpenShift

Python

Job description

Job Title: Lead Mainframe z/OS SRE

Location: Cary, NC | New York, NY | Tampa, FL | Bridgewater, NJ | Clarks Summit, PA | Greenville, SC (Hybrid – 3 Days In Office)

About The Role

This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in office. The position is available across multiple locations including Cary, NC; New York, NY; Tampa, FL; Bridgewater, NJ; Clarks Summit, PA; and Greenville, SC.

Job Summary

In this leadership position, you will be responsible for architecting, designing, and directing the modernization and optimization of mainframe systems to ensure they are reliable, scalable, and fully aligned with evolving business goals. This role includes designing and assisting in the automation of mainframe resilience and Business Continuity Planning (BCP). The ideal candidate will bring extensive expertise in mainframe technologies, a strategic vision for IT transformation, and a proven history of successfully leading complex, enterprise-wide mainframe modernization projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of mainframe solutions that support business goals and technology strategy.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to mainframe development, operations, and modernization teams.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders, application developers, and infrastructure teams to identify requirements and deliver innovative, cost-effective mainframe solutions.
• Establish mainframe intake and change processes that account for new workloads and provide required performance tuning of z/OS, zLinux, WLM, and PR/SM.
• Assist in BCP design exercises using Ansible and CSM, metro mirror, global mirror safeguarded copies, intra data center hyper swaps, and fail-and-stay data center site swaps.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies to drive continuous improvement and modernization of mainframe platforms.
• Establish and enforce best practices, standards, and architectural governance for mainframe environments.
• Develop and maintain architectural documentation, roadmaps, and blueprints for mainframe systems.
• Ensure high availability, security, and performance of mainframe applications and infrastructure by reviewing SMF and RMF performance telemetry data and appropriate application traces with stakeholders.
• Participate in ITSM processes including Release/Change approvals and Incident/Problem resolution.
• Resolve z/OS performance-related incidents during troubleshooting.
• Partner with enterprise architects and technology leaders to define and implement enterprise-wide technology strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in mainframe engineering, with strong experience in service delivery, engineering, or architecture.
• Expertise in IBM z/OS, WLM, RACF, and related mainframe technologies.
• Demonstrated experience with mainframe modernization, integration, and migration projects.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical, strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud integration, DevOps, zLinux, OpenShift, and automation in mainframe environments (RedHat Ansible for IBM Z Collections, Ansible, Python).
• Knowledge of hybrid IT architectures and emerging technology trends.
• Relevant certifications such as IBM Certified System Architect or TOGAF.
• Experience in the insurance or financial services industry.