Mainframe Logical Security Engineer

Kyndryl; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth opportunities

Employee learning programs

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Job summary

Kyndryl is seeking a skilled Mainframe Logical Security Engineer in Chicago to design and manage security controls across IBM z/OS environments. This role involves ensuring confidentiality and compliance while administering RACF security.

Key responsibilities include maintaining the security environment, managing user access, and supporting regulatory compliance. Applicants should have strong RACF administration skills and a solid understanding of z/OS security concepts.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with RACF administration on z/OS.
• Deep knowledge of RACF profiles, classes, and dataset security.
• Understanding of z/OS security concepts and system internals.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain RACF security environment across z/OS systems.
• Create, modify, and revoke user IDs and access permissions.
• Analyze security logs and investigate security incidents.

Skills

RACF administration

z/OS security concepts

User/group management

Security reporting tools

SMF data analysis

Tools

SIEM tools

Automation (REXX, Python)

Job description

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we design, build, manage and modernize the mission‑critical technology systems that the world depends on every day. We are always moving forward – always pushing ourselves to go further in our efforts to build a more equitable, inclusive world for our employees, our customers and our communities.

The Role

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Mainframe Logical Security Engineer to design, implement, and manage security controls across IBM z/OS environments. The role ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of enterprise systems and data by enforcing robust access controls and complying with regulatory requirements.

This role requires employees to live in or around the Plano, TX, Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Pennington, NJ, Chicago, IL area. You will be responsible to be onsite 3 days a week. We will consider candidates who are willing to relocate to any of these areas.

Responsibilities Include

• Administer and maintain RACF security environment across z/OS systems
• Create, modify, and revoke user IDs, groups, resource profiles, datasets, and subsystem access permissions
• Implement and maintain least‑privilege access controls for datasets, applications (CICS, DB2, IMS, MQ) and system resources

Security Controls & Compliance

• Configure and maintain security policies aligned with enterprise standards
• Perform periodic access reviews, audits, and compliance checks
• Support regulatory compliance (e.g., SOX, PCI, HIPAA where applicable)
• Implement data protection controls and access monitoring mechanisms

Monitoring & Incident Response

• Analyze security logs and reports, including SMF records, RACF reports, and SIEM alerts
• Investigate access violations, unauthorized access attempts and security incidents
• Troubleshoot and resolve authorization failures, RACF‑related abends or access issues

Security Architecture & Integration

• Secure mainframe subsystems and integrations: CICS, DB2, IMS, MQ, TCP/IP, USS
• Support integration with enterprise IAM solutions and Single Sign‑On / MFA where applicable
• Define and maintain RACF classes, profiles, and rules for system‑wide protection

Encryption & Advanced Security

• Support digital certificates, TLS/SSL configuration, and high‑level crypto services (ICSF)
• Ensure secure key management and encryption practices

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.

Kyndryl currently does not require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19, however, if you are hired to work at a client, customer, or partner location, you may be required to show proof of vaccination to align with their respective COVID‑19 vaccination policies. Those who believe they are eligible may apply for a medical or religious accommodation prior to the start of employment.

Who You Are

You’re good at what you do and possess the required experience to prove it. 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 Qualifications

• Strong hands‑on experience with RACF administration on z/OS
• Deep knowledge of RACF profiles, classes, and dataset security
• Experience with user/group management and access control models
• Experience with SMF data analysis
• Experience with security reporting and audit tools
• Strong understanding of z/OS security concepts and system internals

Preferred Experience

• Experience in banking or financial services environments
• Exposure to ACF2 or TOP SECRET (nice to have)
• Experience with SIEM tools (Splunk, QRadar, etc.)
• Experience with automation (REXX, Python)
• Experience with identity governance tools
• Experience with enterprise‑wide security transformations or IAM integration
• Knowledge of Zero Trust or modern security frameworks
• Experience supporting regulatory audits in large enterprises

Being You

Diversity is a whole lot more than what we look like or where we come from – it’s how we think and who we are. We welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Our inclusion networks are one of many ways we create a workplace where all Kyndryls can find and provide support and advice. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means Kyndryl gives you the ability to bring your whole self to work, individually and collectively, and support the activation of our equitable culture. That’s the Kyndryl Way.

What You Can Expect

With state‑of‑the‑art resources and Fortune 100 clients, every day is an opportunity to innovate, build new capabilities, new relationships, new processes, and new value. Kyndryl cares about your well‑being and prides itself on offering benefits that give you choice and support your family through the moments that matter – wherever you are in your life journey. Our employee learning programs give you access to the best learning in the industry to receive certifications, including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Skillsoft, and many more. Through our company‑wide volunteering and giving platform, you can donate, start fundraisers, volunteer, and search over 2 million non‑profit organizations. At Kyndryl, we invest heavily in you, we want you to succeed so that together we will all succeed.

Get Referred!

If you know someone that works at Kyndryl, when asked ‘How Did You Hear About Us’ during the application process, select ‘Employee Referral’ and enter your contact’s Kyndryl email address.

Kyndryl is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. Kyndryl is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.