Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer

Hirextra -World's First Staffing Aggregator; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite in Phoenix, AZ (3 days/week)

Relocation considered

Job summary

Hirextra -World's First Staffing Aggregator seeks an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to support IBM Z virtualization environments and Linux on Z platforms. You will administer IBM z/VM 6.x/7.x, provision VMs, manage DirMaint, VMSES/E, RACF for z/VM, and handle maintenance, patching, and automation.

The role requires hands-on expertise, strong troubleshooting, and the ability to work onsite in Phoenix, AZ three days per week with relocation considered for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• This role requires hands-on IBM z/VM 6.x/7.x experience.
• Experience with Linux on IBM Z (RHEL/SUSE/Ubuntu) is required.
• Proficiency in VM provisioning, DirMaint, VMSES/E, RSUs, PTFs, and APARs.
• Strong HMC operations knowledge and IPL processes.
• Familiarity with z/VM storage, DASD, networking, and performance tuning.
• Experience with scripting: REXX and Shell; Python preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/VM 6.x/7.x environments.
• Provision, scale, manage, and decommission virtual machines/guests.
• Administer DirMaint, VMSES/E, RACF for z/VM; perform maintenance tasks.
• Automate operations using REXX, Shell, and Python; support CI/CD.
• Provide L2/L3 production support and analyze logs/metrics.
• Monitor performance and troubleshoot z/VM, Linux, VM, storage, and network issues.

Skills

IBM z/VM

Linux on IBM Z

DirMaint

VMSES/E

RSUs/APARs

HMC operations

IPL processes

DASD storage

Networking

Shell scripting

REXX

Python

Tools

Docker/Kubernetes

Ansible

Omegamon/Grafana

Automation tooling

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to support IBM Z virtualization environments and Linux on Z platforms. The ideal candidate will have strong hands‑on experience with IBM z/VM, Linux on IBM Z, virtual machine administration, system maintenance, troubleshooting, and automation.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, administer, and maintain IBM z/VM 6.x/7.x environments.
• Provision, scale, manage, and decommission virtual machines/guest systems.
• Administer DirMaint, VMSES/E, RACF for z/VM, and related components.
• Perform RSU, PTF, APAR, and other z/VM maintenance activities.
• Perform system IPLs and hardware configuration updates using HMC.
• Install and maintain RHEL, SUSE, and Ubuntu Linux on IBM Z.
• Manage Linux workloads running on z/VM, including patching, upgrades, and vulnerability remediation.
• Monitor CPU, memory, I/O, capacity, and overall system performance.
• Troubleshoot z/VM, Linux, VM, storage, networking, and performance issues.
• Provide L2/L3 production support and analyze system logs and metrics.
• Automate operational and provisioning activities using REXX, Shell, and Python.
• Support CI/CD, DevOps, container, and application deployment initiatives.
• Implement Linux hardening and RACF-related security controls.
• Maintain system documentation, configuration records, and operational procedures.
• Follow ITIL/ServiceNow change management processes.
• Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution.

Required Qualifications

• Strong hands‑on experience with IBM z/VM 6.x/7.x.
• Strong experience administering Linux on IBM Z, particularly RHEL, SUSE, or Ubuntu.
• Experience with VM provisioning, lifecycle management, and DirMaint.
• Hands‑on knowledge of VMSES/E, RSUs, PTFs, and APARs.
• Experience with HMC operations and IPL processes.
• Knowledge of z/VM storage, DASD, and networking.
• Strong troubleshooting and performance‑management skills.
• Experience with REXX and Shell scripting; Python is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Sysplex, networking, and storage integration.
• Exposure to OMEGAMON, Grafana, or similar monitoring tools.
• Experience with Ansible and automation.
• Knowledge of Docker/Kubernetes and container workloads on Linux on Z.
• Exposure to hybrid cloud and enterprise integration environments.
• Experience with security, compliance, vulnerability remediation, and DR processes.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on IBM Z professional who can independently manage z/VM virtualization and Linux on Z environments, troubleshoot complex production issues, automate routine operations, and work effectively with infrastructure, application, security, and DevOps teams.

Note

This position requires candidates to be able to work onsite in the Phoenix, AZ area three days per week. Candidates open to relocation will also be considered.