Principal Architect – Mainframe Modernization & Optimization

BMC Software, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 149,000 - 249,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly experienced z/OS Mainframe Systems Architect to lead the design and optimization of IBM mainframe environments. This role offers the opportunity to spearhead modernization initiatives, define architectural principles, and collaborate with diverse teams to create a seamless hybrid IT ecosystem. You'll contribute to innovative solutions while mentoring junior staff and guiding engineering teams. Join a vibrant culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth, making a significant impact on the future of technology.

Qualifications

• 12+ years managing IBM z/OS environments, 3+ years in architecture.
• Deep expertise in mainframe subsystems like DB2, CICS, and IMS.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement secure IBM z/OS mainframe solutions.
• Lead modernization initiatives and system integration across teams.

Skills

IBM z/OS infrastructure

mainframe security

performance tuning

systems integration

DevOps practices

scripting languages (REXX, CLIST)

communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Master's degree in related field

Tools

IBM System Automation

BMC solutions

z/OSMF

Zowe

Ansible

Job description

You may occasionally be required to travel for business

Additional Locations:

This role can be based remotely in United States

Looking for more details about our benefits? You can also learn all about them by clicking HERE

Description and Requirements

"At BMC trust is not just a word - it's a way of life!"

We are an award-winning, equal opportunity, culturally diverse, fun place to be. Giving back to the community drives us to be better every single day. Our work environment allows you to balance your priorities, because we know you will bring your best every day. We will champion your wins and shout them from the rooftops. Your peers will inspire, drive, support you, and make you laugh out loud!

We help our customers free up time and space to become an Autonomous Digital Enterprise that conquers the opportunities ahead - and are relentless in the pursuit of innovation!

We are seeking a highly experienced and knowledgeable z/OS Mainframe Systems Architect to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of IBM mainframe environments. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in IBM z/OS infrastructure, a solid understanding of mainframe security, performance tuning, and systems integration, and a strategic mindset to drive innovation and modernization.

Here is how, through this exciting role, YOU will contribute to BMC's and your own success:

• Design and implement robust, scalable, and secure IBM z/OS mainframe solutions that are aligned with enterprise-wide modernization goals.
• Spearhead strategic modernization initiatives—from legacy transformation to cloud integration—helping to create a seamless, agile, hybrid IT ecosystem.
• Define architectural principles, best practices, and governance frameworks to guide the evolution of mainframe environments across the enterprise.
• Work closely with infrastructure, application, cloud, security, and operations teams to enable system-wide integration and transformation.
• Lead performance tuning, capacity planning, and system health monitoring using data-driven strategies to ensure high availability and efficiency.
• Provide deep expertise across z/OS subsystems such as JES2/JES3, SMP/E, RACF, WLM, and z/OSMF. Act as a go-to advisor for the most complex systems challenges.
• Guide engineering teams, mentor junior staff, and promote a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
• Oversee security frameworks, compliance requirements, and disaster recovery strategies for mission-critical workloads.
• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies, tools, and practices (e.g., z/OSMF, Zowe, Ansible, zCX) to modernize, automate, and optimize mainframe operations.
• Create comprehensive architecture documentation, roadmaps, and operational procedures that inform stakeholders and guide implementation.

To ensure you’re set up for success, you will bring the following skillset & experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 12+ years of hands-on experience managing and optimizing IBM z/OS environments, with at least 3 years in an architecture or leadership capacity.
• Extensive knowledge of mainframe subsystems such as DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and storage solutions (DASD, Tape).
• Proficiency with system automation tools like IBM System Automation and BMC solutions.
• Expertise in performance tuning, resource utilization, and system health monitoring.
• Proven capabilities with security frameworks such as RACF or equivalent.
• Proficiency in DevOps practices and scripting languages like REXX and CLIST; familiarity with modernization tools (z/OSMF, Zowe, Ansible).
• Strong communication, documentation, and leadership skills, capable of articulating technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Whilst these are nice to have, our team can help you develop in the following skills:

• Experience with z/OS Container Extensions (zCX) and hybrid cloud integration.
• Familiarity with Agile/SAFe methodologies.
• IBM Certified Systems Architect credentials (or similar certifications).

Our commitment to you!

BMC’s culture is built around its people. We have 6000+ brilliant minds working together across the globe. You won’t be known just by your employee number, but for your true authentic self. BMC lets you be YOU!

If after reading the above, You’re unsure if you meet the qualifications of this role but are deeply excited about BMC and this team, we still encourage you to apply! We want to attract talents from diverse backgrounds and experience to ensure we face the world together with the best ideas!

BMC is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, age, sex, creed, color, religion, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, disabled veteran or status as a protected veteran. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, visit the accommodation request page.

BMC Software maintains a strict policy of not requesting any form of payment in exchange for employment opportunities, upholding a fair and ethical hiring process.

The annual base salary range represents the low and high end of the BMC salary range for this position. Actual salaries depend on a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training, licensure, and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

The range listed is just one component of BMC's employee compensation package. Other rewards may include a variable plan and country specific benefits.

At BMC, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at /near the top of the range. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $149,400 - $249,000