SVP, Infra Engineering (Mainframe Comms Systems Software Engineer)

Apex Systems; Jersey City (NJ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Systems seeks a senior Mainframe Systems Programmer to lead infra engineering for the mainframe. The role focuses on running and supporting z/OS, SMP/E deployments, and toolchains, with a strong emphasis on architecture and independent work. Remote work is possible with on-site visits a few times per week.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in IT, proven leadership, and expertise in JCL/TSO, security (ACF2/RACF/TSS), and mainframe tooling. A related bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years IT experience with multi-area focus.
• Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer with z/OS or MVS experience.
• Experience leading teams and complex programs.
• Experience in architecture, design principles, tooling, and data transport.

Responsibilities

• Provide run and support ownership for the mainframe environment.
• Manage multiple mainframes running on z/OS and oversee lifecycle projects.
• Install, support, and administer ISV products using SMP/E.
• Modernize and automate capabilities; partner with data center and development teams.
• Ensure operations are documented and integrated into processes; provide on-going support.

Skills

z/OS expertise

JCL/TSO

SMP/E

Mainframe security (ACF2/RACF/TSS)

DB2/IMS/CICS familiarity

VTAM, TCP/IP knowledge

Architectural mindset

Leadership / project management

Education

Bachelor’s in Engineering or Computer Science

Job description

Job#: 3042324

Job Description:

SVP, Infra Engineering (Mainframe Comms Systems Software Engineer)

Location: Jersey City, New Jersey (can be remote but prefer it someone will come onsite a couple times a week)

Role Overview

We are seeking a senior-level Mainframe Systems Programmer, also known as an Infrastructure Engineer, for a critical role supporting our mainframe environment. The ideal candidate will understand and support the mainframe operating system and the infrastructure layer where foundational software, tools, and services are installed and maintained. This position requires a professional with architectural capability, hands-on depth, and the ability to work independently with minimal training.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated run and support ownership for the mainframe environment, ensuring steady-state operations.
• Manage and administer multiple mainframes running on z/OS systems.
• Oversee hardware and software lifecycle management projects.
• Install, support, and administer systems software, including Independent Software Vendor (ISV) products using tools like SMP/E.
• Modernize, enhance, and continuously improve capabilities through innovation and automation.
• Partner with data center services, production services, and application developers to shape new opportunities.
• Ensure the environment is fully absorbed into operational processes, controls, and support procedures.
• Provide stable day-to-day support, including monitoring, incident and problem coordination, and maintenance execution.

Required Qualifications

Experience:

• 10+ years of diverse experience in multiple areas of information technology.
• Proven experience as a senior Mainframe Systems Programmer (z/OS or MVS).
• Experience supporting z/OS systems, including software installation and operating system-level support.
• Direct experience leading a technical team and complex projects or programs.
• Experience in architecture, design principles, tooling, utilities, and data transport.

Technical Skills

• z/OS (or MVS) operating system experience.
• Foundational mainframe skills including JCL and ISPF/TSO.
• Proficiency with SMP/E for software installation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of mainframe security mechanisms such as ACF2, RACF, and/or Top Secret (TSS).
• Familiarity with one or more of the following: DB2, IMS, CICS.
• Knowledge of mainframe communications: VTAM, TCP/IP, IBM Connect:Direct.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the securities or financial services industry.
• Experience installing and supporting non-IBM (ISV) vendor software.
• Knowledge of BMC products such as BMC AMI OPS Automation, BMC AMI OPS Monitors, or BMC MainView.
• Experience converting from Broadcom tools (e.g., SYSVIEW) to BMC tools.
• Experience converting from Top Secret or ACF2 to RACF.
• ITIL or ITSM expertise, particularly in Release, Change, and CMDB.
• A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Benefits Overview

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

Disability Accommodations

If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [email protected] or 804-523-8228. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.

Transparency in Coverage

UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Transparency in Coverage Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Everforth Apex Systems.