Job Ttile: Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Work Mode: Onsite (Hybrid)

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to support IBM Z virtualization environments and Linux on Z platforms. This role is responsible for provisioning, maintaining, and optimizing virtual machines and Linux systems running on z/VM, ensuring high availability, performance, and secure operations in enterprise environments.

Location & Onsite Requirement

This role requires employees to live in or around the Phoenix, AZ area, and to be onsite 3 days a week. Candidates willing to relocate to the area will be considered.

z/VM Administration

• Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/VM systems

• Manage lifecycle of virtual machines (guests):

  • Provisioning

  • Scaling

  • Decommissioning

• Administer z/VM components such as:

  • DirMaint

  • VMSES/E

  • RACF for z/VM security

• Apply system maintenance:

  • RSUs, PTFs, APARs, and service updates

• Perform system IPLs and hardware configuration updates via HMC

Linux on Z Administration

• Install, configure, and maintain Linux distributions on IBM Z:

  • RHEL

  • SUSE

  • Ubuntu

• Support deployment and management of Linux workloads on z/VM

• Ensure system stability, performance, and security compliance

• Perform patching, upgrades, and vulnerability remediation

• Manage file systems, storage, and network configurations

Operations & Support

• Monitor system performance and availability:

  • CPU, memory, I/O utilization

  • Workload performance and capacity

• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues:

  • Performance bottlenecks

  • VM failures

  • Linux system errors

• Analyze logs and system metrics to ensure operational stability

• Provide L2/L3 support for production environments

Automation & Integration

• Automate provisioning and operational tasks using:

  • REXX

  • Shell scripting

  • Python (preferred)

• Support DevOps and integration initiatives:

  • CI/CD pipelines

  • Container platforms (Docker, Kubernetes – optional)

• Assist application teams with deploying workloads on Linux on Z

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain security controls:

  • RACF integration for z/VM

  • Linux OS hardening

• Ensure compliance with enterprise standards and audit requirements

• Support vulnerability management and patch remediation

Governance & Documentation

• Maintain system documentation and configuration records

• Ensure all changes follow:

  • ITIL / ServiceNow change management processes

• Support DR planning and execution for z/VM and Linux systems

Required Qualifications

• Strong experience with:

  • IBM z/VM (z/VM 6.x / 7.x)

  • Linux on IBM Z (RHEL/SUSE/Ubuntu)

• Hands-on experience with:

  • Virtual machine provisioning and management

  • VM directory management (DirMaint)

  • System maintenance (RSUs, APARs, VMSES/E)

• Knowledge of:

  • HMC operations and IPL processes

  • Storage (DASD) and networking on z systems

• Strong troubleshooting skills across:

  • z/VM system issues

  • Linux OS performance and configuration

Preferred Experience

• Knowledge of Sysplex, networking, and storage integration

• Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., Grafana, OMEGAMON) and automation tooling (Ansible, scripting)

• Exposure to cloud integration / hybrid environments and container workloads on Linux on Z