Lead z/OS Mainframe Systems Engineer

Location: Remote (Candidates must reside in DC, MD, VA, WV, PA, DE, NJ, or NC)
Rate: $87.12/hour W-2
Interview Process: Second-round onsite interview required in Reston, VA or Washington, DC

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead z/OS Mainframe Systems Engineer to support the maintenance, modernization, security, and optimization of a large-scale IBM z/OS environment. This role is heavily focused on mainframe security, encryption, RACF administration, CyberArk integration, and platform resiliency while providing technical leadership across infrastructure initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and support of IBM z/OS mainframe infrastructure.
• Manage and enhance mainframe security, including RACF, CyberArk integration, and vulnerability remediation.
• Support data encryption initiatives for data at rest and data in transit.
• Optimize and maintain SYSPLEX environments, system resiliency, and platform availability.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues, perform root cause analysis, and support incident resolution.
• Collaborate with managed service providers and internal teams to improve operational performance and scalability.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to cross-functional teams.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience supporting IBM z/OS environments in a SYSPLEX infrastructure.
• Strong experience with:
  • RACF Security Administration
  • z/OS Systems Programming
  • CICS TS Systems Programming
  • IBM MQ Systems Programming
  • DB2 administration/support
  • IBM System Automation
  • Control-M Batch Scheduling
  • ISV product installation and implementation
• 5+ years of cybersecurity experience, including mainframe security and ransomware mitigation.
• Experience with CyberArk integration, encryption technologies, and security compliance initiatives.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project coordination skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced SYSPLEX and ICF configuration/tuning experience.
• Experience with Sysplex decoupling projects.
• Knowledge of TCP/IP networking on mainframe platforms.
• Experience with IBM z16 hardware and Dell EMC storage environments.
• Familiarity with pervasive encryption, key management, and ransomware protection solutions for mainframes.
• Experience with Vanguard Compliance Manager.

If you are a senior mainframe engineer with deep expertise in z/OS security, infrastructure modernization, and enterprise-scale systems support, we encourage you to apply.

Ref: #851-Rockville-S1