Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer

Kforce Inc.

Chandler, AZ

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$50–$70
SKILLS
CPU (Central Processing Unit), Capacity Management, Cloud Computing, DevOps, Distributed Computing, Docker, Documentation, Ecosystems, Enterprise Applications, Failover, Hardware Virtualization, High Availability, Hybrid Cloud, IBM Mainframe, IBM Product Family, IBM Rexx Programming Language, IBM Systems, IBM VM Operating System Family, Identify Issues, Input/Output, Legal, Linux Administration, Linux Operating System, Mainframe Computer, Memory Hardware, Network Configuration Management, Network Connectivity, Network Support, Operations Processes, Performance Analysis, Performance Tuning/Optimization, Problem Solving Skills, Production Systems, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Red Hat Linux Operating System, Regulatory Compliance, Scripting (Scripting Languages), Short Messaging Service (SMS), Software Administration, Software Engineering, Software Patches, SuSE Linux, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Maintenance, Test Plan/Schedule, Ubuntu, Unix Shell Programming, Virtual Machine (VM), Virtualization, z-VM Operating System
LOCATION
Chandler, AZ
POSTED
30+ days ago
Kforce has a client in Chandler, AZ that is seeking an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to support virtualization and Linux environments on IBM Z systems. This role focuses on platform administration, virtualization, and Linux system management within a mainframe ecosystem. The Engineer will be responsible for maintaining stable, secure, and high-performing environments that support enterprise applications and modern workloads. Duties:
  • Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/VM environments
  • Provision and manage virtual machines (z/VM guests) across development, test, and production environments
  • Monitor and optimize CPU, memory, I/O, and system performance
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues across z/VM and Linux environments
  • Install, configure, and support Linux on IBM Z platforms (RHEL, SUSE, Ubuntu, or similar)
  • Manage storage (DASD) and assist with environment capacity planning
  • Support network configuration and connectivity within z/VM and Linux environments
  • Collaborate with infrastructure, application, and DevOps teams to support enterprise workloads
  • Support automation and scripting efforts using tools such as REXX, Shell, or Python
  • Participate in disaster recovery planning, failover testing, and high availability initiatives
  • Maintain system documentation, procedures, and operational standards
Administer z/VM components such as:
  • DirMaint
  • VMSES/E
  • RACF for z/VM (where applicable)
Perform system-level tasks including:
  • Patching, upgrades, and maintenance (PTFs, APARs)
  • System configuration and performance tuning

Requirements:

  • 5+ years of experience working in IBM mainframe environments
  • Familiarity with DASD storage concepts and allocation
  • Experience working in production environments requiring high availability and stability
  • Strong troubleshooting skills across both virtualization and Linux platforms
Strong hands-on experience with:
  • IBM z/VM administration
  • Linux on IBM Z (s390x architecture)
Experience with:
  • Virtual machine provisioning and lifecycle management
  • System maintenance (patching, upgrades, service updates)
  • Performance monitoring and tuning
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with automation tools or scripting (REXX, Shell, Python)
  • Familiarity with HMC operations and system IPL processes
  • Exposure to monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, Grafana, or similar)
  • Experience with containerization or cloud technologies (Docker, Kubernetes, hybrid cloud)
  • Familiarity with security practices and compliance standards
  • Experience integrating Linux on Z with enterprise or distributed systems
What Makes This Role a Great Fit:
  • You enjoy working at the platform and infrastructure level
  • You have strong interest in virtualization and Linux environments on mainframe systems
  • You are comfortable managing both traditional mainframe and modern workloads
  • You like solving complex performance, scalability, and reliability challenges

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

By clicking “Apply Today” you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.


About the Company

K

Kforce Inc.

Kforce is a solutions firm specializing in technology, finance and accounting, and professional staffing services. Our KNOWLEDGEforce® empowers top companies to achieve their digital transformation goals. We curate teams of technical experts who deliver solutions custom-tailored to each client’s needs. These scalable, flexible outcomes are shaped by deep market knowledge, thought leadership and our multi-industry expertise.

 

Our integrated approach is rooted in 60 years of proven success deploying highly skilled professionals on a temporary and direct-hire basis. Each year, approximately 18,000 talented experts work with the Fortune 500 and other leading companies. Together, we deliver Great Results Through Strategic Partnership and Knowledge Sharing®.

COMPANY SIZE
1,000 to 1,499 employees
INDUSTRY
Financial Services
FOUNDED
1962
WEBSITE
http://www.kforce.com/