Mainframe z/VM/ Linux Engineer (Chandler-AZ/Plano-TX/Jersey City-NJ, Charlotte-NC)

Mainframe z/VM & Linux EngineerOpen for W2 arrangements only Location: Chandler, AZ; Plano, TX; Charlotte, NC; and Jersey City, NJ from Day 1 (Client prefer local folks)Hybrid Schedule: 3 Onsite Days (Tue, Wed, Thur) & 2 Remote Days (Mon, Fri)Duration: 6+ months, extendableIt is with Banking client with Implementation partnerMode of Interview: 2 Rounds mostly In personThe Role:Client is 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.Responsibilities:z/VM Administration:Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/VM systemsPerform system IPLs and hardware configuration updates via HMCManage lifecycle of virtual machines (guests):ProvisioningScalingDecommissioningAdminister z/VM components such as:DirMaintVMSES/ERACF for z/VM securityApply system maintenance:RSUs, PTFs, APARs, and service updatesLinux on Z Administration:Support deployment and management of Linux workloads on z/VMEnsure system stability, performance, and security compliancePerform patching, upgrades, and vulnerability remediationManage file systems, storage, and network configurationsInstall, configure, and maintain Linux distributions on IBM Z:RHEL, SUSE, UbuntuOperations & Support:Analyze logs and system metrics to ensure operational stabilityProvide L2/L3 support for production environmentsMonitor system performance and availability:CPU, memory, I/O utilizationWorkload performance and capacityTroubleshoot and resolve system issues:Performance bottlenecksVM failuresLinux system errorsAutomation & IntegrationAssist application teams with deploying workloads on Linux on ZAutomate provisioning and operational tasks using:REXX, Shell scripting, Python (preferred)Support DevOps and integration initiatives:CI/CD pipelinesContainer platforms (Docker, Kubernetes – optional)Security & ComplianceEnsure compliance with enterprise standards and audit requirementsSupport vulnerability management and patch remediationImplement and maintain security controls:RACF integration for z/VMLinux OS hardeningGovernance & DocumentationMaintain system documentation and configuration recordsEnsure all changes follow:ITIL / ServiceNow change management processesSupport DR planning and execution for z/VM and Linux systemsRequired 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 managementVM directory management (DirMaint)System maintenance (RSUs, APARs, VMSES/E)Knowledge of:HMC operations and IPL processesStorage (DASD) and networking on z systemsStrong troubleshooting skills across:z/VM system issuesLinux OS performance and configurationPreferred Experience:Knowledge of Sysplex, networking, and storage integrationExperience with Monitoring tools (e.g., Grafana, OMEGAMON) and Automation tooling (Ansible, scripting)Exposure to Cloud integration / hybrid environments and Container workloads on Linux on ZPay Range: $65/hr - $70/hrThe specific compensation for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. Our full-time consultants have access to benefits including medical, dental, and vision as well as 401K contributions.