Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer

Mainframe z/VM & Linux EngineerWe 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.ResponsibilitiesInstall, configure, and maintain IBM z/VM systemsManage lifecycle of virtual machines (guests): ProvisioningScalingDecommissioningAdminister z/VM components such as: DirMaintVMSES/ERACF for z/VM securityApply system maintenance: RSUs, PTFs, APARs, and service updatesPerform system IPLs and hardware configuration updates via HMCInstall, configure, and maintain Linux distributions on IBM Z: RHEL, SUSE, UbuntuSupport 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 configurationsMonitor system performance and availability: CPU, memory, I/O utilizationWorkload performance and capacityTroubleshoot and resolve system issues: Performance bottlenecksVM failuresLinux system errorsAnalyze logs and system metrics to ensure operational stabilityProvide L2/L3 support for production environmentsAutomate provisioning and operational tasks using: REXX, Shell scripting, Python (preferred)Support DevOps and integration initiatives: CI/CD pipelinesContainer platforms (Docker, Kubernetes – optional)Assist application teams with deploying workloads on Linux on ZImplement and maintain security controls: RACF integration for z/VMLinux OS hardeningEnsure compliance with enterprise standards and audit requirementsSupport vulnerability management and patch remediationMaintain system documentation and configuration recordsEnsure all changes follow ITIL / ServiceNow change management processesSupport DR planning and execution for z/VM and Linux systemsRequired QualificationsStrong 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 ExperienceKnowledge 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