Title Senior Mainframe Automation SME
Position Contract to Hire
Location Remote work
Key Responsibilities
Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of Mainframe automation using OPS/MVS and System Automation.
Develop, enhance, and maintain automation for IPL (startup/shutdown) with a focus on stability, repeatability, and minimal manual intervention.
Support and improve Disaster Recovery (DR) processes, including GDPS workflows and recovery automation.
Partner with z/OS, Middleware, Application, Scheduling, and Infrastructure teams to align automation with operational and business requirements.
Drive phased IPL automation strategies to support controlled startup/shutdown during maintenance windows.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and system issues across Production, Non Prod, and Staging environments.
Create and maintain operational documentation, runbooks, and standards to ensure supportability and knowledge transfer.
Mentor junior engineers and promote knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Participate in Agile ceremonies; contribute to backlog refinement, PI planning, and roadmap definition.
Required Skills & Experience
A minimum of eight years of Mainframe experience with strong hands on expertise in enterprise automation.
Broadcom OPS/MVS: rule development/tuning, automation frameworks, and use of newer product capabilities.
IBM System Automation (SA z/OS): policy configuration, resource automation, and operational integration.
GDPS: strong understanding and experience with GDPS automation (e.g., Metro/Global/XRC concepts as applicable).
NetView: monitoring/integration experience and operational troubleshooting.
Strong z/OS core knowledge: JES2/JES3 concepts (as applicable), SYSLOG/message handling, WTORs, system start/stop sequencing, and IPL procedures.
Strong scripting skills with REXX (advanced), and ability to build supportable automation solutions.
Demonstrated ability to work in high availability production environments and lead incident/problem resolution.
Preferred / Desired Skills
Watchtower / observability tooling experience.
Ansible playbook development for Mainframe automation.
OPS/MVS REST API integration (e.g., integrating automation workflows with external orchestration tools).
Experience modernizing automation processes and implementing