Senior Mainframe Architect

About the Role
Client relies on IBM Z platforms for mission-critical processes across manufacturing, supply chain, dealer networks, finance, and customer systems. We are looking for a Senior Mainframe Architect who is a hands-on subject matter expert across the z/OS ecosystem. You will set the architecture, standards, and roadmap for our mainframe estate and provide technical direction to our external managed services partner, Kyndryl.
Key Responsibilities
Architecture and Design

• Define the target-state architecture and multi-year roadmap for z/OS, CICS, DB2, IMS, and WebSphere Liberty.
• Design scalable, secure, high-availability solutions that integrate the mainframe with enterprise systems and cloud platforms.
• Evaluate and recommend modernization approaches (API enablement, hybrid cloud, refactoring, selective migration) with clear cost, risk, and value cases.
• Establish architectural standards, patterns, and governance for mainframe changes.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the escalation point for complex incidents, performance issues, and root cause analysis.
• Guide application and platform teams on transaction processing (CICS, IMS TM), database management (DB2, IMS DB), and batch job control (JCL).
• Architect WebSphere Liberty on z/OS for Java workloads and REST/JSON services that connect mainframe applications to distributed and cloud systems.
• Provide guidance on COBOL application design, maintenance, and modernization.

Mainframe Operating Systems

• Proficiency with IBM z/OS and related environments, including system programming concepts, Parallel Sysplex, and storage.

Key Mainframe Products

• Expertise in CICS (transaction processing), DB2 (database management), IMS (transaction and database management), and JCL (job control).
• Hands-on experience with IBM WebSphere Liberty on z/OS.
• Working knowledge of messaging on z/OS (e.g., IBM MQ).

General

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years of mainframe experience, including 5+ years in an architect or senior technical lead role.
• Experience working with an external outsourcing partner; Kyndryl experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, including presenting to senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with z/OS Connect, API management, and hybrid cloud integration.
• Mainframe DevOps experience (Git, CI/CD, automated testing, IBM DBB, Zowe, Ansible for z/OS).
• Familiarity with Omegamon, NetView, SA z/OS, and CICSPlex SM.
• Experience in automotive or large-scale manufacturing.
• Certifications such as IBM Z, ITIL, TOGAF, or cloud architecture credentials.