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Mainframe System Engineer

00069379461

Job Title: z/OS Administrator / Mainframe System Engineer

Job Location: Hybrid [3 days in Office]- Hartford, CT, USA.

Other Location: St Paul, Minnesota/ Cockeysville, MD

** Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future**

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled z/OS Administrator / Mainframe System Engineer to manage and support enterprise mainframe environments. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in IBM z/OS systems, strong experience in system upgrades, security, performance tuning, and hands-on exposure to advanced mainframe components including encryption, networking, and storage subsystems.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $75,000 to $90,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

In this role, you will

  • Administer and maintain IBM z/OS environments (z/OS 3.1 and above) ensuring high availability and reliability

  • Perform mainframe LPAR builds, system configuration, and environment setup

  • Execute z/OS upgrades, including installation of patches, fixes, and system enhancements

  • Install, configure, and maintain ISV products

  • Manage system parameters including PARMLIB maintenance

  • Monitor and analyze system performance using RMF and SMF, and provide performance reports

  • Configure and administer z/OSMF (z/OS Management Facility)

  • Support and maintain Parallel Sysplex environments

  • Manage and resolve z/OS-related incidents and production issues

  • Optimize workload management using WLM

Additional Responsibilities

  • Conduct data review analysis, provide summaries, and recommend improvements

  • Manage certificate inventory and renewal for applications across the environment

  • Configure and validate AT-TLS (Application Transparent Transport Layer Security)

  • Perform ZFS (z/OS File System) operational tasks

  • Analyze and resolve Connect:Direct issues, including configuration and troubleshooting

  • Collaborate with DB2 teams on Precisely POC (Proof of Concept) tasks

  • Implement and manage ICSF (Integrated Cryptographic Service Facility) encryption

What you’ll need to succeed (required skills)

  • 8+ years of experience in IBM z/OS operating systems

  • Hands-on experience with Parallel Sysplex architecture

  • Proficiency in SMPE (System Modification Program Extended)

  • Experience with RMF (Resource Measurement Facility) and SMF (System Management Facility)

  • Strong knowledge of WLM (Workload Manager)

  • Solid understanding of IBM System z architecture

  • Experience with zOSMF configuration and administration

  • Proven experience in z/OS upgrades, patching, and maintenance

  • Expertise in ISV product installation and lifecycle management

Preferred Skills

  • Experience working in large-scale enterprise mainframe environments

  • Strong troubleshooting skills across networking, security, and storage layers in z/OS

  • Familiarity with encryption technologies and secure communications (ICSF, AT-TLS)

  • Experience supporting file systems and data transfer tools (ZFS, Connect:Direct)

  • Exposure to DB2 ecosystem and integration tools (Precisely)

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
  • Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) plan and contributions
  • Long-term/Short-term Disability
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Work model:

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is hybrid role requiring 3 days a week at the client site in Hartford, CT/ St Paul, Minnesota/ Cockeysville, MD, USA.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

“Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

About Cognizant: 
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.

Benefits that help you thrive and grow

Our benefits program is built with you in mind—so you can enjoy a fulfilling, balanced and healthy life.

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Financial wellbeing

We regularly review market data to ensure compensation reflects the value you bring. Your benefits extend beyond pay and may include retirement plans, financial education, etc.

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Physical and mental health

We empower you to prioritize your wellbeing through paid time off, flexible working where possible, healthcare plans, counselling, our Mental Health Allyship program and more. 

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Your career, your way

With 350,000+ roles at Cognizant, you’ll have opportunities explore new technologies, industries and locations—and build the skills you need to grow your career.

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Real-world impact

Think about the biggest brands you rely on. Chances are, they rely on us to help strengthen their business. Here, you’ll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve lives everywhere.

Your path to Cognizant

Here’s what you can expect from our hiring process. Please keep in mind that it may vary by role and location. Explore our FAQs to learn more.

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Step 1: Apply to the right opportunity

Find an open role that matches your skills and career goals and show us why you’re the person for the job. Don’t see the right opportunity? Consider joining our Talent Community.

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Step 2: Connect with your recruiter

If one of our recruiters sees a fit, they’ll set up a short intro call to learn more about you and how your experiences and skills match the role.

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Step 3: Show off your skills

If you and our team would like to continue the process, you’ll interview with our hiring team. Some roles may also require technical assessments and/or client interviews.

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Step 4: Decision time

Our team will then review each candidates’ potential to succeed in the role. This step may take some time because we want to find the right fit for both you and us—but you can count on us to keep you updated.

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