
Mainframe System Administrator
Saic, Virginia, MN, United States
Description
SAIC is proud to support the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) under the Infrastructure Support Services (ISS) contract. We are seeking a seasoned and dynamic Mainframe System Administrator who will play a critical role in maintaining, optimizing, and securing FDIC’s mainframe infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and support of mission‑critical operations. This position requires strong technical expertise, a solid understanding of mainframe technologies, and the ability to effectively manage complex IT systems in a high‑security environment.
Key Responsibilities
Mainframe System Administration and Maintenance
Oversee the day‑to‑day operations, implementation, and monitoring of mainframe systems including system performance, capacity planning, and resource allocation to meet FDIC's requirements.
Perform system upgrades, patches, and maintenance of mainframe operating systems (e.g., IBM z/OS) and related components.
Assist with disaster recovery planning, testing, and implementation to ensure the availability of systems during unplanned outages or emergencies.
Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network connectivity issues on the mainframe platform.
Hardware configuration using the Hardware Management Console.
Security and Compliance
Implement and maintain security policies, tools, and best practices in accordance with FDIC guidelines to safeguard systems and data.
Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with federal regulations (e.g., FISMA, NIST, and FDIC IT policies).
Manage access controls, user permissions, and authentication mechanisms to ensure system integrity and prevent unauthorized access.
Support and Optimization
Provide support on mainframe applications including COBOL, JCL, DB2, CICS, and other mainframe‑specific technologies.
Provide support to other technical groups within the organization as well as end‑users when needed.
Support may be in the form of direct technical assistance with software and/or hardware configuration and use, advanced problem determination and root cause analysis, and assistance in responding to audit and security configuration inquiries.
Monitor system performance and proactively address bottlenecks or inefficiencies. Recommend solutions to optimize performance.
Serve as an escalation point for technical issues, working collaboratively with internal teams and vendors to resolve incidents.
Project and Resource Management
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and FDIC stakeholders to design, plan, and implement mainframe‑related projects.
Support the migration of legacy applications and environments to align with FDIC’s evolving technical strategies.
Provide technical expertise for special projects and new initiatives.
Documentation and Reporting
Maintain up‑to‑date documentation on configurations, procedures, and system changes.
Prepare and present regular status updates and performance reports to FDIC leadership and stakeholders.
Contribute to knowledge‑sharing efforts to enhance team efficiency and readiness.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience and 5 years' experience as a Mainframe System Administrator or in a similar role; experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
10 - 15+ years performing general z/OS systems programming tasks.
Experience installing and maintaining z/OS operating system and 3rd party products using z/OSMF.
Experience with installation and configuration of z/OSMF.
Experience with installation and configuration of automation tools (Control-O/M highly desired).
Experience with using Omegamon Monitors for z/OS and Networks.
Experience with utility programs and products including: ISPF, IDCAMS, CLISTS/REXX, SORT, TSO, JCL, Workload Manager (WLM), SMP/E, JCL and assorted system monitor tools.
Experience with SYSPLEX environment changes, such as changes to CFRM, LOGR and WLM policies.
Experience coding in Rexx; TSO Clist (USS Shell and Windows PowerShell desired).
Basic understanding of DB2 for z/OS. Expertise in IBM z/OS and related mainframe tools and utilities (e.g., JCL, TSO/ISPF, VTAM, RACF, DFSMS, etc.). Understanding of mainframe networking concepts and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, VTAM/SNA).
Experience in mainframe performance tuning, capacity management, and workload balancing.
Knowledge of IT security principles, practices, and federal regulatory compliance (e.g., FISMA, NIST standards).
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
U.S. citizenship required due to federal contracting requirements. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience providing IT support in federal government environments, preferably with FDIC or financial regulatory agencies.
Familiarity with mainframe automation tools and monitoring solutions (e.g., IBM System Automation, CA Workload Automation).
Background in implementing mainframe modernization initiatives such as data migration or integrating with cloud or distributed computing environments.
Knowledge of database management systems (DB2, IMS) on the mainframe.
Experience with Java, JSON and XML desired.
Comprehensive knowledge of z/Enterprise server technology, software technology, systems analysis, research techniques, systems development standards and quality and cost controls.
Additional Information
Work Location: Must be available for on‑site support at FDIC offices when required, with some flexibility for remote work as determined by project and program needs.
Contracting Requirements: As this position supports a contract with FDIC, the candidate must comply with all federal guidelines, security regulations, and project‑specific requirements.
Travel: Limited travel may be required for disaster recovery activities, system implementations, or team meetings.
Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
SAIC is proud to support the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) under the Infrastructure Support Services (ISS) contract. We are seeking a seasoned and dynamic Mainframe System Administrator who will play a critical role in maintaining, optimizing, and securing FDIC’s mainframe infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and support of mission‑critical operations. This position requires strong technical expertise, a solid understanding of mainframe technologies, and the ability to effectively manage complex IT systems in a high‑security environment.
Key Responsibilities
Mainframe System Administration and Maintenance
Oversee the day‑to‑day operations, implementation, and monitoring of mainframe systems including system performance, capacity planning, and resource allocation to meet FDIC's requirements.
Perform system upgrades, patches, and maintenance of mainframe operating systems (e.g., IBM z/OS) and related components.
Assist with disaster recovery planning, testing, and implementation to ensure the availability of systems during unplanned outages or emergencies.
Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network connectivity issues on the mainframe platform.
Hardware configuration using the Hardware Management Console.
Security and Compliance
Implement and maintain security policies, tools, and best practices in accordance with FDIC guidelines to safeguard systems and data.
Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with federal regulations (e.g., FISMA, NIST, and FDIC IT policies).
Manage access controls, user permissions, and authentication mechanisms to ensure system integrity and prevent unauthorized access.
Support and Optimization
Provide support on mainframe applications including COBOL, JCL, DB2, CICS, and other mainframe‑specific technologies.
Provide support to other technical groups within the organization as well as end‑users when needed.
Support may be in the form of direct technical assistance with software and/or hardware configuration and use, advanced problem determination and root cause analysis, and assistance in responding to audit and security configuration inquiries.
Monitor system performance and proactively address bottlenecks or inefficiencies. Recommend solutions to optimize performance.
Serve as an escalation point for technical issues, working collaboratively with internal teams and vendors to resolve incidents.
Project and Resource Management
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and FDIC stakeholders to design, plan, and implement mainframe‑related projects.
Support the migration of legacy applications and environments to align with FDIC’s evolving technical strategies.
Provide technical expertise for special projects and new initiatives.
Documentation and Reporting
Maintain up‑to‑date documentation on configurations, procedures, and system changes.
Prepare and present regular status updates and performance reports to FDIC leadership and stakeholders.
Contribute to knowledge‑sharing efforts to enhance team efficiency and readiness.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience and 5 years' experience as a Mainframe System Administrator or in a similar role; experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
10 - 15+ years performing general z/OS systems programming tasks.
Experience installing and maintaining z/OS operating system and 3rd party products using z/OSMF.
Experience with installation and configuration of z/OSMF.
Experience with installation and configuration of automation tools (Control-O/M highly desired).
Experience with using Omegamon Monitors for z/OS and Networks.
Experience with utility programs and products including: ISPF, IDCAMS, CLISTS/REXX, SORT, TSO, JCL, Workload Manager (WLM), SMP/E, JCL and assorted system monitor tools.
Experience with SYSPLEX environment changes, such as changes to CFRM, LOGR and WLM policies.
Experience coding in Rexx; TSO Clist (USS Shell and Windows PowerShell desired).
Basic understanding of DB2 for z/OS. Expertise in IBM z/OS and related mainframe tools and utilities (e.g., JCL, TSO/ISPF, VTAM, RACF, DFSMS, etc.). Understanding of mainframe networking concepts and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, VTAM/SNA).
Experience in mainframe performance tuning, capacity management, and workload balancing.
Knowledge of IT security principles, practices, and federal regulatory compliance (e.g., FISMA, NIST standards).
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
U.S. citizenship required due to federal contracting requirements. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience providing IT support in federal government environments, preferably with FDIC or financial regulatory agencies.
Familiarity with mainframe automation tools and monitoring solutions (e.g., IBM System Automation, CA Workload Automation).
Background in implementing mainframe modernization initiatives such as data migration or integrating with cloud or distributed computing environments.
Knowledge of database management systems (DB2, IMS) on the mainframe.
Experience with Java, JSON and XML desired.
Comprehensive knowledge of z/Enterprise server technology, software technology, systems analysis, research techniques, systems development standards and quality and cost controls.
Additional Information
Work Location: Must be available for on‑site support at FDIC offices when required, with some flexibility for remote work as determined by project and program needs.
Contracting Requirements: As this position supports a contract with FDIC, the candidate must comply with all federal guidelines, security regulations, and project‑specific requirements.
Travel: Limited travel may be required for disaster recovery activities, system implementations, or team meetings.
Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
#J-18808-Ljbffr