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# Systems Administrator III

- **Company:** Horizontal Talent
- **Location:** Richmond, VA, United States
- **Salary:** $118,560.0 - $191,360.0
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, IBM AIX, User Authentication, Unix, Configuration Management Databases, Linux, Disaster Recovery, Dynamical Systems, Middleware, IBM WebSphere MQ, Enterprise Software Applications, System Availability, Change Tracking, Performance Monitor
- **Published:** October 15, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.jofdav.com/jobs/60111457-systems-administrator-iii

## About the Role

* Strong experience administering IBM MQ messaging middleware.
 * Hands-on knowledge of configuring and supporting queue managers, channels, listeners, and related components.
 * Experience working with secure communications, including SSL/TLS and access controls.
 * Ability to monitor performance, identify bottlenecks, and tune system settings for stability.
 * Solid troubleshooting skills with the ability to analyze logs and resolve technical issues effectively.
 * Experience supporting system maintenance, upgrades, and operational continuity.
 * Familiarity with backup and recovery processes for enterprise systems.
 * Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate across technical teams.
 * Strong documentation habits and attention to detail.

Preferred Skills

 * Experience with high availability and multi-instance queue manager configurations.
 * Background supporting enterprise environments with 24/7 operational needs.
 * Familiarity with disaster recovery testing and business continuity planning.
 * Exposure to configuration management databases and incident/change tracking processes.
 * Experience escalating and coordinating issues with vendor support when needed.
 * Ability to contribute to architecture or design discussions around messaging solutions.
 * A proactive, service-oriented approach to supporting internal teams and business needs.

Horizontal is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences can thrive. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential to innovation, collaboration, and success.

## Description

Join a dynamic systems administration opportunity focused on supporting enterprise messaging infrastructure that helps keep critical applications connected and running smoothly. This 12-month role is ideal for an IBM MQ professional who enjoys hands-on administration, troubleshooting, and working across teams to maintain secure, reliable system operations.
Responsibilities

 * Install, configure, and maintain IBM MQ software across supported platforms, including Windows, Linux, Unix, and AIX.
 * Set up and support queue managers, queues, channels, listeners, clustering, and high availability environments.
 * Implement and maintain security controls, including authentication, authorization, SSL/TLS, and Channel Authentication Records.
 * Monitor queue depths, channel activity, and overall system performance to help ensure reliable message flow.
 * Troubleshoot connectivity issues, delivery failures, and message backlogs while analyzing logs and error files.
 * Apply patches, updates, and version upgrades to maintain a healthy and stable messaging environment.
 * Perform routine health checks, audits, and capacity planning to support ongoing performance and reliability.
 * Support backup, recovery, and disaster recovery activities for queue manager data and configurations.
 * Partner with application, network, and infrastructure teams to resolve integration and deployment issues.
 * Create and maintain technical documentation, procedures, and operational reports.