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# Senior Mainframe Architect

- **Company:** IBM
- **Location:** Lake Angelus, MI, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Automation of Tests, Customer Information Control System (CICS), Cloud Engineering, COBOL (Programming Language), Continuous Integration, IBM DB2, IBM Parallel Sysplex, Job Control Language (JCL), IBM WebSphere MQ, Tivoli Management Framework, IBM Websphere Application Server, IBM Information Management System, JSON, Mainframes, Ansible, Software Engineering, System Programming, Z/OS, Transaction Processing (Computing), Enterprise Software Applications, Cloud Platform System, HybridCloud, Git, Togaf, Information Technology, Omegamon, SAP Ariba, Code Restructuring, Api Management
- **Published:** October 18, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/861c5ad6-6387-41c4-800d-ba2d6d1d9622

## About the Role

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.

## Description

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., 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.