Principal Mainframe ZCloud Modernization

Job Title: Principal Mainframe ZCloud Modernization Consultant (15+ Years Experience) Experience Level: 15+ Years About the Role We are seeking an exceptionally seasoned and strategic Principal Mainframe ZCloud Modernization Consultant to drive the future of our mission-critical systems.

This role is for a proven thought leader and technical expert with over 15 years of experience in the IBM Z environment, coupled with extensive, hands-on knowledge of cloud migration strategies, hybrid cloud architecture, and mainframe modernization techniques (e.g., re-platforming, re-hosting, API enablement, cloud-native development for z/OS). The consultant will be responsible for defining the end-to-end ZCloud strategy, leading complex migration projects, mentoring senior technical teams, and acting as the primary subject matter expert for integrating our Mainframe environment with modern cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP, or IBM Cloud).

Key Responsibilities Strategy & Architecture Leadership Define ZCloud Strategy: Architect and champion the long-term vision, roadmap, and design for leveraging ZCloud capabilities, hybrid cloud patterns, and/or migrating critical workloads off the mainframe to public/private cloud environments.

Consultation & Advisory: Serve as the trusted advisor to C-suite and senior leadership on mainframe TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), modernization opportunities, business case development, and risk mitigation strategies.

Hybrid Cloud Design: Design robust, scalable, and secure hybrid cloud solutions that seamlessly integrate z/OS applications (CICS, IMS, DB2) using modern integration techniques (APIs, MQ, Kafka, z/OS Connect).

Security & Compliance: Ensure all mainframe-to-cloud solutions meet stringent US regulatory compliance and security requirements (e.g., SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS) by leveraging tools like RACF/ACF2/TSS and cloud security best practices.

Execution & Delivery Migration Leadership: Lead the technical execution of large-scale mainframe migration/modernization programs, utilizing methodologies such as Micro Focus, Astascale, or re-platforming/re-hosting initiatives. Code & Data Modernization: Oversee the transformation of legacy code (COBOL, PL/I, Assembler) and data structures (VSAM, DB2, IMS) for cloud compatibility, focusing on refactoring, re-engineering, or co-existence patterns.

DevOps for Z: Drive the implementation and adoption of modern DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and SRE practices for the IBM Z platform using tools like Jenkins, GitLab/GitHub, Ansible, and z/OS-specific tools (e.g., IBM Z Development and Test Environment).

Performance Engineering: Conduct expert-level capacity planning, performance tuning, and optimization of the mainframe environment and the newly created ZCloud or hybrid architecture. Mentorship & Enablement Technical Mentorship: Mentor and develop internal technical teams (System Programmers, Architects, Developers) in modern mainframe practices, cloud principles, and ZCloud technologies.

Documentation & Standards: Establish and enforce best practices, architectural standards, and detailed technical documentation for all ZCloud and modernization efforts. Required Technical Qualifications 15+ years of hands-on experience in the IBM Mainframe z/OS environment.

Deep Z/OS Expertise: Expert-level knowledge of z/OS internals, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SMP/E, and subsystem administration for at least three of the following: CICS, IMS, DB2, MQ, WAS/Liberty, or Security (RACF/ACF2/TSS).

Cloud Modernization Experience (Mandatory): Proven experience leading and delivering at least three full-cycle mainframe modernization/migration projects to a major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, GCP, or IBM Cloud).

ZCloud Technology: Expertise with modern IBM Z technologies, including z/OS Container Extensions (zCX), LinuxONE, OpenShift on Z, or z/OS Connect.

Programming & Scripting: Expert proficiency in core mainframe languages (COBOL, PL/I, Assembler) and modern scripting/automation languages like Python, REXX, or Ansible.

Networking & Connectivity: Strong understanding of mainframe network architecture and integration protocols (e.g., VTAM, TCP/IP, API Gateways).

Professional Skills & Attributes Consultative Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead complex technology discussions, influence decision-makers, and present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical executive audiences.

Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of resolving critical, large-scale technical challenges in high-pressure environments.

Team Collaboration: Proven experience working effectively with cross-functional teams, including application development, infrastructure, security, and business stakeholders.

Self-Driven: Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and lead project delivery from concept to completion.

Education & Certifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

Relevant certifications highly preferred: IBM Certified Systems Programmer, AWS/Azure/GCP Cloud Architect, or TOGAF.

Job Types: Contract, Temporary

Pay: $ $120.00 per hour

Expected hours: 21 – 25 per week

Work Location: Remote