Our client is seeking a Mainframe Monitoring Specialist who will support several projects at a federal agency. The position is located ONSITE in the Washington, DC metro area. The qualified candidate should have strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with sharp attention to detail.
The Senior Mainframe Monitoring & Support Specialist is responsible for:
- Provides operational support, problem determination and resolution, and documentation on all aspects of mainframe, multi-processor environment processing.
- Communicating with software support personnel, management, and vendors to resolve problems.
- Interfaces with National Support Center, Evault Support Center and Second Support Center personnel to remain current on all system changes, procedures and documentation.
- Mitigate/ minimize all outage situations by determining problem, isolate, and troubleshoot mainframe and open systems.
- Perform IT-related equipment installation, removal, or maintenance, along with any environmental changes.
- Support two or more mainframe systems and all attached peripheral devices and connectivity to all devices mainframe and Open Systems. Software and devices include: Multi Image Manager (MIM), z/OS MVS, JES3 functions, Central Processing Units (CPUs), Direct Access Storage Devices (DASD), Virtual Tape Systems, Coupling facilities, Network devices, and FICON directors.
- Review configuration charts of the SSC facility.
- Identify/resolve problems on large-scale mainframe including peripheral equipment and network hardware and software.
- Analyze and develop solutions relative to systems software, computer hardware, or application program problems.
- Provide technical direction and input on the isolation and resolution of hardware and software problems.
- Monitor performance levels of large-scale systems and network complexes to ensure system resource availability.
- Interface with SSA software groups to resolve mainframe application and Operating Systems (z/OS) problems.
- Work directly with vendors, software technicians, and facilities personnel to maintain highest level of processing possible.
- Research and gather information to support problem resolution using COMM dumps, stand-alone dumps (SAD), JES3 dumps, LOGREC, OPSLOG, RMF and SYSLOG information.
- Record and report mainframe problem information using email, ticketing, and Activity Log systems.
- Instruct other IT Specialists on how to record problems and present oral reports to management.
- Instruct other IT Specialists on the skills of identification and resolution of hardware and software problems.
- Instruct other IT Specialists on the skills necessary to coordinate and schedule the activities of SSA hardware vendors, application software components, operating systems software components, and facilities personnel.
- Coordinates and oversees the performance of software and hardware maintenance on two or more mainframe systems, assigned Open Systems equipment and all attached peripheral devices and connectivity to all devices.
- Consult with and coordinate all operational components concerning the scheduling of systems time for multi-vendor remedial service or preventive maintenance, and critical system software testing.
- Convey all information appropriately (phone, email, page etc.), accurately, and effectively.
- Gather all pertinent documentation and provide it to responsible personnel for their action.
- Perform system resets to prepare for maintenance. After maintenance is complete, perform system IMLs if required and then perform system IPLs to prepare systems for operation.
- Coordinate & oversee security access control for mainframe systems and all attached peripheral devices vendor support.
Schedule:
- This task will be located at the Social Security Administration (SSA) Second Support Center (SSC) in Urbana, MD.
- Holiday and weekend coverage is required for this task. Work schedules should adhere to the SSA fixed shift as follows:
- A candidate to work on the evening shift (03:30 PM – 12:00 AM) with the workdays to run Wednesday – Sunday. Their weekend days would then be Monday and Tuesday.
- This task may require additional work outside of the contractor's scheduled shift. Contractors for this task are essential. Contractors on this task must report to work, even during inclement weather conditions. - Compensation for extra hours.
Requirements
- 8+ years' experience with mainframe system software such as: z/OS, JES3, CPUs, DASD, Virtual Tape Systems, FICON Directors, network devices, console commands, proprietary vendor interfaces, COMM dumps, mainframe software and hardware maintenance, security and physical access control
- Willing & able to work: 03:30 PM – 12:00 AM - Wednesday – Sunday (days off Monday and Tuesday)
- Willing & reliable to make it on-site each workday.
- Ability to qualify for Public Trust Suitability
Preferred:
- Bachelor's Degree
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to work with customer and vendors