Mainframe Solution Architect

Position : Mainframe Solution Architect

Location : Remote

JD

An IBM Mainframe Solution Architect job description involves designing, creating, and implementing technical solutions for clients, focusing on IBM z / OS and related technologies like hybrid cloud integration, security, and modernization. Key responsibilities include collaborating with clients and sales teams, defining architectural principles, leading technical workshops, creating proposals, and guiding engineering teams to ensure solutions meet business objectives, budget, and risk requirements. The role requires strong communication skills to influence stakeholders and extensive experience with mainframe architecture, security, and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

Solution design and architecture :

Architect and design robust, scalable, and secure IBM z / OS solutions that align with enterprise modernization goals.

Client collaboration :

Conduct discovery, lead client workshops, and work with sales teams to understand requirements and build solutions that meet business needs.

Proposal development :

Create client-facing proposals, including scope, work breakdown structures, labor estimates, and costings.

Technical leadership :

Guide engineering teams, mentor junior staff, and promote best practices for technical excellence and innovation.

Modernization initiatives :

Spearhead projects for legacy transformation, hybrid cloud integration, and API enablement.

Security and compliance :

Oversee security frameworks, disaster recovery strategies, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Documentation :

Create comprehensive architecture documentation, roadmaps, and operational procedures.

Key skills and experience

IBM Mainframe Expertise :

Deep knowledge of IBM z / OS and related products.

Modernization and Integration :

Experience with mainframe modernization, API enablement, and integration technologies like MQ and CICS web services.

Hybrid Cloud :

Strong knowledge of hybrid cloud integration and cloud-native platforms like OpenShift.

Security :

Expertise in enterprise security frameworks such as RACF, ACF2, and compliance standards like NIST, SOX, and PCI-DSS.

Performance and HA :

Experience with performance tuning, capacity planning, and high-availability / disaster recovery strategies like GDPS and Sysplex.

Emerging Technologies :

Familiarity with trending technologies such as AI, automation, and DevSecOps for mainframes.

Soft Skills :

Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive-level presentation skills are crucial for influencing stakeholders.

Business Acumen :

Ability to connect technical solutions to business objectives and understand industry-specific challenges.