Senior Mainframe Storage and Backup Administrator

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Alabama.

📋 Description

• Oversee, manage, and enhance enterprise-level mainframe storage and backup environments.

• Administer IBM DS8000/DS8950F storage arrays, configuring GDPS Metro Mirror, Global Mirror, and HyperSwap setups.

• Manage TS7700/TS7780 virtual tape systems, including Grid and Clustering functionalities.

• Implement Safeguarded Copy along with other data protection features.

• Conduct storage provisioning, allocation, tuning, and troubleshooting for z/OS environments.

• Design, implement, and uphold mainframe backup and recovery strategies.

• Oversee backup schedules, retention policies, and virtual tape operations.

• Execute recovery validations, disaster recovery drills, and failover/failback simulations.

• Support business continuity initiatives and assist with CoLO or multi-data-center migrations.

• Perform capacity planning and analyze performance metrics, including bottlenecks, consumption, growth, and performance trends.

• Administer CA Disk, CA Allocate, CA View/Deliver, and CA Vantage tools.

• Automate operational tasks and reporting using REXX, JCL, or other scripting tools.

• Provide 24/7 operational support through an on-call rotation, which includes off-hours and weekend production changes.

• Collaborate with system programmers, application teams, and disaster recovery teams.

• Develop technical documentation, SOPs, and recovery guides.

• Mentor junior team members and facilitate cross-training opportunities.

⛳️ Requirements

• A combined minimum of 9 years of higher education and/or relevant work experience.

• Extensive knowledge of IBM DS8000/DS8950F, GDPS replication solutions, and TS7700/TS7780 virtual tape systems.

• Proficiency in CA Disk, CA Allocate, CA View/Deliver, and CA Vantage.

• In-depth understanding of DFSMS, VSAM RLS, SMS constructs, DFP, enhanced-format datasets, and z/OS storage architecture.

• Demonstrated experience in backup/recovery planning and execution.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and capacity to work effectively under pressure.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

• At least 7 years of hands-on experience in mainframe storage administration is preferred.

• Experience with Active-Active mainframe architectures is preferred.

• Prior participation in multi-data-center migrations or CoLO transitions is preferred.

• Familiarity with z/OS, JES2, REXX, and automation frameworks is preferred.

• IBM or Broadcom certifications in Storage, GDPS, or Tape Technologies are preferred.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong collaboration skills across teams and stakeholders.

• Ability to mentor junior staff and lead knowledge-transfer initiatives.

• High attention to detail and discipline in documentation practices.

• Capability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-availability environments.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation.

• Health, welfare, and retirement benefits.

• 401(k) match at 5%.

• Work-life balance and flexible work arrangements.

• 25 days of PTO plus 12 paid holidays.

• 40 hours of paid volunteer time per year.