Entry Level Linux System Administrator Jobs in Naperville, IL

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we design, build, manage and modernize the mission-critical technology systems that the world depends on every day. So why work at Kyndryl? We are always moving forward - always pushing ourselves to go further in our efforts to build a more equitable, inclusive world for our employees, our customers and our communities.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to support IBM Z virtualization environments and Linux on Z platforms. This role is responsible for provisioning, maintaining, and optimizing virtual machines and Linux systems running on z/VM, ensuring high availability, performance, and secure operations in enterprise environments.
This role requires employees to live in or around the Plano, TX, Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Pennington, NJ, Chicago, IL area. You will be responsible to be onsite 3 days a week. We will consider candidates who are willing to relocate to any of these areas.

Responsibilities include:

• Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/VM systems

• Manage lifecycle of virtual machines (guests):

  • Provisioning

  • Scaling

  • Decommissioning

• Administer z/VM components such as:

  • DirMaint

  • VMSES/E

  • RACF for z/VM security

• Apply system maintenance:

  • RSUs, PTFs, APARs, and service updates

• Perform system IPLs and hardware configuration updates via HMC

• Install, configure, and maintain Linux distributions on IBM Z:

  • RHEL, SUSE, Ubuntu

• Support deployment and management of Linux workloads on z/VM

• Ensure system stability, performance, and security compliance

• Perform patching, upgrades, and vulnerability remediation

• Manage file systems, storage, and network configurations

• Monitor system performance and availability:

  • CPU, memory, I/O utilization

  • Workload performance and capacity

• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues:

  • Performance bottlenecks

  • VM failures

  • Linux system errors

• Analyze logs and system metrics to ensure operational stability

• Provide L2/L3 support for production environments

• Automate provisioning and operational tasks using:

  • REXX, Shell scripting, Python (preferred)

• Support DevOps and integration initiatives:

  • CI/CD pipelines

  • Container platforms (Docker, Kubernetes - optional)

• Assist application teams with deploying workloads on Linux on Z

• Implement and maintain security controls:

  • RACF integration for z/VM

  • Linux OS hardening

• Ensure compliance with enterprise standards and audit requirements

• Support vulnerability management and patch remediation

• Maintain system documentation and configuration records

• Ensure all changes follow:

  • ITIL / ServiceNow change management processes

• Support DR planning and execution for z/VM and Linux systems

One of the benefits of Kyndryl is that we work with clients in a variety of industries, from banking to retail. Whether you want to broaden your knowledge base or narrow your scope and specialize in a specific sector, you can find your opportunity here. You'll also get the chance to share your expertise by recommending modernization options, identifying new business opportunities, and cultivating relationships with other teams and stakeholders. Does the work get challenging at times? Yes! But you'll collaborate with a diverse group of talented people and gain invaluable management and organizational skills, which will come in handy as you move forward in your career.
Your future at Kyndryl
Every position at Kyndryl offers a way forward to grow your career, from Junior System Administrator to Architect. We have opportunities for Cloud Hyperscalers that you won't find anywhere else, including hands-on experience, learning opportunities, and the chance to certify in all four major platforms. One of the benefits of Kyndryl is that we work with clients in a variety of industries, from banking to retail. Whether you want to broaden your knowledge base or narrow your scope and specialize in a specific sector, you can find your opportunity here.

Kyndryl currently does not require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, however, if you are hired to work at a client, customer, or partner location, you may be required to show proof ofvaccinationto align with their respective COVID-19vaccinationpolicies. Those who believe they are eligible may apply for a medical or religious accommodation prior to the start of employment.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications:

• Strong experience with:

  • IBM z/VM (z/VM 6.x / 7.x)

  • Linux on IBM Z (RHEL/SUSE/Ubuntu)

• Hands-on experience with:

  • Virtual machine provisioning and management

  • VM directory management (DirMaint)

  • System maintenance (RSUs, APARs, VMSES/E)

• Knowledge of:

  • HMC operations and IPL processes

  • Storage (DASD) and networking on z systems

• Strong troubleshooting skills across:

  • z/VM system issues

  • Linux OS performance and configuration

• Knowledge of Sysplex, networking, and storage integration

  • Experience with Monitoring tools (e.g., Grafana, OMEGAMON) and Automation tooling (Ansible, scripting)

  • Exposure to Cloud integration / hybrid environments and Container workloads on Linux on Z

Being You

Diversity is a whole lot more than what we look like or where we come from, it's how we think and who we are. We welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. But we're not doing it single-handily: Our Kyndryl Inclusion Networks are only one of many ways we create a workplace where all Kyndryls can find and provide support and advice. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you - and everyone next to you - the ability to bring your whole self to work, individually and collectively, and support the activation of our equitable culture. That's the Kyndryl Way.

What You Can Expect

With state-of-the-art resources and Fortune 100 clients, every day is an opportunity to innovate, build new capabilities, new relationships, new processes, and new value. Kyndryl cares about your well-being and prides itself on offering benefits that give you choice, reflect the diversity of our employees and support you and your family through the moments that matter - wherever you are in your life journey. Our employee learningprograms give you access to the best learning in the industry to receive certifications, includingMicrosoft, Google, Amazon, Skillsoft, and many more. Through our company-wide volunteering and giving platform, you can donate, start fundraisers, volunteer, and search over 2 million non-profit organizations. At Kyndryl, we invest heavily in you, we want you to succeed so that together, we will all succeed.

Get Referred!
If you know someone that works at Kyndryl, when asked 'How Did You Hear About Us' during the application process, select 'Employee Referral' and enter your contact's Kyndryl email address.