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Freelance Mainframe Capacity Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Architect Job Location: Erlanger, KY Job Type: Contract to Hire * Develop maintain and ... Collaborate with the infrastructure team for performance tuning capacity planning and ...

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Freelance Mainframe Capacity Planner information

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How much do freelance mainframe capacity planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance mainframe capacity planner in the United States is $86,720.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Freelance Mainframe Capacity Planner do?

A Freelance Mainframe Capacity Planner is responsible for analyzing, forecasting, and optimizing the resource usage of mainframe computer systems to ensure they meet current and future business needs. They assess system performance, predict workload growth, and recommend hardware or software upgrades to prevent performance bottlenecks. Working on a freelance basis, they may serve multiple clients, providing expertise in capacity planning, reporting, and cost optimization for mainframe environments.

What are some common challenges that Freelance Mainframe Capacity Planners face when working with multiple clients?

Freelance Mainframe Capacity Planners often encounter challenges related to accessing and standardizing data from different client environments, each with their own tools and reporting processes. Balancing multiple projects simultaneously can also require strong organizational skills to manage competing deadlines and expectations. Additionally, freelancers must quickly adapt to varying mainframe architectures and build effective communication channels with client teams to provide accurate capacity recommendations. Proactive problem-solving and clear documentation are essential for success in this dynamic, multi-client setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Mainframe Capacity Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Mainframe Capacity Planner, you need deep expertise in mainframe systems, performance analysis, and capacity forecasting, typically supported by experience with z/OS and a degree in information technology or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as IBM RMF, SMF, and BMC MainView, as well as certifications like ITIL or IBM Certified Specialist, are commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and presenting findings. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring optimal mainframe performance, cost efficiency, and reliable business operations.
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Mainframe Systems Engineer (zOS Mainframe Internals, Parallel Sysplex, Hardware & Storage) Remote

Mainframe Systems Engineer (zOS Mainframe Internals, Parallel Sysplex, Hardware & Storage) Remote

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Newark, NJ

$57.50 - $73.25/hr

Other

Posted 5 hours ago


Job description

Requisition 39683: B4 Mainframe Systems Engineer 

A resume helps you stand out to hiring managers and recruiters; your resume communicates your experience and your brand. While it is not required, we encourage you to include an up-to-date resume along with a  completed job application to give you the best opportunity to be considered. A complete resume helps us to better understand your unique  background, relevant experiences, and passions. We look forward to learning about you.

Norfolk Southern offers a unique opportunity to be part of our proud legacy that spans nearly 200 years. We are a customer-centric, operations-driven team dedicated to advancing safety, serving communities, and driving innovation for tomorrow's rail.  As part of Norfolk Southern, you'll join a collaborative team where there are opportunities for growth across the organization. We are building a culture where everyone can thrive by owning and driving exceptional results, being humble and leading with trust, serving our customers with excellence, and collaborating and coaching to win.

Job Description

Norfolk Southern is seeking a highly motivated, self-starting Mainframe Systems Engineer to oversee and administer the company's enterprise mainframe environment.  In this role, you will support a Parallel Sysplex infrastructure and play a critical role in ensuring system reliability, performance, and availability.

Key responsibilities include DASD and tape storage management, system performance monitoring and tuning, and proactive problem resolution.  The Mainframe Systems Engineer will also collaborate with internal stakeholders and third-party hardware providers to design and implement solutions that support a highly available, scalable, resilient mainframe environment. 

Responsibilities

   Drive z/OS technology development initiatives, including evaluation, deployment, and integration of new product enhancements and hardware solutions.
   Own the installation, maintenance, and operational support of mainframe infrastructure and system software across a Parallel Sysplex environment.
   Monitor and manage mainframe performance.
   Use, configure and provide support of storage subsystems and infrastructure. 
   Coordinate with hardware and software vendors for support and future project work.
   Create comprehensive documentation, conduct thorough testing, and follow defined change control processes.
   Provide support for mission critical application infrastructure and products.
   Communicate with end-users, application programmers, co-workers, managers, and other stakeholders.
   Writing test scripts and performing testing verification of product deliverables.
   Serve as part of a rotational Level 2 on-call support team, responding to and resolving complex system issues.

Education

Bachelor's degree in technology, MIS, CIS or other related degrees preferred. Will consider experience in lieu of college degree. 
 

Job Related Experience
   Minimum Level: 4 years
   Preferred Level: 5+ years
 

Skills Required 
   4+ years of experience with mainframe z/OS internals, z/OS Parallel Sysplex, Unix Systems Services (USS).
   4+ years of experience with mainframe hardware, software and third-party installation support. 
   4+ years of experience designing, administering, and supporting mainframe disk (DASD) and tape storage infrastructure.
   Experience mainframe capacity planning and performance tuning. 
   Experience writing test scripts and performing testing verifications. 
   Experience with mainframe application development IDE build and run tools. 
 

Skills Desired 
   Expertlevel understanding of z/OS internals, UNIX System Services (USS), and  Parallel Sysplex architecture, including crosssystem communication and workload management. 
   Experience with Assembler, TCPIP/VTAM, TSO/ISPF, REXX, SMP/E
   Maintain and operate within a Parallel Sysplex environment including virtual tape and sharing of DASD.
   Knowledge of Infrastructure software solutions, (ex. Zeke, Zebb, ISPW, TMON, JCLPrep, QuickRef, SAS, CICS, IBM utilities)
   Maintain a Coupling Facility environment.
 

Work Conditions
Location: Position eligible for remote work within Norfolk Southern's 22-state operating network.
Environment: US Remote
Shift Work: No
On-Call: Yes
Weekend Work: No

Company Overview

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.