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Junior Mainframe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$143K - $273K/yr

... Junior Architect to Principal Architect - we have opportunities for that you won't find anywhere ... operating organization • Knowledge utilizing TOGAF, Zachman framework, or other related ...

Supervising, mentoring, and guiding junior developers and analysts • Process improvement ... architecture and operating environments • Proven experience supporting SDLC activities.

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Junior Mainframe Operator information

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$24K

$89K

$137.5K

How much do junior mainframe operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior mainframe operator in the United States is $88,976.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect as a Junior Mainframe Operator?

As a Junior Mainframe Operator, your daily responsibilities typically include monitoring system performance, running batch jobs, troubleshooting minor errors, and escalating complex issues to senior team members. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that scheduled processes execute correctly, assisting with backups, and maintaining detailed records of system events. Collaboration with other IT professionals, such as system administrators and application support teams, is common to ensure seamless business operations. Over time, you'll have opportunities to take on greater responsibilities, such as handling advanced troubleshooting or learning to script automated tasks. This role provides a strong foundation for advancing into more senior mainframe or systems administration positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Junior Mainframe Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Mainframe Operator, you need a foundational understanding of computer systems, basic programming or scripting knowledge, and a high school diploma or associate degree in IT or a related field. Familiarity with mainframe environments such as IBM z/OS, job control language (JCL), and monitoring tools like TSO/ISPF or SDSF is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills will help you excel in this role. These skills ensure efficient mainframe operations, minimize downtime, and facilitate productive teamwork within IT departments.

What is a Junior Mainframe Operator job?

A Junior Mainframe Operator is responsible for monitoring and maintaining mainframe computer systems to ensure smooth operation. They assist in running batch jobs, troubleshooting system issues, and performing routine maintenance tasks under supervision. Their role often includes responding to system alerts, maintaining logs, and escalating problems to senior operators or IT teams. This position is typically entry-level and provides a foundation for advancing into more technical mainframe roles.

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What cities are hiring for Junior Mainframe Operator jobs? Cities with the most Junior Mainframe Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Operator jobs? The most popular types of Mainframe Operator jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Junior Mainframe Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Mainframe Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Junior Mainframe Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,976 per year, or $42.8 per hour.
Senior z/OS Administrator / Systems Programmer

Senior z/OS Administrator / Systems Programmer

DivIHN Integration Inc

Springfield, IL • On-site

$80/hr

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

DivIHN (pronounced “divine”) is a CMMI ML3-certified Technology and Talent solutions firm. Driven by a unique Purpose, Culture, and Value Delivery Model, we enable meaningful connections between talented professionals and forward-thinking organizations. Since our formation in 2002, organizations across commercial and public sectors have been trusting us to help build their teams with exceptional temporary and permanent talent.

Visit us at https://divihn.com/find-a-job/ to learn more and view our open positions.

 
Please apply or call one of us to learn more

For further inquiries regarding the following opportunity, please contact our Talent Specialist, Abdul at (224) 507-1295 or Saravanakumar at (224) 507-1183 or Ragu at (224) 704 1713
 
Title: Senior z/OS Administrator / Systems Programmer
Location: Onsite at Springfield, IL 
Duration: 6 Months
 
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with 7.5 hours per day.
 
Only W2 candidates are eligible for this position. Third-party or C2C candidates will not be considered.
 
Job Description
Job Summary:
• The Senior z/OS Administrator / Systems Programmer is responsible for the overall administration, maintenance, security, and optimization of the organization’s z/OS mainframe environment.
• This role requires deep expertise in z/OS system internals, storage and hardware management, networking, and virtualization.
• The Senior Administrator ensures high availability, reliability, and performance of mission critical mainframe systems while supporting modernization initiatives and maintaining robust operational documentation.
 
Key Responsibilities:
1.    z/OS System Administration:
Install, configure, maintain, and administer z/OS operating systems. Perform performance tuning, system health checks, problem determination, and root cause analysis to ensure stable and efficient system operation.
2.    Storage Management:
Manage DASD and tape storage environments, oversee allocation and placement of datasets, perform capacity planning, and implement backup and recovery strategies using DFSMS and related technologies.
3.    Hardware Infrastructure Management:
Maintain and support IBM mainframes, storage subsystems, and peripheral hardware. Coordinate and execute hardware upgrades, lifecycle maintenance, and incident remediation.
4.    System Security:
Implement and maintain mainframe security controls to safeguard data and system resources. Utilize security tools, monitor access, and ensure compliance with established cybersecurity and audit requirements.
5.    Performance Monitoring and Optimization:
Monitor system performance using RMF, WLM, and other tools. Identify performance bottlenecks and implement tuning strategies to enhance resource utilization, throughput, and reliability.
6.    z/OS TCP/IP and Networking Administration:
Administer and support all networking components within the z/OS environment, including TCP/IP configuration, network security, connectivity troubleshooting, and performance tuning.
7.    z/VM and Virtualization Support:
Install, configure, and maintain z/VM environments. Build, administer, and support virtualized Linux servers running under z/VM, ensuring stable interoperation with z/OS and supporting workloads.
8.    Documentation and Knowledge Transfer:
Develop and maintain detailed documentation for system configurations, procedures, standards, and operational policies. Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior staff and operational support teams as needed.
 
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience.
• More than 10 years of hands on experience as a z/OS administrator or systems programmer in an enterprise environment.
• Expert level knowledge of z/OS internals, subsystems, utilities, and operational best practices.
• Strong proficiency in DASD management, DFSMS, tape management, catalog management, and related storage technologies.
• Solid understanding of IBM mainframe architecture, hardware components, and system integration.
• Experience with performance tools such as RMF, WLM, Omegamon, and similar monitoring solutions.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a focus on reliability and operational excellence.
 
Additional Technical Requirements:
• Deep knowledge of JES2, WLM, SMF, ICSF, DFSMS, ISPF, TSO, 3270 interfaces, TCP/IP, SMP/E, ISH, OMVS, Omegamon, and z/OS Connect.
• Familiarity with third party tools including Syspertec Virtel (browser based 3270 emulator), Rocket TMON (monitoring tool), and Chicago Soft QuickRef (reference tool).
• Experience supporting IBM software such as Tivoli Workload Scheduler, Fault Analyzer, File Manager, zSecure, DB2 Tools, and zLinux.

About us:
DivIHN, the 'IT Asset Performance Services' organization, provides Professional Consulting, Custom Projects, and Professional Resource Augmentation services to clients in the Mid-West and beyond. The strategic characteristics of the organization are Standardization, Specialization, and Collaboration.

DivIHN is an equal opportunity employer. DivIHN does not and shall not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.