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Mainframe Administration Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe CICS Admin

Columbus, OH · On-site

$47.25 - $60.75/hr

Required : • Mainframe DB2 - Application Development • IT IS AMS Mainframe CICS Administration • 6-8 years of experience Company : Syntricate Technologies offers quality assurance, validation ...

Mainframe IMS DB Developer

Cuba, OH · On-site

$44 - $56.50/hr

System Administration: Basic understanding of mainframe system administration tasks like data set management and security Must Have: IMS/DB, CICS, COBOL and JCL Responsibilities: * Develop and ...

Mainframe IMS DB Developer

Sabina, OH · On-site

$47.25 - $60.75/hr

System Administration: Basic understanding of mainframe system administration tasks like data set management and security Must Have: IMS/DB, CICS, COBOL and JCL Responsibilities: * Develop and ...

Mainframe CICS Systems Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$47.25 - $60.75/hr

EZ consists of experienced administration, operations and engineering staff required to support the ... The Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer/Engineer is responsible for all phases of CICS engineering ...

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Mainframe Administration information

What is mainframe administration?

Mainframe Administration involves managing and maintaining mainframe computer systems, which are powerful servers used by large organizations for critical applications and bulk data processing. Mainframe Administrators are responsible for installing, configuring, monitoring, and securing mainframe hardware and software. They ensure system performance, troubleshoot technical issues, handle backup and recovery, and apply updates or patches to keep systems running smoothly and securely. This role often requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with legacy systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Administrator, you need a solid understanding of mainframe operating systems (such as z/OS), system configuration, and troubleshooting, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related IT experience. Familiarity with tools like IBM System Automation, JCL, RACF, and monitoring solutions, as well as certifications such as IBM Certified System Administrator, is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help administrators efficiently resolve issues and collaborate with IT teams. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the reliability, security, and optimal performance of critical enterprise computing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by mainframe administrators and how can they be addressed?

Mainframe Administrators often encounter challenges such as managing legacy systems, ensuring system uptime, and balancing security with accessibility. Keeping up with evolving technologies and integrating mainframes with modern applications can require continuous learning and adaptation. Effective communication with development and operations teams is vital to ensure seamless updates and minimize downtime. Proactively monitoring system performance and applying best practices for disaster recovery can also help mitigate risks and maintain reliability.

What is the difference between Mainframe Administration vs Mainframe Support?

AspectMainframe AdministrationMainframe Support
CertificationsIBM Certified System Administrator, z/OS certificationsSimilar certifications, often including z/OS support certifications
Work EnvironmentData centers, enterprise IT departments managing mainframe systemsHelp desks, support teams assisting users and troubleshooting issues
ResponsibilitiesSystem setup, configuration, maintenance, performance tuningIssue resolution, user support, incident management
Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, large corporationsSame industries, focusing on user support and problem resolution

Mainframe Administration involves managing and maintaining mainframe systems, ensuring optimal performance and security. Mainframe Support focuses on assisting users, troubleshooting issues, and resolving incidents. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in industries relying on mainframe technology, but they differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas.

Is it hard to become a mainframe administrator?

Becoming a mainframe administrator requires a strong understanding of mainframe systems like IBM z/OS, proficiency in scripting and automation, and often a relevant certification. The role can be technically challenging due to the complexity of mainframe environments, but with proper training and experience, it is achievable for those with a background in IT or computer science.

Is mainframe administration a good career option?

Mainframe administration is a stable and well-paying career that involves managing large-scale computer systems used by many organizations. It requires knowledge of mainframe operating systems like z/OS, skills in system maintenance, and often certifications such as IBM Certified System Administrator. The role offers opportunities for specialization and long-term job security due to the continued reliance on mainframes in industries like finance and government.

What does a mainframe administrator do?

A mainframe administrator manages and maintains large-scale computer systems known as mainframes, ensuring their security, performance, and availability. They configure hardware and software, monitor system operations, troubleshoot issues, and implement updates, often using tools like z/OS and requiring knowledge of system security and backup procedures.

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Administration jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Administration jobs in Ohio are:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Administration job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

$51 - $64.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


American Greetings rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

As this is a hybrid role based out of our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio, we will focus on candidates who currently reside in Northeast Ohio.
The Sr. Mainframe Systems programmer is responsible for the overall engineering, operations, and planning of the mainframe, IBM z/OS operating system software and all other IBM and third-party software.


**This is not an application development role, it is a deep technical infrastructure position focused on the performance, stability, and configuration of the mainframe environment. **
The individual will be responsible for providing technical expertise and guidance to the applications support team, the scheduling team, and to data center operations. This individual will work closely with IT leadership to develop long-term strategies to optimize the effective use of the mainframe platform.


As the primary technical mainframe specialist, the individual will also be responsible for mainframe storage, tape library management and disaster recovery to ensure that all business-critical applications can be recovered in the event of data loss or system outages.
The individual will also be responsible for providing senior technical expertise and direction to third-party consultants including application developers and technical resources. The individual in this role will help to plan and oversee mainframe technical project execution, server engineering skills, and technical resource deployment to ensure quality outcomes.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Function as the subject matter expert for the mainframe platform to provide technical expertise and support to infrastructure, applications and third-party teams.
Lead the planning, installation, configuration, customization, and testing of IBM z/OS and all third-party mainframe software packages such as TopSecret, CA-1, CA-Disk, BMC AMI Storage, Endevor, MIM, VPS, and various associated products.
Perform CICS administration.
JobTrac application administration.
Drive capacity planning and resource optimization for the mainframe, storage and tape management systems.
Ability to evaluate specifications and features of new products, performing cost comparisons, feasibility and cost benefit analysis, performance, compatibility and testing to make recommendations.
Mentor less experienced Mainframe System Administrators including assigning work, reviewing work for adherence to standards, and providing technical guidance.
Assist with the overall disaster recovery planning and annual testing for the mainframe and storage replication services.
Identify and plan for the use of new technologies and capabilities including Linux and cloud-ready capabilities to improve optimized use of the mainframe platform.
Perform performance data collection, analysis, and the tuning of the z/OS operating system and associated applications.
Develop standards and procedures that support current and future operational needs with a focus on continuous improvement and automation on the mainframe environment.
Work closely with the corporate IT leadership to develop and implement new technology and solutions.
Assist with the planning and delivery of all major software upgrades, system maintenance activities, technical patching and hardware refresh initiatives for the mainframe environment.
Manage and drive IT service delivery and management disciplines with the mainframe and data center operations teams including incident, change and problem management.
Review technical requirements and solutions to ensure that mainframe security requirements are addressed and are in line with corporate standards.
Provide engineering and support of the enterprise scheduling packages including the training and development of process documentation for the scheduling and data center operations teams.
Assist the client security team with the provision of system and application access to mainframe hosted applications.
Work closely with manufacturing and distribution locations to install, configure and support printer hardware and software administration.


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About American Greetings

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As a leader in meaningful connections, American Greeting Corporation is a creator and manufacturer of creative social expression products. Please check out our website at www.workatag.com. We look forward to welcoming you to our team! American Greetings -- we make the world a more thoughtful and caring place

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US

Year founded

1906