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Mainframe Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Displaying a broad range of disciplines, environments, and best practices within the mainframe operations practice, or the individual may possess skills and highly technical experience in Broadcom ...

Displaying a broad range of disciplines, environments, and best practices within the mainframe operations practice, or the individual may possess skills and highly technical experience in Broadcom ...

Displaying a broad range of disciplines, environments, and best practices within the mainframe operations practice, or the individual may possess skills and highly technical experience in Broadcom ...

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Mainframe Operations information

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$10

$53

$72

How much do mainframe operations jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe operations in the United States is $53.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $60.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe Operations professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Mainframe Operations, you need expertise in mainframe system administration, strong problem-solving skills, and a background in IT or computer science. Familiarity with IBM z/OS, JCL (Job Control Language), automation tools, and monitoring systems is typically required, along with certifications like IBM Certified System Programmer. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work under pressure help professionals quickly resolve incidents and coordinate with teams. These skills are essential to ensure the reliability, security, and optimal performance of critical enterprise computing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Mainframe Operations, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Mainframe Operations often encounter challenges such as managing legacy systems, ensuring 24/7 uptime, and swiftly resolving system outages. Staying up to date with new automation tools and best practices can help address these challenges. Additionally, effective communication with application teams and constant monitoring are key to minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations. Continuous learning and participation in cross-training sessions can also help team members stay proficient as technologies evolve.

What are mainframe operations?

Mainframe operations refer to the processes and tasks involved in managing, monitoring, and maintaining mainframe computer systems. These systems are powerful computers used by large organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing, and large-scale transaction processing. Mainframe operators ensure system reliability, perform backups, monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with IT teams to support business operations. Their work is essential to keeping core business systems running smoothly and securely.

What is the difference between Mainframe Operations vs Mainframe System Programmer?

AspectMainframe OperationsMainframe System Programmer
Primary ResponsibilitiesMonitoring, maintaining, and supporting mainframe systems to ensure smooth operationInstalling, configuring, and optimizing mainframe system software and operating systems
Required SkillsKnowledge of mainframe hardware, job scheduling, and system monitoring toolsExpertise in system software, scripting, and system tuning
CertificationsIBM Certified System Administrator, z/OS certificationsIBM Certified System Programmer, z/OS certifications
Work EnvironmentData centers, mainframe rooms, enterprise IT departmentsData centers, enterprise IT teams, mainframe software support

Both roles are essential in mainframe environments, with Mainframe Operations focusing on system support and monitoring, while Mainframe System Programmers handle system software installation and optimization. They often collaborate but require different skill sets and certifications.

More about Mainframe Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Mainframe Operations jobs? Cities with the most Mainframe Operations job openings:
What states have the most Mainframe Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Mainframe Operations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Operations job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $111,026 per year, or $53.4 per hour.
IT Infrastructure Engineer / Mainframe

IT Infrastructure Engineer / Mainframe

Stratford Solutions Inc.

Manhattan, NY

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Title: IT Infrastructure Engineer / Mainframe

Location: New York, NY 10001

Job Type : Full Time

Work schedule: Normal business hours Monday through Friday, 35 hours/week (not including mandatory unpaid meal break after 6 hours of work).

Pay Rate: $75 to $180K Yearly (Depending on experience)

Job Description / Justification:

Position Overview

The Financial Information Services Agency and the Office of Payroll Administration (FISA-OPA) are seeking an experienced and highly motivated IT Infrastructure Engineer / Mainframe Systems Manager to lead the Mainframe Systems team within the Shared Systems Division. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing enterprise mainframe operations, infrastructure stability, disaster recovery initiatives, capacity planning, and technology modernization.

The selected candidate will manage daily team operations, assign and monitor tasks, establish performance goals, and ensure the reliability and availability of mission-critical systems. This role also requires participation in after-hours support activities, scheduled upgrades, and resolution of critical production incidents in a 24/7 enterprise environment.

Key Responsibilities

Mainframe Operations & Leadership

  • Lead and manage the Mainframe Systems team to ensure operational efficiency and system reliability.
  • Maintain enterprise IBM mainframe systems, storage platforms, program products, and supporting subsystems.
  • Ensure systems meet service-level agreements (SLAs) and organizational performance expectations.
  • Provide technical leadership for z/OS administration, hardware configuration, performance tuning, and disaster recovery solutions.
  • Monitor day-to-day operations and ensure issues are identified, escalated, and resolved promptly.
  • Act as the primary lead for disaster recovery planning and recovery-related activities.
  • Research, evaluate, and implement strategic technology solutions for enterprise mainframe environments.
  • Ensure compliance with FISA-OPA technical standards, policies, and procedures.

Performance Monitoring & Capacity Planning

  • Analyze infrastructure performance and capacity utilization data.
  • Perform daily, monthly, and annual performance reviews and capacity planning for enterprise systems.
  • Track new software releases, maintenance updates, and platform enhancements.
  • Collaborate with the Mainframe team to remain current on emerging software and infrastructure technologies.

Project & Vendor Management

  • Lead infrastructure-related projects, including hardware and software upgrades.
  • Develop project plans, timelines, and implementation strategies for both large and small initiatives.
  • Mentor and guide technical staff to ensure successful project delivery.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with hardware and software vendors.
  • Coordinate with vendors on capacity planning, support, upgrades, and technology solutions

Technology Innovation & Documentation

  • Stay informed about emerging technologies related to enterprise infrastructure and mainframe systems.
  • Evaluate and implement new technologies that align with agency requirements and modernization goals.
  • Develop, maintain, and manage technical documentation, operational procedures, and system standards.
  • Coordinate with operations teams to ensure all procedural documentation remains accurate and up to date.

Strategic Planning & Budgeting

  • Support long-term infrastructure planning and budgeting activities.
  • Develop cost projections and upgrade plans for hardware and software lifecycle management.
  • Identify infrastructure needs related to capacity growth, end-of-life replacements, software support expiration, and consolidation initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

  1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, along with four years of full-time experience in data center operations, cloud engineering, or complex IT infrastructure engineering.

OR

  1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college and eight years of full-time experience in data center operations, cloud engineering, or complex IT infrastructure engineering.

OR

  1. An equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 20+ years of experience managing enterprise infrastructure in large-scale environments.
  • Strong experience with IBM mainframe technologies, subsystems, and enterprise infrastructure platforms.
  • Candidates with extensive AIX, Linux, or UNIX infrastructure management experience will also be considered.
  • Strong understanding of IBM z/OS architecture, security, system internals, and enterprise storage technologies.
  • Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-resolution skills.
  • Ability to work independently and make informed technical decisions.
  • Strong communication and documentation abilities.
  • Experience coordinating with cross-functional departments, agencies, vendors, and technical teams.
  • Strong project management and time-management skills.
  • Ability to learn and adapt quickly to new technologies.
  • Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration skills.