Senior Mainframe Monitoring & Support Specialist (Sign-on BONUS)

IT Concepts (ITC) is an 8(a) SDVOSB founded on the concepts of customer-centric, driven to deliver, teamwork, integrity, and innovation. Founded in 2003, ITC was established with a simple yet important promise to "deliver solutions that work". As we continue to grow in the support of our government customers, we are looking for driven and innovative individuals to join our team.

IT Concepts is looking for an experienced Senior Mainframe Monitoring Specialist to support our SSA program.

The Systems Problem Resolution Branch (SPRB) monitors and provides technical support for all mainframe functions in the Second Support Center (SSC) in Durham, North Carolina, National Support Center in Urbana, Maryland and eVault Support center in Denver, Colorado. The open position is located in Durham, North Carolina.

The Senior Mainframe Monitoring & Support Specialist is responsible for:

• Provides operational support, problem determination and resolution, and documentation on all aspects of mainframe, multi-processor environment processing.
• Communicating with software support personnel, management, and vendors to resolve problems.
• Interfaces with National Support Center, Evault Support Center and Second Support Center personnel to remain current on all system changes, procedures and documentation.
• Mitigate/ minimize all outage situations by determining problem, isolate, and troubleshoot mainframe and open systems.
• Perform IT-related equipment installation, removal, or maintenance, along with any environmental changes.

• Support two or more mainframe systems and all attached peripheral devices and connectivity to all devices mainframe and Open Systems. Software and devices include: Multi Image Manager (MIM), z/OS MVS, JES3 functions, Central Processing Units (CPUs), Direct Access Storage Devices (DASD), Virtual Tape Systems, Coupling facilities, Network devices, and FICON directors.
• Review configuration charts of the SSC facility.

• Identify/resolve problems on large-scale mainframe including peripheral equipment and network hardware and software.
• Analyze and develop solutions relative to systems software, computer hardware, or application program problems.
• Provide technical direction and input on the isolation and resolution of hardware and software problems.
• Monitor performance levels of large-scale systems and network complexes to ensure system resource availability.
• Interface with SSA software groups to resolve mainframe application and Operating Systems (z/OS) problems.
• Work directly with vendors, software technicians, and facilities personnel to maintain highest level of processing possible.
• Research and gather information to support problem resolution using COMM dumps, stand-alone dumps (SAD), JES3 dumps, LOGREC, OPSLOG, RMF and SYSLOG information.
• Record and report mainframe problem information using email, ticketing, and Activity Log systems.
• Instruct other IT Specialists on how to record problems and present oral reports to management.
• Instruct other IT Specialists on the skills of identification and resolution of hardware and software problems.
• Instruct other IT Specialists on the skills necessary to coordinate and schedule the activities of SSA hardware vendors, application software components, operating systems software components, and facilities personnel.
• Coordinates and oversees the performance of software and hardware maintenance on two or more mainframe systems, assigned Open Systems equipment and all attached peripheral devices and connectivity to all devices.

• Consult with and coordinate all operational components concerning the scheduling of systems time for multi-vendor remedial service or preventive maintenance, and critical system software testing.
• Convey all information appropriately (phone, email, page etc.), accurately, and effectively.
• Gather all pertinent documentation and provide it to responsible personnel for their action.
• Perform system resets to prepare for maintenance. After maintenance is complete, perform system IMLs if required and then perform system IPLs to prepare systems for operation.
• Coordinate & oversee security access control for mainframe systems and all attached peripheral devices vendor support.

Location: Durham, NC

Schedule:

• This task will be located at the Social Security Administration (SSA) Second Support Center (SSC) in Durham, NC.
• Holiday and weekend coverage is required for this task. Work schedules should adhere to the SSA fixed shift as follows:
  • 11:30 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. - Midnight Shift - Thursday through Monday, days off Tuesday - Wednesday
• This task may require additional work outside of the contractor's scheduled shift. Contractors for this task are essential. Contractors on this task must report to work, even during inclement weather conditions. - Compensation for extra hours.

Requirements

• 8+ years' experience with mainframe system software such as: z/OS, JES3, CPUs, DASD, Virtual Tape Systems, FICON Directors, network devices, console commands, proprietary vendor interfaces, COMM dumps, mainframe software and hardware maintenance, security and physical access control
• Willing & able to work: 11:30 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. - Midnight Shift - Thursday through Monday, (days off Tuesday - Wednesday)
• Willing & reliable to make it on site each workday.
• Ability to qualify for Public Trust Suitability

Preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to work with customer and vendors

Benefits

The Company:

Founded in 2003, IT Concepts was established with a simple yet important promise to "deliver technology concepts that work." This founding principle, which permeates throughout our team and company culture, has propelled ITC to the upper echelons of the industry. With award-winning services and unflinching dedication to country and clients, ITC remains committed to teamwork, innovation, and collaboration.

We're an SBA 8(a) and CVE certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business focused on providing best in class IT Services, Management Consulting, and Data Services Solutions to our clients.

We're ISO 27001:2013, ISO 20000-1:2011, and ISO 9001:2015 certified and have CMMI DEV and SVC ML3 ratings

We've been named part of: Inc 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2021; Washington Business Journal's Fastest Growing Companies in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019; Washington Business Journal's Best Places to Work in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019.

The Employer:

We offer great benefits - Competitive Paid Time Off, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, Identity Protection, Pet Insurance, 401(k) with company matching.

We invest in our employees - Every employee is provided with a stipend to invest in certifications, a master's degree, or even a doctorate.

We work hard, we play hard -Nationals Games, Happy Hours, Holiday events, philanthropic endeavors, etc...at ITC we enjoy working together but also take time to connect with each other and our community through various events and activities.

IT Concepts is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. As such, any personnel decisions (hire, promotion, job status, etc.) on applicants and/or employees are based on merit, qualifications, competence, and business needs, not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, the genetic information of the employee or family member of the employee, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by federal, state or local law.