Mainframe Monitoring Specialist

Founded in 2003, IT Concepts' core values - customer-centricity, teamwork, driven to deliver, innovation, and integrity - ensure we work together to be the best, realize objectives, and make a positive impact in our communities. We intentionally created and sustain our ITC culture that embraces change, experimentation, continuous learning, and improvement. We bring our design thinking problem-solving approach that challenges assumptions, prioritizes curiosity, and invites complexity to deliver innovative, efficient, and effective solutions. 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 seeking a Mainframe Monitoring Specialist who will support several projects at a federal agency. The position is located in Urbana, MD. The qualified candidate should have strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with sharp attention to detail.

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 problems, isolating, and troubleshooting 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 mainframes 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 the 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.

Schedule:

• This task will be located at the Social Security Administration (SSA) National Support Center (NSC) in Urbana, MD.
• Holiday and weekend coverage is required for this task. Work schedules should adhere to the SSA fixed shift as follows:
• A candidate to work on the evening shift (03:30 PM - 12:00 AM) with the workdays to run Wednesday - Sunday. Their weekend days would then be Monday and Tuesday.
• 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: 03:30 PM - 12:00 AM - Wednesday - Sunday (days off Monday and Tuesday)
• 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

We believe in generating success collaboratively, enabling long-term mission success, and building trust for the next challenge. With you as our partner, let's solve challenges, think innovatively, and maximize impact. As a valued member of our ITC community, you have the unique opportunity to work in a diverse range of technology and business career paths, all while supporting our nation and delivering innovative technology solutions. We are a close community of experts that pride ourselves on creating an environment defined by teamwork, dedication, and excellence.

We hold three ISO certifications (27001:2013, 20000-1:2011, 9001:2015) and two CMMI ML 3 ratings (DEV and SVC).

Industry Recognition

Growth Inc 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies, DC Metro List Fastest Growing; Washington Business Journal: Fastest Growing Companies, Top Performing Small Technology Companies in Greater D.C.

Culture Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech 100 Honoree; Virginia Best Place to Work; Washington Business Journal: Best Places to Work, Corporate Diversity Index Winner - Mid-Size Companies, Companies Owned by People of Color; Department of Labor's HireVets for our work helping veterans transition; SECAF Award of Excellence finalist; Viqtory Military Friendly Brand; Virginia Values Veterans (V3); Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Corporate Breath Award

Benefits

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 want you to grow as an expert and a leader and offer flexibility for you to take a course, a certification, or attend a conference. We are committed to supporting your curiosity and sustaining a culture that prioritizes commitment to continuous professional development.

We work hard, we play hard. ITC is committed to injecting fun into every day. We dedicate funds for activities - virtual and in-person - e.g., we have four season tickets to Nationals games that are available every month, we host happy hours, holiday events, fitness events, and annual celebrations. In alignment with our commitment to our communities, we host and attend charity galas/events. We believe in appreciating your commitment and building a positive workspace for you to be creative, innovative, and happy.

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, 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.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.