IBM iSeries Systems Staff Engineer

$106,605 - $260,590/Yr

CVS Health - Albany, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

Albany, NY

Health and Personal Care Retailers

About the position

The IBM iSeries Systems Staff Engineer at CVS Health is responsible for providing advanced system administration, architecture, and engineering support for IBM i environments. This role involves leading complex system installations, PTF deployments, and advanced software configurations, while ensuring high availability and disaster recovery solutions. The engineer will also conduct performance tuning, manage security measures, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop custom solutions, all while acting as a technical lead on major projects within the IBM i ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform advanced administration of IBM i systems, including complex system installs, architecture design, PTF deployment, advanced software installation, and configuration.
• Architect and implement high-availability and disaster recovery solutions, ensuring system integrity and business continuity across multiple data centers.
• Conduct in-depth performance analysis and system tuning, utilizing advanced tools such as iDoctor, Performance Navigator, and SQL (DBMON).
• Lead system upgrades and hardware refreshes, managing the end-to-end process, including planning, testing, and deployment.
• Oversee and enhance security measures, including advanced security management, audit compliance, and remediation of vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and implement custom solutions to meet business needs.
• Manage advanced storage solutions, including Independent Auxiliary Storage Pools (iASP's) and storage-based replication technologies.
• Direct the monitoring and optimization of system performance, identifying potential issues before they impact business operations.
• Act as a technical lead on projects, guiding the team through complex technical challenges and ensuring project deliverables meet high standards.
• Provide expert-level support in a high-availability environment, including participation in on-call rotations for critical system support.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in IBM iSeries system administration, including experience in complex, enterprise-level environments
• 5+ years of networking within IBM i, including configuration and troubleshooting complex network connections
• 3+ years of expertise in high-availability software solutions and managing data across multiple sites, particularly utilizing the Precisely MIMIX replication product
• 3+ years of experience with advanced iSeries work management, including optimization of subsystems, job queues, and scheduling systems
• Proven track record of leading major system upgrades, including hardware and OS, with a strong focus on minimizing business disruption
• Proficiency in coding and script automation, particularly in RPG, CL, and SQL, to automate routine tasks and improve system efficiency

Nice-to-haves

• Mastery of Precisely Connect CDC (Double-Take Share), Precisely Enforcive, BRMS, Robot Scheduler, and other advanced management tools
• Strong understanding of database optimization and performance tuning specific to DB2 for iSeries
• Experience in mentoring and guiding junior engineers, fostering an environment of continuous learning and skill enhancement
• A strong strategic mindset with the ability to align IT initiatives with business goals, driving value through technology
• Deep knowledge of disaster recovery planning, implementation, and testing within IBM i environments
• Advanced skills in security management, including audit journal analysis, compliance with security frameworks, and mitigation of security risks
• Strong experience in vendor management, contract negotiation, and third-party software integration

Benefits

• Full range of medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Fully-paid term life insurance plan
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Well-being programs
• Education assistance
• Free development courses
• CVS store discount
• Discount programs with participating partners
• Paid Time Off (PTO) or vacation pay
• Paid holidays throughout the calendar year