Principal Mainframe Architect
On-siteBengaluru, Karnataka, India
Job Summary
Own and drive the enterprise mainframe architecture vision, strategy, and roadmap aligned with business goals. Lead and govern large-scale application modernization initiatives including re-hosting, re-platforming, refactoring, and re-architecting. Act as the highest-level technical authority for IBM z/OS and mainframe-centered solutions while defining and enforcing architecture standards across mainframe platforms. Provide architectural oversight for capacity planning, performance, scalability, resilience, and cost optimization. Partner with CIO/CTO and senior stakeholders to influence technology decisions and ensure compliance with security, regulatory, and risk management requirements. Serve as an escalation authority for critical production issues and mentor architects to set standards for engineering excellence.
Required Qualifications
- Expert-level knowledge of IBM Mainframe architecture including z Systems, z/OS, Sysplex, and GDPS
- Extensive experience with CICS, IMS, DB2, MQ, VSAM, and high-volume transaction systems
- Strong background in mainframe application architecture (COBOL, PL/I, Assembler, JCL)
- Strong knowledge of legacy mainframe stack (Fujitsu GS21)
- Proven expertise in performance engineering, workload management (WLM), and capacity planning
- Deep understanding of mainframe security (RACF / ACF2 / Top Secret) and compliance frameworks
- Experience integrating mainframe workloads with distributed systems, APIs, and cloud platforms (Mainframe → AWS / Azure / GCP)
- Exposure to DevOps, CI/CD, and automation in mainframe environments
- Strong knowledge of DR, BC planning, high availability, and data resiliency architectures
- 15+ years of IT experience with 10+ years in large-scale mainframe environments
- Previous experience as a Mainframe Architect, Enterprise Architect, or Principal Engineer
- Proven track record leading enterprise-scale modernization or transformation programs
- Experience working in regulated industries (banking, insurance, government, healthcare)
- Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on architectural levels
- Master's degree preferred and 15+ years' relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience
Desired Qualifications
- IBM certifications (z/OS, z Systems Architecture, DB2, CICS)
- Experience working in regulated industries (banking, insurance, government, healthcare) preferred
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