Mainframe MQ / CICS System Administrator

About HCLTech

HCLTech is a global technology company with over 219,000 employees across 54 countries. The company focuses on driving progress through industry-leading capabilities and fostering a diverse, creative, and passionate workforce.

The Role

HCLTech is seeking an L3 Mainframe MQ / CICS System Administrator to join the team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role requires an experienced professional with strong expertise in IBM MQ on z/OS and working knowledge of CICS system administration. The administrator will be responsible for L3 production support, administration, troubleshooting, performance management, incident resolution, system changes, and technical problem management for the Mainframe MQ environment. The position involves independently handling complex technical issues, performing root-cause analysis, and collaborating with application, infrastructure, and vendor teams.

Key Responsibilities

• IBM MQ (Primary Skill): Provide L3 administration and production support for IBM MQ on z/OS, including managing Queue Managers, Queues, Channels, and Listeners. Perform MQ configuration, maintenance, parameter changes, and environment management. Troubleshoot complex MQ connectivity, message flow, queue, channel, and transaction-related issues. Analyze MQ errors, logs, dumps, and system messages for root cause identification. Monitor queue depth, channel status, message backlogs, performance, and resource utilization. Handle MQ startup/shutdown, recovery activities, and configuration changes. Support MQ upgrades, maintenance, PTFs, and software lifecycle activities. Manage MQ security, including RACF-related access and authorization. Troubleshoot MQ-CICS integration and application connectivity issues. Support MQ high-availability, disaster recovery, and recovery procedures. Perform root-cause analysis (RCA) for recurring and critical MQ incidents. Develop and maintain operational procedures, troubleshooting guides, and technical documentation. Participate in major incident, problem management, and change management activities.
• CICS (Secondary Skill): Provide L2/L3 administration and technical support for IBM CICS Transaction Server on z/OS. Support CICS regions, startup/shutdown, and system configuration. Troubleshoot CICS transaction, region, resource, and connectivity issues. Analyze CICS messages, logs, dumps, and related system information. Support CICS resource definitions and configuration changes. Troubleshoot MQ-CICS integration and transaction processing issues. Support CICS performance monitoring and tuning activities. Assist with CICS upgrades, maintenance, and PTF implementation. Collaborate with application and middleware teams to resolve complex CICS production issues.
• Mainframe / z/OS Responsibilities: Demonstrate a strong understanding of the IBM z/OS operating environment and good knowledge of JES2, JCL, SDSF, and system logs. Ability to analyze SYSLOG, job output, dumps, and diagnostic information. Work with Storage, DB2, Security/RACF, Network, and Application teams for cross-platform issue resolution. Participate in planned maintenance, system changes, and production deployments. Follow ITIL processes for Incident, Problem, Change, and Release Management. Provide technical guidance to L1/L2 support teams and mentor junior administrators.

Required Experience and Competencies

• 8–12+ years of overall Mainframe experience, with significant hands-on experience in IBM MQ administration.
• Strong L3 production support experience.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve complex production issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience handling Severity 1 / Severity 2 incidents.
• Good communication skills and ability to coordinate with multiple technical teams.
• Ability to work in a 24x7 support / on-call environment, if required.
• Experience working in enterprise/large-scale Mainframe environments.

Work Environment

This role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is a full-time position. HCLTech operates a virtual-first work environment, promoting work-life integration and flexibility. The company is a certified great place to work and a top employer in 17 countries, valuing employee recognition and respect. HCLTech is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees.