Mainframe Network Engineer
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Mainframe Network Engineer
- Company: NTD Software
- Location: Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- Job Type: Employee or FT Contractor (Remote)
- Category: Infrastructure & Operations
- Date Posted: July 25, 2025
🚀 Role Summary
-
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a seasoned Mainframe Network Engineer to design, implement, and support robust and secure mainframe network systems, ensuring business continuity and performance in an enterprise environment.
-
Highly experienced in mainframe networking with strong technical troubleshooting skills and a collaborative mindset.
-
Responsible for installing, upgrading, and maintaining mainframe network products, designing and deploying network systems, and monitoring network performance.
-
Works closely with system programmers, DBAs, and application teams to support seamless system integration.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
-
📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities of this role involve a wide range of tasks, from product installation and network design to performance monitoring and security implementation.
-
Install, Upgrade, and Maintain Network Products:
- Multisess, Host on Demand, IBM NetView, CA Spool, and Printer Managers.
- Ensure smooth operation and optimal performance of these products.
-
Design and Deploy Mainframe Network Systems:
- Utilize VTAM, TCP/IP, and SNA protocols to create and manage network systems.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate these systems with other enterprise components.
-
Monitor and Analyze Network Performance:
- Use tools like OMEGAMON and RMF to track network performance.
- Identify and address performance bottlenecks and potential issues proactively.
-
Implement and Manage Security Protocols:
- Configure and maintain RACF policies, IP filtering, and AT-TLS encryption.
- Ensure the security and integrity of mainframe network systems.
-
Troubleshoot Network Connectivity and Hardware Issues:
- Diagnose and resolve network connectivity problems, protocol mismatches, and hardware failures.
- Collaborate with relevant teams to find and implement effective solutions.
-
Develop and Execute Disaster Recovery and Failover Strategies:
- Plan and implement strategies to minimize downtime and ensure business continuity in case of disasters.
- Regularly test and update these strategies to maintain their effectiveness.
-
Document Network Architecture, Procedures, and Change Records:
- Maintain up-to-date documentation of network architecture, installation procedures, and change records.
- Ensure knowledge sharing and easy onboarding of new team members.
-
Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams:
- Work closely with system programmers, DBAs, and application teams to support seamless system integration.
- Facilitate effective communication and cooperation among these teams to achieve common goals.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is typically required. However, extensive relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Experience: Candidates must have at least 15 years of hands-on experience in mainframe network engineering.
Required Skills:
- Network Protocols: Proficient in TCP/IP, SNA, VTAM, and other relevant network protocols.
- Mainframe Monitoring Tools: Experience with OMEGAMON, RMF, or similar tools.
- Security Best Practices: Deep knowledge of RACF and network security best practices.
- Disaster Recovery and High Availability Design: Familiarity with designing and implementing disaster recovery and high availability solutions.
- Cross-Platform Integration: Experience working in cross-platform environments and integrating mainframe systems with other platforms.
- Virtualized Environments: Familiarity with virtualized environments and their impact on mainframe networking.
Preferred Skills:
- Programming Languages: Proficiency in COBOL, PL/I, or other mainframe-related programming languages.
- Scripting Languages: Familiarity with scripting languages like Python, Perl, or Shell for automating network tasks.
- Cloud Platforms: Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their integration with mainframe systems.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not primarily focused on web development, a strong portfolio demonstrating problem-solving skills, network design, and system integration can be beneficial.
Portfolio Essentials:
- Network Design Projects: Showcase your experience in designing and deploying mainframe network systems using VTAM, TCP/IP, and SNA.
- Security Implementation Projects: Demonstrate your ability to implement and manage security protocols, including RACF policies, IP filtering, and AT-TLS encryption.
- Troubleshooting Case Studies: Present case studies detailing network connectivity issues you've resolved, highlighting your technical troubleshooting skills.
- Disaster Recovery Strategies: Include examples of disaster recovery and failover strategies you've developed and executed.
Technical Documentation:
- Network Architecture Documentation: Provide examples of network architecture documentation you've created, demonstrating your ability to document complex systems clearly and concisely.
- Change Records and Procedures: Showcase your ability to maintain up-to-date change records and installation procedures, ensuring knowledge sharing and easy onboarding.
- Performance Analysis Reports: Include performance analysis reports you've generated using tools like OMEGAMON and RMF, highlighting your ability to identify and address performance bottlenecks.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €70,000 - €90,000 per year (Based on regional market research and experience level)
Benefits:
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Retirement savings plans with company matching.
- Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
- Professional development opportunities and training programs.
- A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
Working Hours: Full-time position with flexible working hours and remote work options.
📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on regional market research and experience level. Benefits are typical for a company of this size and industry.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: NTD Software operates in the software development industry, focusing on enterprise-level solutions. This role will have a significant impact on the company's ability to deliver robust and secure mainframe network systems, ensuring business continuity and performance.
Company Size: NTD Software is a mid-sized company with a collaborative and dynamic work environment. This size allows for a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and direct impact on the company's success.
Founded: NTD Software was founded in 2010, providing ample time for the company to establish a strong reputation in the industry and develop a mature company culture.
Team Structure:
- Network Team: The network team consists of experienced network engineers, focusing on mainframe networking, network security, and system integration.
- Reporting Structure: The Mainframe Network Engineer will report directly to the Network Team Lead and collaborate closely with other teams, including system programmers, DBAs, and application teams.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with various teams to support seamless system integration and ensure the smooth operation of enterprise systems.
Development Methodology:
- Agile/Scrum Methodologies: NTD Software follows Agile/Scrum methodologies, with regular sprint planning and code reviews to ensure high-quality deliverables.
- Code Review and Quality Assurance: The company emphasizes code review, testing, and quality assurance practices to maintain the stability and performance of its systems.
- Deployment Strategies: NTD Software employs CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies to ensure efficient and reliable system updates and maintenance.
Company Website: NTD Software
📝 Enhancement Note: Company culture information is based on industry standards and typical company structures for a mid-sized software development company.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Mainframe Network Engineer Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a high degree of expertise in mainframe networking, network security, and system integration. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of experience in the field and a proven track record of success.
Reporting Structure: The Mainframe Network Engineer will report directly to the Network Team Lead and collaborate closely with other teams, providing opportunities for both technical and leadership growth.
Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on the company's ability to deliver robust and secure mainframe network systems, ensuring business continuity and performance. The Mainframe Network Engineer will play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the company's enterprise systems.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Specialization: As the company continues to grow and evolve, there may be opportunities for the Mainframe Network Engineer to specialize in specific areas, such as network security or system integration.
- Technical Leadership: With extensive experience and a strong track record, the Mainframe Network Engineer may have the opportunity to take on a technical leadership role, mentoring junior team members and driving technical decision-making.
- Architecture Decisions: As the company's enterprise systems continue to grow and change, the Mainframe Network Engineer may have the opportunity to influence architecture decisions, ensuring the long-term stability and scalability of the company's network infrastructure.
📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth opportunities are based on typical career progression patterns for a senior-level Mainframe Network Engineer role in a mid-sized software development company.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: NTD Software operates a hybrid work environment, with both on-site and remote work options available. The company's offices are designed to be collaborative and comfortable, with state-of-the-art technology and multiple monitors available for network engineers.
Office Location(s): The company's headquarters are located in Modena, Italy, with additional offices in major cities across Europe and North America.
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Workspace: The Mainframe Network Engineer will work in a collaborative workspace, with easy access to other network engineers, system programmers, DBAs, and application teams.
- Development Tools: The company provides state-of-the-art development tools, including multiple monitors, testing devices, and access to relevant software and platforms.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with various teams, providing opportunities for knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning.
Work Schedule: Full-time position with flexible working hours and remote work options, allowing for a healthy work-life balance.
📝 Enhancement Note: Work environment details are based on typical work environments for a mid-sized software development company with a hybrid work arrangement.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Technical Assessment (1 hour): A hands-on technical assessment focusing on mainframe networking, network protocols, and network security. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate their ability to diagnose and resolve network connectivity issues, configure network security protocols, and design network systems.
- Technical Deep Dive (1 hour): A technical discussion focused on the candidate's experience with mainframe monitoring tools, disaster recovery strategies, and system integration. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate their ability to analyze network performance, develop and execute disaster recovery plans, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Behavioral Interview (30 minutes): A behavioral interview focused on the candidate's problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and adaptability in a fast-paced, enterprise environment.
- Final Evaluation (30 minutes): A final evaluation of the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's values and mission.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Network Design Projects: Highlight your experience in designing and deploying mainframe network systems using VTAM, TCP/IP, and SNA.
- Security Implementation Projects: Demonstrate your ability to implement and manage security protocols, including RACF policies, IP filtering, and AT-TLS encryption.
- Troubleshooting Case Studies: Present case studies detailing network connectivity issues you've resolved, highlighting your technical troubleshooting skills.
- Disaster Recovery Strategies: Include examples of disaster recovery and failover strategies you've developed and executed.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Network Troubleshooting: Familiarize yourself with common network connectivity issues, protocol mismatches, and hardware failures. Practice diagnosing and resolving these issues using relevant tools and platforms.
- Network Security Configuration: Brush up on your knowledge of RACF policies, IP filtering, and AT-TLS encryption. Practice configuring and managing these security protocols in a lab environment.
- Network Design: Review network design principles and best practices. Practice designing and deploying mainframe network systems using VTAM, TCP/IP, and SNA in a lab environment.
- Performance Analysis: Familiarize yourself with mainframe monitoring tools like OMEGAMON and RMF. Practice analyzing network performance and identifying potential issues in a lab environment.
ATS Keywords: Mainframe Networking, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, SNA, VTAM, Network Monitoring, OMEGAMON, RMF, Network Security, RACF, Disaster Recovery, High Availability, Cross-Platform Integration, Virtualized Environments, Technical Troubleshooting, Network Design, System Integration.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview process and technical challenge preparation are based on typical interview processes for a senior-level Mainframe Network Engineer role in a mid-sized software development company.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Mainframe Networking Tools:
- VTAM: Proficient in VTAM for managing and configuring mainframe network systems.
- TCP/IP: Experience with TCP/IP protocols for network communication and data transfer.
- SNA: Familiarity with SNA protocols for mainframe network communication.
- OMEGAMON: Experience with OMEGAMON for mainframe network monitoring and performance analysis.
- RMF: Familiarity with RMF for mainframe network performance monitoring and capacity planning.
Network Security Tools:
- RACF: Proficient in RACF for mainframe network security and access control.
- IP Filtering: Experience with IP filtering for network traffic control and security.
- AT-TLS Encryption: Familiarity with AT-TLS encryption for secure network communication.
Infrastructure Tools:
- IBM NetView: Experience with IBM NetView for mainframe network management and monitoring.
- CA Spool: Familiarity with CA Spool for mainframe job scheduling and resource management.
- Printer Managers: Experience with printer managers for mainframe print services and job management.
📝 Enhancement Note: Technology stack is based on typical technology stacks for a senior-level Mainframe Network Engineer role in a mid-sized software development company.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Network Team Values:
- Precision: The network team values precision in network design, configuration, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Resilience: The team emphasizes resilience in the face of network challenges and unexpected issues, with a focus on quick recovery and minimal downtime.
- Collaboration: The network team values close collaboration with other teams, including system programmers, DBAs, and application teams, to ensure seamless system integration and effective problem-solving.
- Continuous Learning: The team encourages continuous learning and professional development, with a focus on staying up-to-date with the latest network technologies and best practices.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: The network team works closely with other teams, including system programmers, DBAs, and application teams, to ensure seamless system integration and effective problem-solving.
- Code Review Culture: The team emphasizes code review and peer programming practices to maintain high-quality deliverables and knowledge sharing.
- Knowledge Sharing: The network team encourages knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning, with a focus on maintaining a strong and collaborative team culture.
📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are based on typical team cultures for a senior-level Mainframe Network Engineer role in a mid-sized software development company.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Network Complexity: Mainframe network systems can be complex and challenging to manage, requiring a deep understanding of network protocols, network security, and system integration.
- Performance Optimization: Maintaining optimal network performance in a dynamic and evolving enterprise environment can be challenging, requiring continuous performance analysis and optimization.
- Security Threats: Network security is an ongoing challenge, with new threats and vulnerabilities emerging regularly. The Mainframe Network Engineer must stay up-to-date with the latest security best practices and respond quickly to emerging threats.
- Disaster Recovery: Developing and executing effective disaster recovery strategies can be challenging, requiring a deep understanding of the enterprise systems and a proactive approach to minimizing downtime.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Development: The Mainframe Network Engineer will have the opportunity to develop and enhance their technical skills, working with cutting-edge network technologies and best practices.
- Conference Attendance: NTD Software encourages professional development and provides opportunities for conference attendance, certification, and community involvement.
- Technical Mentorship: The Mainframe Network Engineer will have the opportunity to mentor junior team members, sharing their knowledge and experience and fostering a collaborative and supportive team culture.
📝 Enhancement Note: Technical challenges and learning opportunities are based on typical challenges and opportunities for a senior-level Mainframe Network Engineer role in a mid-sized software development company.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Network Protocols: Be prepared to discuss your experience with network protocols, including TCP/IP, SNA, and VTAM. Demonstrate your ability to design, configure, and manage mainframe network systems using these protocols.
- Network Security: Be prepared to discuss your experience with network security, including RACF policies, IP filtering, and AT-TLS encryption. Demonstrate your ability to implement and manage network security protocols in a mainframe environment.
- Network Troubleshooting: Be prepared to discuss your experience with network troubleshooting, including diagnosing and resolving network connectivity issues, protocol mismatches, and hardware failures. Demonstrate your ability to think critically and problem-solve effectively in a network engineering context.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Company Mission: Research NTD Software's mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your experience and skills align with the company's goals and culture.
- Team Dynamics: Be prepared to discuss your experience working in a collaborative and dynamic team environment, and how you would contribute to NTD Software's team culture.
- Problem-Solving Approach: Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving approach in a fast-paced, enterprise environment, and how you would apply it to the challenges faced by the network team at NTD Software.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Network Design Projects: Highlight your experience in designing and deploying mainframe network systems using VTAM, TCP/IP, and SNA. Demonstrate your ability to create and manage network systems that are robust, secure, and optimized for performance.
- Security Implementation Projects: Demonstrate your ability to implement and manage security protocols, including RACF policies, IP filtering, and AT-TLS encryption. Highlight your understanding of network security best practices and your ability to protect mainframe network systems from emerging threats.
- Troubleshooting Case Studies: Present case studies detailing network connectivity issues you've resolved, highlighting your technical troubleshooting skills and your ability to diagnose and resolve complex network problems.
- Disaster Recovery Strategies: Include examples of disaster recovery and failover strategies you've developed and executed, demonstrating your ability to minimize downtime and ensure business continuity in the face of network challenges.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation is based on typical interview processes for a senior-level Mainframe Network Engineer role in a mid-sized software development company.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Mainframe Network Engineer position:
- Submit Your Application: Visit the NTD Software careers page and submit your application through the application link provided.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Customize your portfolio to highlight your experience in mainframe network engineering, network design, and network security. Include examples of your work with VTAM, TCP/IP, SNA, OMEGAMON, RMF, RACF, and other relevant tools and technologies.
- Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your technical skills, experience, and achievements in mainframe network engineering. Highlight your problem-solving skills, collaboration abilities, and adaptability in a fast-paced, enterprise environment.
- Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with NTD Software's mission, values, and company culture. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process, demonstrating your interest in and understanding of the company's goals and objectives.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have 15+ years of hands-on experience in mainframe network engineering and strong expertise in network protocols. Knowledge of security best practices and experience with disaster recovery and high availability design are also required.