📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer - AVP - Infrastructure Critical Services - IT
Company: Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX)
Location: Hong Kong
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: DevOps Engineer / System Administrator
Date Posted: 2025-02-21
Experience Level: 10+ years

🚀 Role Summary

Manage and support mission-critical and high-performance platforms on System z, ensuring stability, high throughput, and controlled CPU resources.
Collaborate with application teams to provide database administration and performance analysis support.
Implement compliance standards and perform regular system compliance reviews to reduce vulnerabilities.
Anticipate, evaluate, and resolve complex system problems to minimize downtime and system performance degradation.
Manage vendors to ensure high-quality delivery and implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of IBM System z environments, with a focus on z/OS, DB2, and CICS. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential to succeed in this mission-critical position.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Infrastructure Management: Implement and support infrastructure solutions in critical IBM System z environments, managing z/OS, DB2, CICS, and related 3rd party utilities and peripherals.
System Administration: Perform mainframe administration, support services, management of z/OS, DB2, CICS, and related 3rd party utilities and peripherals, including system configuration, installation, customization, security setup, system management functions, performance reporting, performance tuning, stress test, capacity planning, patching and upgrade, backup and recovery.
Database Administration: Provide support and implementation work to application teams, including database administration and performance analysis.
Compliance & Security: Implement compliance standards, perform regular system compliance review, proactively assess exposure areas, and take steps to reduce vulnerabilities.
Problem Resolution: Anticipate, evaluate, and resolve complex system problems to minimize downtime and system performance degradation.
Vendor Management: Manage vendors to ensure the highest quality delivery and implementation.
ITIL/ITSM Processes: Perform infrastructure support per standard ITIL/ITSM Incident management, Problem Management, Change Management, and Release Management processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information System, or IT-related disciplines.

Experience: Minimum 8 years of working experience with z/OS, DB2, CICS, supporting mission-critical, high availability, high performance platforms on System z.

Required Skills:

IBM Mainframe (z/OS, DB2, CICS)
Performance Tuning and Capacity Planning
Backup and Recovery
Cyber Security
Incident Management, Problem Management, Change Management, Release Management
Analytical and Problem-solving Skills
Presentation Skills

Preferred Skills:

Experience in VTL infrastructure, CA1, CA7, Endevor
Strong English and Chinese communication skills

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the critical nature of this role, candidates should have a proven track record of managing high-availability systems and strong analytical skills to excel in this position.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience managing and supporting mission-critical IBM System z environments.
Showcase successful implementation and support of infrastructure solutions in critical IBM System z environments.
Highlight problem-solving skills and experience resolving complex system problems.

Technical Documentation:

Provide documentation on system configuration, installation, customization, security setup, system management functions, performance reporting, performance tuning, stress test, capacity planning, patching and upgrade, backup and recovery processes.
Include examples of regular system compliance reviews, vulnerability assessments, and security measures implemented.
Showcase experience with ITIL/ITSM processes, including Incident management, Problem Management, Change Management, and Release Management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: HKD 800,000 - HKD 1,200,000 per annum (Based on experience and market standards for senior systems engineer roles in Hong Kong)

Benefits:

Competitive compensation package
Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
Retirement benefits and savings plans
Employee discounts and perks
Opportunities for professional development and training

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with on-call rotations for 24/7 support

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research for senior systems engineer roles in Hong Kong. Actual compensation may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services

Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 1969

Team Structure:

The IT team consists of various departments, including Infrastructure, Application, and Cyber Security.
The Infrastructure team is further divided into sub-teams, such as System z, Midrange, and Network Infrastructure.
The role reports to the Head of Infrastructure Critical Services.

Development Methodology:

HKEX follows ITIL/ITSM processes for incident, problem, change, and release management.
The company uses Agile methodologies for application development and maintenance.
HKEX emphasizes continuous improvement and innovation in its technology stack.

Company Website: https://www.hkex.com.hk/

📝 Enhancement Note: HKEX is a large, established organization with a strong focus on technology and innovation. The company values continuous learning and improvement, providing opportunities for professional growth and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Systems Engineer / Principal Engineer

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Infrastructure Critical Services, working closely with application teams and other infrastructure sub-teams.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the stability, performance, and security of HKEX's critical systems, directly influencing market data, trading, and clearing services.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical leadership roles within the Infrastructure team or other IT departments.
Specialization in emerging technologies or specific infrastructure domains.
Mentoring and knowledge-sharing opportunities to develop junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given HKEX's size and diverse technology stack, there are ample opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with state-of-the-art technology and amenities.

Office Location(s): Hong Kong (Tseung Kwan O)

Workspace Context:

The IT department works in an open-plan office with dedicated team spaces and meeting rooms.
The work environment encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing among team members.
HKEX provides employees with the latest technology tools and equipment to perform their jobs effectively.

Work Schedule: Standard office hours with on-call rotations for 24/7 support.

📝 Enhancement Note: HKEX's work environment fosters collaboration and innovation, with a strong focus on employee development and growth.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone/Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess communication skills and understand the candidate's experience and expectations.
Technical Deep Dive: A detailed discussion of the candidate's technical skills, experience, and problem-solving approach, focusing on IBM System z environments, z/OS, DB2, and CICS.
Behavioral Questions: Assess the candidate's fit with HKEX's company culture and values, as well as their problem-solving skills and adaptability.
Final Interview: A meeting with the hiring manager to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and the team, followed by a decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight successful infrastructure projects and system administration tasks in IBM System z environments.
Showcase problem-solving skills and experience resolving complex system problems.
Demonstrate understanding of ITIL/ITSM processes and experience working in a collaborative, team-based environment.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on IBM System z environments, z/OS, DB2, and CICS concepts and best practices.
Prepare for questions on performance tuning, capacity planning, backup and recovery, and security in IBM System z environments.
Familiarize yourself with ITIL/ITSM processes and be ready to discuss your experience with incident, problem, change, and release management.

ATS Keywords: IBM Mainframe, z/OS, DB2, CICS, Performance Tuning, Capacity Planning, Backup and Recovery, Cyber Security, Incident Management, Problem Management, Change Management, Release Management, Analytical Skills, Problem-solving Skills, Presentation Skills, ITIL/ITSM

📝 Enhancement Note: HKEX's interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of IBM System z environments and relevant ITIL/ITSM processes.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Operating System: z/OS

Database: DB2

Middleware: CICS

Infrastructure Tools:

VTL infrastructure (CA1, CA7, Endevor)
ITIL/ITSM tools for incident, problem, change, and release management

Programming Languages:

COBOL
PL/I
SQL

📝 Enhancement Note: HKEX's technology stack is primarily focused on IBM System z environments, with a strong emphasis on z/OS, DB2, and CICS. Familiarity with these technologies is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Customer Focus: HKEX prioritizes the needs of its customers, ensuring that its systems and services meet their requirements and expectations.
Integrity: The company values honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all its operations.
Collaboration: HKEX encourages teamwork and knowledge-sharing among its employees to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
Excellence: The company strives for excellence in all its operations, continuously seeking ways to improve its performance and better serve its customers.

Collaboration Style:

HKEX fosters a collaborative work environment, with regular team meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and cross-functional projects.
The company uses Agile methodologies and ITIL/ITSM processes to encourage collaboration and continuous improvement.
HKEX values open communication and active listening, encouraging employees to share their ideas and insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: HKEX's company culture emphasizes customer focus, integrity, collaboration, and excellence. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with these values during the interview process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Managing and supporting high-availability, high-performance platforms on System z in a fast-growing financial market.
Ensuring the security and compliance of critical systems in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
Collaborating with application teams to optimize database performance and resolve complex system issues.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

HKEX offers various training and development opportunities, including technical certifications, workshops, and mentoring programs.
The company encourages employees to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends, providing opportunities for professional growth and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: HKEX's technical challenges and learning opportunities provide candidates with the chance to develop their skills and advance their careers in a dynamic and innovative environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

System z Environment: Describe your experience managing and supporting high-availability, high-performance platforms on System z. How have you ensured the stability and security of these systems?
Performance Tuning: Walk us through your approach to performance tuning and capacity planning in IBM System z environments. Can you provide an example of a successful performance optimization project you've worked on?
Security & Compliance: How do you ensure the security and compliance of critical systems in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment? Can you describe a time when you identified and mitigated a significant security risk?
ITIL/ITSM Processes: How have you applied ITIL/ITSM processes in your previous roles? Can you describe a situation where you used these processes to resolve a complex system issue or improve service quality?

Company & Culture Questions:

HKEX's Mission: How do you see this role contributing to HKEX's mission to connect, promote, and progress its markets and the communities they support?
Company Culture: How do you align with HKEX's values of customer focus, integrity, collaboration, and excellence? Can you provide an example of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous roles?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

System z Projects: Highlight your experience with IBM System z environments, focusing on your ability to manage and support high-availability, high-performance platforms.
Performance Tuning & Optimization: Showcase your skills in performance tuning and capacity planning, providing examples of successful optimization projects you've worked on.
Security & Compliance: Demonstrate your understanding of security and compliance in critical systems, highlighting your ability to identify and mitigate risks.
ITIL/ITSM Processes: Explain your experience with ITIL/ITSM processes, providing examples of how you've used these processes to resolve complex system issues or improve service quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: HKEX's interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of IBM System z environments, relevant ITIL/ITSM processes, and alignment with the company's values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Systems Engineer - AVP - Infrastructure Critical Services - IT position at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX):

Customize Your Resume: Highlight your experience with IBM System z environments, z/OS, DB2, and CICS, as well as your skills in performance tuning, capacity planning, backup and recovery, and security. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and experience working in a collaborative, team-based environment.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your experience managing and supporting high-availability, high-performance platforms on System z, with a focus on successful infrastructure projects and system administration tasks. Highlight your problem-solving skills and experience resolving complex system problems.
Research HKEX: Familiarize yourself with HKEX's mission, values, and company culture. Understand the company's role in the financial services industry and its commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on your technical skills, focusing on IBM System z environments, z/OS, DB2, and CICS. Prepare for questions on performance tuning, capacity planning, backup and recovery, security, and ITIL/ITSM processes. Practice explaining your experience and approach to managing and supporting critical systems in a dynamic and evolving environment.
Prepare for Behavioral Interviews: Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to discuss your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and alignment with HKEX's values. Prepare examples of how you've demonstrated customer focus, integrity, collaboration, and excellence in your previous roles.
Apply: Submit your application through the HKEX career portal, following the instructions provided.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Principal Systems Engineer - AVP - Infrastructure Critical Services - IT