Data Center Operations Engineer, Mainframe Core Systems

Staff Data Center Operations Engineer, Mainframe Core Systems

This is an on-site position. An on-site position must be consistently performed at an assigned Visa office location and require daily commute to the office location.

The Opportunity:

Visa’s Data Center Engineering & Operations team delivers seamless, world-class infrastructure and support ensuring uninterrupted service through innovation, standardization, and continuous growth. As a Staff Operations Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting and maintaining mission-critical infrastructure, including IBM Mainframe systems, Open Systems platforms, Storage platforms and associated connectivity and equipment installations. You will play a key role in ensuring the reliability, scalability, and performance of Visa’s core data center systems, collaborating across teams to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, install, relocate, and decommission mainframe CPUs, open systems hardware, network equipment, and structured cabling infrastructure in Visa data centers.
• Oversee hardware installs, rack/cabinet mounting, power/cooling requirements, and cable management per TIA-942 and BICSI standards.
• Conduct inventory, labeling, and documentation of all hardware and cabling infrastructure using DCIM tools.
• Maintain and support IBM z/OS, Tandem, and open systems environments, including system upgrades, patching, software installations and storage drives.
• Troubleshoot and resolve incidents across platforms, including FICON Director and fiber-switched environments.
• Support pervasive encryption, audit compliance, and key management processes.

Connectivity & Network Operations

• Deploy and maintain network infrastructure (cabling, switches, routers) to ensure scalable, secure, and high-performance connectivity.
• Perform diagnostics, cross-connects, and circuit troubleshooting (Layer 1–3) using OTDR testers, power meters, and fiber cleaning kits.
• Manage port allocations, device turn-ups, migrations, and network documentation.

Operational Excellence

• Provide 24x7 support for problem diagnosis and resolution of hardware, network, and cabling infrastructure.
• Utilize ticketing systems for change/problem management and ensure accurate tracking and resolution.
• Participate in planning meetings to communicate infrastructure requirements and ensure project objectives are met.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Manage vendors providing hardware and cabling support, ensuring compliance with Visa’s standards and project timelines.
• Liaise with co-location service providers, internal teams, and external contractors for service coordination and escalation.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all installations and maintenance activities comply with Visa’s Global Safety, Health, and Environmental Program.
• Perform monthly audits of maintenance reports and support internal/external audit compliance activities.

Basic Qualifications:

• 5+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or at least 2 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 0 years of work experience with a PhD, OR 8+ years of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in data center operations, mainframe, and open systems engineering.
• Deep knowledge of IBM z/OS architecture, JCL, CICS, DB2, IMS, VSAM, RACF, SMP/E, and open systems platforms (Linux/Unix).
• Experience with LPAR configuration, HMC, Sysplexes, virtual tape libraries, and structured cabling.
• Familiarity with DCIM tools, OTDR testers, power meters, and fiber cleaning kits.
• Certifications preferred: ITIL, CCNA, BICSI, Network+, or equivalent.
• Experience with NLYTE and Service Now tools
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable with physical aspects of the role (lifting, overhead work, equipment installs).
• Experience mentoring and training junior staff.

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of…