Mainframe Infrastructure Patching Lead

• 8+ years of experience in IBM z/OS systems programming or mainframe infrastructure operations, with demonstrated depth as a senior technical contributor.

• Hands-on expertise with SMP/E, z/OS maintenance processes, and IBM service delivery (PTFs, APARs, HOLDDATA, RSU/CSI management).

• Strong working knowledge of z/OS and core subsystems (JES2/JES3, RACF, CICS, DB2, IMS, or similar).

• Experience directing or closely coordinating with an offshore or distributed technical team, including reviewing their work and holding them to defined standards.

• Experience with change management processes and tooling (e.g., ServiceNow) in a regulated enterprise environment.

• Familiarity with vulnerability management and security patch prioritization frameworks.

• Strong troubleshooting skills and experience designing and validating rollback/contingency plans.

• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear runbooks and procedures for execution by a remote team.

• Willingness to support off-hours and weekend patch windows, including coordination across time zones with the offshore team.

• Risk-based decision making under time constraints.

• Ability to lead and quality-control work performed by a remote/offshore team without direct supervision on-site.

• Meticulous attention to detail and documentation discipline.

• Clear, calm communication during incidents or escalations, across time zones.

• Comfort operating as a hands-on senior contributor while also acting as the de facto technical lead for a distributed team.

We are offering an annual compensation between $80,000-$90,000. Applications will be accepted until September 30th 2026.

• We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is an onsite position based in Scarborough, Ontario. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

• The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

• Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in Canada without requiring employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

• Applications for this position are reviewed by our recruitment team without the use of artificial intelligence screening tools.