IBM i (AS/400) Systems Engineer Consultant - ( Remote NC/NY)

First Citizens Bank•Raleigh, NC

9h•Remote

About The Position

This is a remote role that may only be hired in the following location(s): North Carolina and New York. This position leads the architecture, development, administration, and support of the Bank’s IBM i (AS/400) platform and associated ecosystem. Serves as a senior technical authority for IBM i infrastructure, applications, and database systems, providing strategic direction, complex problem resolution, and production support. Partners with Technology and Operations leadership to deliver reliable, secure, and cost-effective solutions aligned with enterprise objectives. Leads large-scale initiatives, modernization efforts, and continuous improvement of the IBM i environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience in systems engineering including systems programmer, scripting, troubleshooting OR High School Diploma or GED and 12 years of experience in systems engineering including systems programmer, scripting, troubleshooting
15+ years of hands-on experience with IBM i (AS/400) systems
Deep expertise in: IBM i OS (OS/400), IBM Power Systems hardware and virtualization (LPARs, VIOS), DB2 for i database administration and performance tuning, High availability and disaster recovery solutions (PowerHA, MIMIX, or similar), Performance monitoring and tuning tools on IBM i, Job management, subsystems, journaling, and messaging, Backup/recovery tools (BRMS or equivalent), Security tools and auditing frameworks on IBM i, Networking and communications (TCP/IP, FTP, ODBC/JDBC)
Strong programming and scripting experience: RPG (ILE, Free-form), CL, COBOL
Proven experience integrating IBM i with modern platforms (APIs, REST, web services)

Nice To Haves

IBM Certified System Administrator – IBM i
IBM Power Systems certifications
ITIL or related service management certifications

Responsibilities

Provide expert-level consultative direction on IBM i architecture, including system design, performance optimization, and modernization strategies.
Serve as the primary SME for IBM i across infrastructure, application development, and database design.
Clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Produce high-quality written deliverables including architecture documents, solution proposals, and technical recommendations.
Lead and document key discussions, ensuring alignment through clear communication and follow-up.
Administer and support IBM i (AS/400) systems, including OS/400 / IBM i OS, LPARs, and Power Systems hardware.
Lead complex troubleshooting across OS, DB2 for i, integration layers, and enterprise applications.
Manage system performance tuning, capacity planning, and high availability configurations (PowerHA, clustering, replication).
Oversee backup, recovery, disaster recovery (DR), and business continuity processes.
Drive automation of operational processes using CL, RPG, and modern scripting/integration tools.
Support and guide development teams working with RPG (ILE, Free-form), COBOL, CL, and DB2 for i.
Lead modernization initiatives (e.g., API enablement, REST services, integration with distributed systems).
Ensure seamless integration between IBM i and enterprise platforms (Windows, Linux, cloud services).
Oversee middleware, messaging, and data exchange mechanisms.
Lead and manage complex infrastructure and modernization initiatives involving IBM i.
Create and maintain project artifacts, including: Meeting agendas and meeting minutes, Weekly/monthly status reports, Action item tracking and risk/issue logs, Technical documentation and runbooks.
Ensure accurate and timely communication of project status, risks, and dependencies to stakeholders and leadership.
Define technical roadmaps, deliverables, milestones, and success criteria.
Ensure adherence to security, compliance, and governance standards.
Mentor junior engineers and enforce best practices across the team.
Manage IBM i security including user profiles, authorization lists, object-level security, and auditing.
Ensure compliance with banking regulations and internal audit requirements.
Lead vulnerability assessments and remediation activities specific to IBM i.