Staff Data Center Operations Engineer, Mainframe Core Systems

Visa•Ashburn, VA

2h•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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 ServiceNow tools
Strong communication skills (written, verbal, presentation).
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.