Staff Data Center Operations Engineer, Mainframe Core Systems

Job Description and Responsibilities 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:

Infrastructure & Equipment Installation

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. Mainframe & Open Systems Support

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. Vendor & Stakeholder Management

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 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.