Mainframe Infrastructure Solutions Architect - Presales

Cognizant is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Mainframe Infrastructure Solutions Architect to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role will be responsible for providing technical leadership and strategic guidance throughout the presales cycle, focusing on mainframe solutions and modernization initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical knowledge of mainframe environments, coupled with exceptional communication and presentation skills to articulate complex solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences, including C-level executives.

Key Responsibilities:

Solution Design & Architecture:

• Lead the design and definition of overall mainframe infrastructure solution frameworks for mainframe components within client proposals and bids.
• Analyze client requirements, existing IT landscapes, and business objectives to architect tailor-made mainframe solutions, including on-premise, cloud, and hybrid models.
• Develop detailed architectural designs, high-level designs, and associated documentation (e.g., application views, multiple sections & views, artefacts).
• Evaluate and recommend solutions to integrate mainframe systems with the broader technology ecosystem.
• Identify improvements, options, and trade-offs to define target state solutions.

Presales & Client Engagement:

• Act as the primary technical subject matter expert during the presales phase, supporting the sales team in all technical aspects.
• Engage directly with clients, including C-level executives, technical decision-makers, and business stakeholders, to understand their challenges and demonstrate how our mainframe solutions can address their needs.
• Develop and deliver compelling technical presentations, demonstrations, and proofs-of-concept (POCs).
• Collaborate with sales, program/project, and consulting teams to ensure proposed solutions align with client expectations and internal capabilities.
• Participate in the development of RFP/RFS responses, providing technical analysis, cost estimations, and architectural validation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.

Mainframe Modernization & Innovation:

• Provide technical and strategic input for mainframe modernization strategies, including re-hosting, refactoring, re-platforming, and rewriting initiatives.
• Guide customers in planning, evaluating, architecting, and re-engineering legacy applications to leverage modern cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.).
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML for modernization), and best practices in mainframe and cloud landscapes.
• Contribute to the development of white papers, case studies, and thought leadership content related to mainframe solutions and modernization.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship:

• Provide technical leadership to design, development, and implementation teams for custom solutions.
• Mentor developers, designers, and junior architects, fostering their growth and enhancing their capabilities.
• Contribute to internal architecture practices by conducting interviews and sharing knowledge.

Costing & Risk Management:

• Develop fully costed solution architectures and provide accurate cost estimates for mainframe solution implementation (such as MFaaS) and ongoing support.
• Identify implementation risks and potential impacts, proposing mitigation strategies.
• Validate solutions from a technology, cost structure, and customer differentiation perspective.

Required Qualifications:

• 15+ years of experience in a technology environment, with a strong focus on mainframe infrastructure solutions
• Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on technical experience with mainframe systems and technologies such as:

Languages:

COBOL, JCL, PL/I, Assembler, REXX, Natural, RPG.

Databases:

DB2 for z/OS, IMS DB, VSAM, Adabas.

Transaction Managers:

CICS, IMS TM.

Operating Systems:

z/OS, z/VM, zLinux.

Middleware:

MQ, WebSphere.

Tools:

IBM Debug Tool for z/OS, Syncsort, SPUFI, ChangeMan, Endevor, CA-7/ESP/Control-M (Job Schedulers).

• Proven experience in designing and delivering complex mainframe solutions, including large-scale migrations and modernizations.
• Strong understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and experience in architecting solutions for mainframe to cloud migration/integration and tools like Zowe, OpenShift, Wazi
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Proven presentation skills, comfortable presenting to large groups and executive levels.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with specific mainframe modernization tools and patterns (re-architecture, rewrite, refactor, rehost).
• Familiarity with distributed client-server architecture systems.
• Exposure to GenAI technologies (LLMs, NLP) for application modernization assessments or code transformation.
• Experience with ITILv3 or ITSM principles.
• IBM Mainframe administration certification

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $170,000 to $180,000+ depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits:

Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan Disclaimer:

The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law. #LI-FA1