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Entry Level Site Reliability Engineer 2026

IBM

Software Engineering

Poughkeepsie, NY, USA

Posted on Oct 18, 2025

Introduction

An entry-level z Systems programmer installs, customizes, and maintains the IBM Z operating system and associated software, focusing on system stability and performance. Entry-level duties typically include assisting with software upgrades and patches, monitoring system health, troubleshooting problems using system logs, performing basic configuration tasks, supporting data backup and recovery, creating documentation, and learning to use core mainframe tools like JCL and ISPF. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, a foundation in computer science, and a willingness to continuously learn and gain experience in the complex Z environment.

Your role and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

System Installation and Upgrades:

Assist senior programmers in installing and upgrading z/OS, zVM and/ or zLinux, its sub-products, and third-party vendor software.

Software Maintenance:

Apply system patches and maintenance levels to keep the z/OS, zVM and/ or zLinux environment current and secure.

Monitoring and Performance:

Monitor system software, performance, and resource utilization to ensure efficient operation.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnose and resolve software and hardware issues, often using system logs and debugging tools.

Configuration:

Perform basic configuration and update tasks, including managing JCL and system parameters.

Data Management:

Assist with and learn data backup, recovery, and disaster recovery procedures.

Documentation:

Create and maintain technical documentation for system software and procedures.

User and Application Support:

Work with application developers and end-users to support business initiatives and address operational issues.

Required education

High School Diploma/GED

Preferred education

Bachelor's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

Required Skills and Qualifications

Foundational Knowledge: A degree in computer science or a related field.

Technical Proficiency:

z/OS: Basic understanding of z/OS operating system concepts and components.
zVM: Basic understanding of zVM operating system concepts and components.
zLinux: Basic understanding of zLinux operating system concepts and components.
JCL: Proficiency in Job Control Language (JCL) for managing batch jobs and tasks.
ISPF/TSO: Familiarity with TSO/E and ISPF for interacting with the z/OS system.
Mainframe Tools: Exposure to utilities like SMP/E for software management and system logs for problem determination.

Preferred technical and professional experience

Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Communication: Interpersonal skills to collaborate with team members and other IT departments.

Continuous Learning: A commitment to ongoing learning to stay updated with the ever-evolving mainframe environment.

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

IBM Systems helps IT leaders think differently about their infrastructure. IBM servers and storage are no longer inanimate - they can understand, reason, and learn so our clients can innovate while avoiding IT issues. Our systems power the world’s most important industries and our clients are the architects of the future. Join us to help build our leading-edge technology portfolio designed for cognitive business and optimized for cloud computing.

YOUR LIFE @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

Being an IBMer means you’ll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you’ll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.

Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.

Are you ready to be an IBMer?

ABOUT IBM

IBM’s greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we’re also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it’s time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:

Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being
Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs
Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences

The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

This position is eligible for participation in an IBM Sales Incentive plan. Actual incentive opportunity will be based on performance and the eligible Target Incentive, as addressed in the applicable plan, all of which is subject to change. The compensation range listed for this position is the IBM Reference Salary that is used when you are not actively participating in a sales plan. Your actual base pay plus incentive opportunity will be determined by the Incentive Plan assigned to you.

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.

IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

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