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

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.

• Consultation and Strategy - 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.

• Technical Leadership & Support - 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.

• Application & Integration Oversight - 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.

• Project Delivery & Governance – 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.

• Security & Compliance - 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.

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

Certifications (Preferred) 

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

Required Experience:

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)
• Current contractor/contingent worker for First Citizens Bank

#LI-DN

This job posting is expected to remain active for 5 days from the initial posting date listed above. If it is necessary to extend this deadline, the posting will remain active as appropriate. Job postings may come down early due to business need or a high volume of applicants.

If hired in North Carolina or New York, the base pay for this position is generally between $118,174 and $170,000. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.