IT Systems Architect
Location: Battle Creek, MI (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time Permanent
Salary: $125,000-$150,000 (+ bonus)
The IT Systems Architect is a senior technical role responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise server and computer system solutions, with a strong emphasis on IBM i (AS/400) environments and RPG development. This position plays a key role in supporting business-critical applications, monitoring system performance, managing vendors, and ensuring effective disaster recovery protocols. The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on experience with IBM Power Systems, strong RPG/CL programming skills, and a solid understanding of modern systems architecture and performance tuning.
Essential Job Functions
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Designs, implements, and maintains IBM i (AS/400) system solutions, including system planning, upgrades, and disaster recovery strategies. Maintains thorough documentation and schedules routine backups.
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Troubleshoots and secures IBM Power Systems, focusing on AS/400 environments. Monitors system health metrics (e.g., CPU, memory, disk) and proactively addresses performance or stability issues. Ensures system documentation is accurate and current.
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Manages IBM i hardware/software upgrades and enhancements. Reviews and recommends system standards. Maintains licensing compliance and hardware/software inventories. Interacts with vendors to manage AS/400-related resources.
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Develops and maintains automation processes within IBM i and supported systems to increase operational efficiency. Strong scripting and RPG/CL programming required.
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Provides technical leadership and guidance to IT staff. Offers training and mentorship to ensure knowledge transfer and skill development.
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Implements and maintains networking-related systems as assigned, including security configurations and backup/recovery solutions.
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Collaborates with software development teams to ensure system performance is optimized for RPG and other IBM i-based applications.
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Contributes to IT budget planning by providing accurate cost data and monitoring system-related expenses.
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Performs other duties as required in support of IT operations and organizational goals.
Required Experience:
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Minimum five years of experience supporting IBM i (AS/400) systems, including RPG and CL programming.
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Strong understanding of IBM Power Systems, Windows Server environments, networking, and scripting/automation tools.
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Experience with SQL and job automation on IBM i systems.
Preferred Experience:
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Familiarity with software development pipelines and performance diagnostics.
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Linux and orchestration tools experience.
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Experience with at least one cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP).
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Technical certifications (IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, etc.).
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Associate's degree in Computer Science or related field (or equivalent experience).
Benefits: