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Operations Analyst, Mainframe

CDW · Default Location, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you followed a checklist or procedure exactly, even when it felt slow.

What they are checking: Whether they respect established procedures in an environment where shortcuts cause outages.

Tell me about a time you worked with a vendor or another team to fix a problem.

What they are checking: Whether they can coordinate across groups to resolve issues within SLAs.

What would you do

Walk me through how you would respond to a mainframe system alert you have never seen before.

What they are checking: Whether they follow procedures, check documentation and escalate correctly rather than guessing.

A batch job abends in the middle of the night. What do you check, and when do you call the engineer?

What they are checking: Their judgment about what tier-1 can safely handle and when to escalate.

A customer calls upset that their system is slow, and you do not see anything wrong yet. How do you handle the call?

What they are checking: Their customer communication when they do not have an answer yet.

Several alerts come in at once on different customer systems. How do you decide which to handle first?

What they are checking: Their prioritization based on business impact and SLAs rather than order of arrival.

About the work

What mainframe operations experience do you have, such as JES, batch job monitoring or console commands?

What they are checking: Whether they have basic hands-on familiarity with the systems they will monitor.

How do you write a shift handoff note so the next person knows exactly what is going on?

What they are checking: Whether they document clearly, since knowledge transfer between shifts is part of the job.

How do you document an issue in a ticketing system so an engineer can pick it up without calling you?

What they are checking: Whether their tickets are complete and useful, which speeds up resolution.

Why do security and compliance requirements matter in monitoring work like this?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that operations staff must follow controls even on routine tasks.

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The full job description

As published by CDW.

Job Summary The primary purpose of this position is to perform technical tasks, which are related to the operation and monitoring of assigned technologies for the managed services customer base in accordance with established procedures, guidelines, schedules, and checklists. What you will do: Service Delivery – 60% Job Weight • Accountable for successful collaboration with Customers, Suppliers, and fellow Employees to prioritize and deliver services that meet or exceed the business needs. • Delivers services within defined SLAs and security/compliance requirements. • Completes/ensures completion of daily operational documentation and transfers knowledge to next shift. • Provides tier-1 support for incoming calls received via telephone, e-mail, and Web portal. Addresses and resolves problems as appropriate, referencing supplied training material and customer documentation; documents all issues by utilizing appropriate ticketing application; escalates issues to Managed Services Engineers as appropriate. • Completes assigned customer workload, including, but not limited to, monitoring and investigating system alerts and events and assigning resources appropriately. • Ensures issues are communicated to customers in a timely and effective manner. • Interfaces with customers, various managed services staff personnel, and third-party vendors to resolve issues. Analysis – 20% Job Weight • Study, interpret, and develop a thorough understanding of incidents, problems, and opportunities through systematic analysis. • Regularly review reporting from monitoring and ticket applications. Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for service improvement. • Review operations business processes for ability to address customer needs, identifying areas where processes need to be enhanced or better documented. Design – 10% Job Weight • Engineer tactical and strategic solutions that meet or exceed the business need with attention to simplicity of design and ease of use. Use balance of both technical and business acumen to arrive at solutions. • Partner with stakeholders on creation/streamlining of support processes. Leadership – 10% Job Weight • Enable and Lead Change, Service Recoveries, Projects and/or Co-workers. Engage in communication that drives understanding, alignment and informed decision making. • Hold self and others accountable for quality & timeliness of work products. • Communicate process changes, customer environment changes, and information on Managed Services projects/initiatives to team members in a clear and timely manner. Ensure understanding, listen to concerns, and relay team feedback to management. • Constructively communicate process improvement opportunities such as, but not limited to customer support documentation, support workflows, coverage model changes and implementation of new tools and technology. What we expect of you: • Associate Degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or a related field, at least 6 months of Information Technology work experience OR 2 years college coursework in a technical field, at least 6 months of Information Technology work experience. • The position is part of a 7 day per week, 24 hour per day managed services operations. To provide the required coverage, must be willing to work other shifts including weekends, holidays and overtime. • Experience with one or more of the following technologies: Experience with IBM System z mainframe systems, and associated peripheral hardware and software • Results oriented. • Attention to detail. • Collaborating 360 degrees. • Adaptability and flexibility in dealing with people and unexpected situations. • Multi-tasking and working under minimal supervision. • Proficient verbal and written communication skills. • Excellent customer service skills. • Establishing positive working relationships and working as a team player. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). • Experience in monitoring applications such as ScienceLogic, Nimsoft Unified Management, Automate, or similar. • Experience in help desk applications such as ServiceNow, Service Desk Express (SDE), Remedy, Heat, or similar. • Experience in a managed services environment, a plus. Pay Range: $27.12/hour - $39.22/hour, depending on experience and skill set. https://cdw.benefit-info.com/Benefits overview: Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner’s mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever-evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances—not replaces—human creativity and decision-making. You don’t need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work. Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that’s curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what’s possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice. About Us CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what’s possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At CDW we act as one—building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win—focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward—staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That’s why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees—working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities. As a full‑stack, full‑lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what’s next. Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do. Together, we Make Amazing Happen. CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.

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