Senior Systems Administrator - Middleware (IHS/WAS)

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Systems Administrator specializing in IBM HTTP Server (IHS) and WebSphere Application Server (WAS) to join our Process Excellence Technology Services team. This role is critical to the strategic planning, design, implementation, and ongoing management of middleware environments that support large-scale, complex business applications.

The ideal candidate will be a technical leader with deep expertise in middleware technologies, security architecture, and high-availability solutions. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior administrators while ensuring the stability, scalability, and performance of our infrastructure.

• Lead the design, deployment, and maintenance of complex IHS and WAS environments, including clustered and high-availability configurations.
• Define and enforce middleware standards, policies, and procedures.
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting and resolution for critical middleware issues.
• Optimize application performance through tuning and monitoring.
• Design and implement secure architectures for middleware environments (authentication, authorization, encryption).
• Plan and execute upgrades, patching, and migrations of middleware components.
• Automate administrative tasks using scripting tools (e.g., Python, Jython, Ansible).
• Collaborate with development, infrastructure, security, and architecture teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Mentor junior administrators and contribute to knowledge sharing.
• Participate in on-call rotation and provide after-hours support when required.
• Evaluate emerging middleware technologies and recommend adoption where appropriate.
• Lead capacity planning and performance monitoring initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in middleware administration, with a strong focus on IHS and WAS.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing high-availability and disaster recovery solutions.
• Deep understanding of security best practices for middleware environments.
• Strong scripting and automation skills (Python, Jython, Ansible).
• Experience with performance monitoring tools (e.g., Dynatrace, AppDynamics, New Relic).
• Proficiency in Linux operating systems.
• Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• IBM Certified System Administrator – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
• Experience working with BPM-based platforms is a strong asset.
• Prior experience supporting large-scale customer experience platforms is preferred.
• Candidates should have 5+ years of experience in similar roles supporting large, complex systems.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Business Process Management (BPM) platforms.

• Work hours are Monday - Friday, normal 40 hours weeks working onsite up to 5 days a week
• Location: Ottawa, ON
• Type of job: Temporary Contractor
• Date candidate required: Immediate
• Length of Contract: 12 months with the possibility of extension