The Integration & Infrastructure Engineer is responsible for connecting all the pieces of the Fangorn prototype into a cohesive system and establishing the underlying cloud/hardware infrastructure. This role combines systems integration duties (ensuring data and workflows move smoothly between mainframe and cloud components) with cloud engineering (provisioning and configuring the environment). The engineer will implement the “plumbing and wiring” of the solution – network connectivity, system interfaces, data pipelines – and will integrate external services (e.g., DISA enterprise services or COTS tools) into the Fangorn platform. They serve as the go-to troubleshooter for any cross-system issues and ensure the prototype’s infrastructure is robust and maintainable via code.

Key Responsibilities:

• Hybrid Network Setup: Establish secure network connectivity between the on-prem mainframe environment and the cloud infrastructure. This may involve configuring AWS Direct Connect/Azure ExpressRoute or VPN tunnels from DISA datacenters to cloud, setting up appropriate VPC/VNet networks, subnets, and routing rules. Ensure low-latency and secure data transfer channels are in place so that the mainframe and cloud components can communicate as needed (for example, for offloading data for analytics or invoking mainframe transactions from cloud apps).
• System Integration Development: Design and implement integration points between mainframe systems and new components. For instance, develop APIs or middleware to expose mainframe business logic to cloud applications (could involve using an API gateway along with IBM CICS web services or MQ messaging). Orchestrate data flows such as pushing batch data from mainframe datasets to a cloud data lake daily. Use integration tools or write custom adapters as needed to bridge technologies (e.g., converting EBCDIC mainframe data to ASCII for cloud).
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Use tools like Terraform, CloudFormation, or Azure Resource Manager to define and deploy cloud resources for the prototype. This includes compute instances, storage buckets, container clusters, etc., in an automated, repeatable way. Maintain these IaC scripts in version control, enabling the environment to be replicated or rebuilt consistently (important for a prototype that may evolve).
• Deployment & Configuration: Stand up any required middleware or platform services. For example, deploy and configure a database in the cloud that syncs with mainframe DB2, set up a message queue broker (IBM MQ or cloud-native equivalent) to pass messages, or configure API management tools. Ensure all required software (monitoring agents, security agents as per Security Architect, etc.) are installed and configured on servers (both mainframe connectors and cloud VMs).
• Integration Testing & Troubleshooting: Perform end-to-end testing of workflows that span mainframe and cloud. For example, test an end-user scenario that starts on a mainframe application and ends with data visualization in a cloud app. Identify and fix any issues such as data mismatches, timing/scheduling problems, or connectivity failures. Utilize tools to trace transactions across systems. Quickly troubleshoot integration issues – whether it’s a misconfigured firewall blocking traffic or a misaligned data format causing errors.
• Environment Management: Manage multiple environments for the prototype – dev, test, and production (if applicable within prototype scope). Monitor infrastructure usage and performance. Optimize resource configurations to balance cost vs. performance. Implement backup/restoration processes for critical data. Work with the DevOps lead to ensure infrastructure changes are integrated into CI/CD pipelines and that deployments are smooth.
• Integration with DISA Enterprise Services: Act as the point person to integrate any required DISA or DoD enterprise services. This could include integration with DISA’s identity management (e.g., single sign-on solutions), logging systems (e.g., send logs to DISA’s ELK/Splunk), or ticketing systems for operations. Ensure the prototype doesn’t operate in a silo but can hook into existing processes (for example, making sure the monitoring feeds into DISA’s enterprise monitoring tools).
• Documentation & Handoff: Document the integration architecture and infrastructure setups (network diagrams, data flow diagrams, config files). Develop runbooks for operational support of the integrated system (e.g., what to do if the mainframe-cloud data feed fails). Eventually hand over knowledge to permanent operations teams, if the prototype transitions to production.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: 10+ years as a Systems Engineer, Integration Engineer, or Cloud Infrastructure Engineer. Proven experience building and integrating complex systems with multiple components. At least 3 years of hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or private cloud) including networking and security configuration.
• Technical Skills:
• Networking: Strong understanding of TCP/IP networks, VPNs, DNS, routing, and network security (firewalls, security groups). Experience connecting hybrid environments (on-prem to cloud).
• Integration: Proficiency in integration technologies such as RESTful APIs, message queues (IBM MQ, RabbitMQ, or Azure Service Bus), file transfer mechanisms, ETL/data integration tools. Ability to script or code (Python, Shell, or PowerShell) for data manipulation and automation tasks.
• Infrastructure: Experience with Linux and Windows server administration (for any cloud VMs or integration servers). Skilled in Infrastructure as Code – e.g., writing Terraform scripts or CloudFormation templates to spin up infrastructure. Familiar with containerization (Docker) and possibly Kubernetes if container orchestration is part of the solution (e.g., deploying Linux on z containers or other microservices).
• Mainframe Integration Basics: While not a mainframe expert, should understand mainframe integration points (like batch file transfer processes, SFTP from z/OS, or consuming data from IBM MQ on z/OS). Some familiarity with data formats like COBOL copybooks, EBCDIC encoding, etc., to handle transformations.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot system issues that span multiple domains (network, application, database). Comfortable using monitoring and logging tools to pinpoint problems.
• DevOps Orientation: Experience working in environments with CI/CD pipelines. Familiarity with tools like Jenkins, GitLab, or CI workflows to automate deployment. Basic understanding of configuration management (Ansible, Chef) to ensure systems are configured consistently.
• Education: Bachelor’s in Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Clearance: Secret clearance eligibility. Must be a U.S. Citizen able to obtain a Secret clearance (active Secret preferred).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in DISA or DoD IT environments, especially with network infrastructure in DoD networks (e.g., knowledge of NIPRNet configurations, STIG-hardened systems).
• Familiarity with mainframe data offloading techniques (e.g., using IBM CDC (Change Data Capture) or FTP from z/OS datasets).
• Cloud Certifications: AWS Certified SysOps Administrator or Solutions Architect Associate; or Azure Administrator certification – indicating solid cloud ops knowledge.
• Experience with monitoring tools like Splunk, CloudWatch, or AppDynamics for tracking distributed transactions.
• Knowledge of Database integration – e.g., experience setting up replication from DB2 to a cloud database, or migrating VSAM datasets to modern data stores.
• Excellent documentation skills – ability to create clear diagrams and guides for complex setups.
•  

• Diné Development Corporation (DDC) is a Navajo Nation owned family of companies that delivers IT, professional, and environmental solutions to advance the missions of federal, state, and tribal government agencies. As thought leaders and innovators, our team of specialists build client-centric solutions that solve critical challenges faced by defense, civilian, and healthcare organizations. Employing a mission-focused approach, we deliver value that not only enhances current operations, but also drives future change. Closely aligned with this approach is our commitment to advancing the Navajo Nation and its People. Through economic development and community empowerment, we elevate the Navajo Nation to provide lasting impact and sustainable growth for future generations. DDC’s ability to unite legacy-inspired technologies, industry best practices, and proven methodologies has contributed to our success for twenty years.

   

  This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation, or any other basis prohibited by law. We participate in E-Verify.