IBM Middleware Administrator (m/f/d)

Role Purpose

• Patch Management & Upgrades

• Plan and execute patch deployment and version upgrades for:

+ IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS)

• + IBM MQ environments
• Ensure timely application of security patches across middleware components
• Perform patch testing, impact analysis, and rollback planning
• Minimize downtime during upgrades using controlled and phased deployment approaches

• Middleware Security & Hardening

• Implement and maintain IBM MQ security controls, including:
• + SSL/TLS encryption for secure messaging
• + LDAP integration for centralized authentication
• + Channel authentication (CHLAUTH) rules
• Ensure middleware platforms comply with security standards and enterprise policies
• Identify and remediate vulnerabilities in middleware configurations
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to strengthen platform security

• Performance Monitoring & Optimization

• Monitor health and performance of:
• + WebSphere Application Server environments
• + IBM MQ queues and channels
• Conduct performance tuning activities such as:
• + JVM optimization
• + Thread pool tuning
• + Queue and channel performance optimization
• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks affecting application integration

• Incident Management & Troubleshooting

• Provide L2/L3 support for middleware-related incidents
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving:
• + Application connectivity
• + Messaging failures
• + System performance degradation
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and implement preventive measures
• Ensure timely resolution aligned with SLA requirements

• Integration Platform Support

• Maintain and support enterprise integration platforms for application communication
• Ensure availability and reliability of:
• + Message queues
• + Application server environments
• Work closely with application, infrastructure, and DevOps teams for issue resolution

• Automation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to automate:
• + Patch deployment
• + Monitoring and alerting
• + Routine maintenance activities
• Improve operational efficiency and reduce manual processes
• Contribute to platform modernization and optimization initiatives

• Compliance, Documentation & Audit Support

• Ensure middleware environments align with:
• + Internal IT and security standards
• + Regulatory requirements (banking/enterprise)
• Maintain documentation for:
• + System configurations
• + Patch history
• + Performance baselines
• Support audits and provide required compliance evidence

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in:
• + Information Technology
• + Computer Science
• + Systems Engineering or related field

Experience

• 8–10 years of experience in:
• + IBM Middleware administration
• + Enterprise integration environments
• Hands-on experience with:

+ IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS)

• + IBM MQ (Messaging systems)
• Experience supporting mission-critical, large-scale environments
• Experience in banking or regulated industries is highly preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in:
• + IBM WebSphere Application Server administration
• + IBM MQ configuration and management
• Experience with:
• + Middleware patching and upgrade processes
• + SSL/TLS configuration and certificate management
• + LDAP integration and authentication mechanisms
• Knowledge of:
• + Middleware performance tuning and JVM optimization
• + Messaging systems and integration patterns
• Familiarity with:
• + Linux/Unix environments
• + Monitoring and logging tools
• Basic scripting knowledge (Shell, Python) is advantageous

Certifications (Preferred / Required)

• IBM Certified System Administrator – WebSphere Application Server
• IBM Certified Solution Advisor – MQ V9.0

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work in high-pressure, production-critical environments
• Attention to detail and operational discipline
• Effective communication and cross-team collaboration

• Security Hardening & Compliance

• Performance Optimization

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experienced middleware administrator with deep expertise in WebSphere and IBM MQ environments
• Strong focus on system stability, patching, and security configuration
• Proven ability to manage enterprise integration platforms at scale
• Comfortable operating in mission-critical, regulated environments
• + Balanced capability across technical execution, troubleshooting, and operational governance
• IBM Middleware Administrator in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates