Open to opportunities

Rob Schramm

@robschramm

Principal z/OS systems programmer specializing in mainframe security, cryptography, and communications for regulated enterprises.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a principal-level role where I can lead z/OS security conversions, modernize TLS/SSL and key management (ICSF/CEX/TKE), and deliver STIG/PCI/NIST remediation in mission-critical environments with strong, collaborative teams.

I’m a principal-level z/OS systems programmer with 25+ years delivering mainframe security, cryptography, and communications solutions for Fortune-class banks, insurers, and software vendors. I’m a deep CA-Top Secret subject-matter expert focused on Top Secret/ACF2-to-RACF conversions and mission-critical exit-level customization.

I bring hands-on depth across ICSF and Crypto Express (CEX/TKE) key management, plus AT-TLS / system SSL implementation for PCI/NIST security remediation. I’ve led complex, high-stakes migrations—covering parallel-to-base sysplex transitions, HCD work, and disaster-recovery build-outs—while maintaining strong governance and operational discipline.

In recent roles, I delivered z/OS security conversions for a large customer base, authored assembler/REXX tooling for conversion teams, and performed STIG analysis with practical remediation recommendations. I also mentor teams on RACF-stored certificate approaches for TLS communications, and I’m consistently focused on making security changes reliable, auditable, and deployable.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Principal Customer Solutions Engineer

Current

Rocket Software, Inc.

Mar 2023 - Present (3 years 4 months)

Deliver z/OS security conversions (ACF2-to-RACF and Top Secret-to-RACF) and password-propagation support across client bases. Develop and troubleshoot REXX/assembler tooling and perform STIG analysis with remediation recommendations.

RACF REXX HLASM Assembler COBOL Password Propagation Top Secret Database Analysis

Senior Systems Programmer

Ensono, LLC

Apr 2018 - Jan 2023 (4 years 9 months)

Provide z/OS security, systems programming, architecture, performance, and development services across multiple clients. Lead sysplex/base sysplex conversions and z/OS upgrades while implementing cryptographic and TLS support.

TLS OpenSSH RACF RACF Keyring Certificates Parallel Sysplex HCD Disaster Recovery

Mainframe Systems Administrator

Great American Insurance Company

Apr 2016 - Apr 2018 (2 years)

Lead z/OS migration and build-out for production and a new disaster-recovery site. Perform HCD work and implement SKLM cryptographic support for disk encryption during migrations.

Z OS Migration HCD ESS800 To DS8884 Migration Tape Analysis Disaster Recovery

Senior Systems Engineer

Global Technology Solutions Group

Dec 2016 - Mar 2017 (3 months)

Deliver SOW analysis and specifications for a data-center consolidation, relocation, and build-out. Support planning for multiple z13 systems, coupling facilities, and z/VM zLinux machines.

SOW Specifications Data Center Consolidation Z13 Systems Coupling Facility

Senior Systems Engineer

New Iron Solutions

Sep 2016 - Dec 2016 (3 months)

Own a 2-to-1 data-center migration to z13s using DSS full-volume dumps from EMC DLM. Consolidate multiple LPARs onto a single z13s while coordinating CSS and storage system components.

Z13s Migration DSS Full Volume Dumps LPAR CSS

Senior Systems Consultant

The Art of Mainframe, LLC

Jan 2011 - Jun 2016 (5 years 5 months)

Provide independent consulting focused on z/OS security, cryptography, and communications for confidential clients. Build security tooling and deliver cryptographic/TLS, identity propagation, and sysplex networking support.

CA Top Secret REXX Tooling Top Secret Auditing RACF To Top Secret Conversions Top Secret To RACF Conversions NSS XMLAppliance DataPower SAF Authentication TLS SFTP Co:Z Toolkit GSKSRVR SSL Trace Analysis OpenSSL Certificate Reformatting DVIPA Sysplex Distributor Parallel Sysplex

Senior Security Consultant

Dan’s People, Inc.

Jan 2011 - Jun 2015 (4 years 5 months)

Deliver PCI security remediation and CA-Top Secret/OMVS Security Health Checks through consulting engagements. Author SOW for a Windows-based remote RACF administration design.

CA Top Secret OMVS Security Health Checks RACF Administration

Senior Systems Engineer

Sirius Computer Solutions, Inc.

Dec 2007 - Dec 2010 (3 years)

Provide sales-support and delivery engineering for z/OS solutions. Support AT-TLS proofs of concept, CA-Top Secret health checks/remediation, EKM/TKLM setup, and DB2 V8 to V9 migrations.

TLS EKM TKLM RACF Certificate Storage CA Top Secret Health Checks CA Top Secret Remediation DB2 V8 To V9 Migrations ICSF Setup Activation

Principal Systems Programmer

Fifth Third Bank

Jan 2005 - Nov 2007 (2 years 10 months)

Senior systems programmer supporting multiple z9 systems across a parallel sysplex. Implement ICSF and Trusted Key Entry (TKE) for CEX2C, manage symmetric keys, and secure administrative and desktop access to TN3270 to PCI standards.

Trusted Key Entry (TKE)CEX2C TN3270 VeriSign Certificates Z OS OMVS IBM HTTP Server LDAP MODDVIPA Arm 3DNS CA Top Secret Upgrades Parallel Sysplex

Middleware & z/OS Systems Programmer

Fifth Third Bank

Apr 2002 - Jan 2005 (2 years 9 months)

Lead installation, customization, and support for WebSphere Application Server, MQ, and DB2. Support OS/390 to z/OS upgrades and CA-Top Secret CPF command propagation for high availability connectivity.

Websphere WebSphere MQ OS 390 To Z OS CA Top Secret CPF Command Propagation Z OS Upgrade (1.4)

MVS Systems Programmer

Fifth Third Bank

Oct 1996 - Apr 2002 (5 years 6 months)

Support MVS/OS-390/z/OS, CICS, DB2, and communications across a parallel sysplex with off-site disaster recovery. Plan and execute processor upgrades and ServerPac installation/customization, including CA-Top Secret and ISV product installs.

OS 390 CIC Communication Processor Upgrades (9672 Generations)ServerPac CA Top Secret ISV Product Installs Y2K Testing IPL Scheme Parallel Sysplex

Mainframe Security Administrator

Fifth Third Bank

Oct 1996 - Apr 2002 (5 years 6 months)

Administer CA-Top Secret administration and conversion for an information security team managing 10,000+ user IDs. Build provisioning/deprovisioning automation and provide SAF-macro support and coding to migrate home-grown and CICS applications onto CA-Top Secret.

CA Top Secret Administration CA Top Secret Conversion COBOL User Provisioning EXEC CICS ASSIGN USERID SAF Macro Support