Product Engineer role at IBM Z in New York—Entry level, onsite position with 88K−88K−152K salary, healthcare, learning platform & career growth in 2025.
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💼 Job Role & Category
Role: Product Engineer – IBM Z
Category: Full-Time, Regular Employment
Job ID: 63348
Experience Level: Early Professional / Entry Level
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Shift: General (Daytime) with off-shift rotation required
Location: Poughkeepsie, New York, United States
Posted On: November 6, 2025
Area of Work: Infrastructure & Technology, Systems Technology Lifecycle Services
🏢 Why Join IBM (International Business Machines Corporation)?
IBM is not just a technology company—it’s a global innovation powerhouse that has been restlessly reinventing itself since 1911. As one of the largest corporate organizations and technology employers in the world, IBM serves Fortune 500 companies with cutting-edge solutions in hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain technology. IBM’s mission is simple yet profound: to improve business, society, and the human condition through the application of intelligence, reason, and science.
With a presence across the globe, IBM is recognized as an early adopter and leader in emerging technologies. The company’s culture emphasizes continuous learning, courage to innovate, trust, and personal responsibility. IBMers are growth-minded professionals who stay curious, embrace feedback, and collaborate to drive exceptional outcomes. IBM has been honored as one of the world’s most respected technology innovators and is committed to being a force for good—combining responsible technology innovation with meaningful impact. Joining IBM means becoming part of a legacy of innovation while shaping the future of enterprise technology.
📝 Job Summary
The Product Engineer – IBM Z role is a critical technical position supporting the serviceability, structure, and development of IBM’s Z Brand Mainframe platform—specifically the Central Electronics Complex (CEC). As a Product Engineer, you’ll provide expert-level technical support for critical customer situations, working closely with Development, Engineering Test, and RAS (Reliability and Serviceability) teams throughout the product development cycle. This position involves interfacing with remote support centers, field engineers, and clients to resolve complex hardware and software issues while driving customer satisfaction. You’ll also participate in Early Ship Programs in preparation for Post General Availability and may design productivity tools, web applications, and data analysis solutions for team usage. This is an excellent opportunity for early career professionals to join a team of CEC experts and grow technical expertise in mainframe systems.
🔧 Key Responsibilities 🔧
🛠️ Product Support: Support the structure, development, and serviceability of IBM Z products and solutions (mainly hardware components)
🚨 Critical Issue Resolution: Provide expert-level technical support for critical customer situations and complex problem-solving
🤝 Cross-Team Collaboration: Work with Development, Engineering Test, and RAS teams early in the development cycle to learn designs and system implementations
💻 Technical Interface: Act as the interface between remote support centers, field engineers, and clients to resolve complex hardware/software issues
🔧 Break-Fix Support: Perform break-fix support, critical situation support, and customer impact event repair action analysis
📋 Field Engineering Support: Support field engineering changes and drive implementation of product repair and problem resolution strategies
🚀 Early Ship Programs: Participate in Early Ship Programs in preparation for Post General Availability (GA) launches
📚 Documentation & Education: Design and deliver product education materials and technical support documentation
💡 Solution Development: Leverage technical knowledge to design and develop solutions ranging from web services to web applications and backend systems
📊 Productivity Tools: Create productivity aids and data analysis tools for general team usage
🔄 Rotation Coverage: Provide off-shift coverage as part of normal team rotation to ensure 24/7 support availability
✅ Who Can Apply?
🎓 Education Requirements:
Required:
- Associate’s Degree / College Diploma (minimum)
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering
💼 Experience Level:
- Early Professional / Entry Level position
- Prior experience with customer problem troubleshooting in complex software/hardware environments is preferred but not mandatory
💡 Required Technical Skills:
✅ Hardware Expertise: Hands-on experience with CPU to memory operations including clocking circuits and cryptographic methods
✅ Programming Proficiency: Hands-on experience programming in one or more object-oriented languages such as:
- Python
- Java
- C#
- C++
✅ Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
✅ Communication: Excellent communication skills and technical writing experience
🌟 Preferred Technical Skills:
🔹 Troubleshooting Experience: Knowledge and experience troubleshooting customer problems in environments with complex software/hardware stacks
🔹 Support Organization Knowledge: Familiarity with call flow and support organizations
🔹 Logical Partitioning: Knowledge of logical partitioning and SYSPLEX design
🔹 zSystems Knowledge: Basic knowledge in IBM zSystems (mainframe systems)
🔹 Software Background: Software background is helpful for immediate team contribution
📜 Certifications:
Not specified in job description
🚫 Visa Sponsorship:
IBM will NOT provide visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Candidates must have the ability to work in the United States without sponsorship.
🌍 Work Location & Type
📍 Location: Poughkeepsie, New York, United States
🏢 Work Arrangement: Onsite (on-site presence required)
🕐 Shift: General (Daytime shift)
⚠️ Note: Off-shift coverage will be required as part of normal team rotation to support critical situations
✈️ Travel: Some travel may be required based on business demand
💰 Salary Insights
💵 Official Salary Range (From Job Description):
$88,000 – $152,000 per year
This is the projected minimum to maximum salary range for this Product Engineer – IBM Z position in Poughkeepsie, New York. The compensation is based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year.
🎯 Salary Factors:
Your actual salary within this range will depend on:
✅ Job-Related Skills: Technical proficiency in mainframe systems, programming, and hardware troubleshooting
✅ Professional Experience: Prior experience in product engineering or technical support roles
✅ Location: Geographic location and cost of living adjustments
✅ Education: Bachelor’s degree vs. Associate’s degree qualifications
✅ Technical Expertise: Specialized knowledge in zSystems, logical partitioning, and cryptographic methods
💡 Additional Compensation Details:
- Pay Structure: Pay increment and frequency determined by employment classification and applicable laws
- Performance-Based Opportunities: Eligible employees may access performance-based salary incentive programs
- Part-Time Adjustments: For part-time roles, compensation and benefits are pro-rated based on hours worked
- No Sales Commission: This is NOT a commission-based or sales incentive position
🌟 Total Compensation:
IBM emphasizes that base salary is just one component of their competitive total compensation package, which includes healthcare benefits, retirement plans, stock purchase options, and extensive learning opportunities.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
IBM offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits program designed to support IBMers professionally and personally:
🏥 Healthcare & Wellness:
- Medical & Prescription Drug Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance plans
- Dental & Vision Insurance: Complete dental and vision care coverage
- Mental Health & Well-Being: Dedicated mental health support and wellness programs
- Short & Long-Term Disability Coverage: Financial protection during health challenges
💰 Financial Benefits:
- 401(k) Retirement Plan: Employer-sponsored retirement savings
- Cash Balance Pension Plan: Additional retirement security
- IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to own IBM shares
- Financial Counseling: Professional financial planning support
- Life Insurance: Comprehensive life insurance coverage
- Performance-Based Salary Incentives: Opportunities for bonus programs based on performance
🏖️ Paid Time Off:
- 12 Paid Holidays annually
- Minimum 56 Hours Sick Time per year
- 120 Hours Vacation Time annually
- 12 Weeks Parental Bonding Leave: In accordance with IBM policy
- Paid Family Leave: Where required by applicable law
- Other Paid Care Leave Programs: Additional leave options for caregiving needs
📚 Learning & Development:
- AI-Driven Learning Platform: Personalized, cutting-edge educational resources
- Skills Development Programs: Continuous learning opportunities to grow technical expertise
- Industry-Recognized Certifications: Support to achieve professional certifications
- Career Growth Support: Resources to achieve career goals within IBM
🌈 Inclusive Culture & Community:
- Diverse Employee Resource Groups: Communities for connection and support
- Giving & Volunteer Opportunities: Programs to give back to communities
- Retail Discounts: Discounts on products, services, and experiences
🎯 Work Environment:
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Access to IBM’s latest innovations including AI, quantum computing, and hybrid cloud
- Collaborative Culture: Work with world-class engineers and technical experts
- Trust & Responsibility: Environment where everyone can thrive regardless of background
- Innovation Focus: Encouraged to experiment, be courageous, and drive exceptional outcomes
📝 How to Apply
📢 How to Apply for IBM Product Engineer Recruitment 2025:
1️⃣ Click on the “Apply Now” button below or visit IBM Careers website
2️⃣ Search for Job ID 63348 or “Product Engineer – IBM Z” in Poughkeepsie, NY
3️⃣ Create an IBM Careers account or log in if you’re a returning applicant
4️⃣ Complete the application form with accurate personal, educational, and professional details
5️⃣ Upload your resume/CV and any supporting documents (transcripts, certifications, portfolio)
6️⃣ Answer screening questions related to your technical skills and experience
7️⃣ Review all information carefully before final submission
8️⃣ Submit your application and save your confirmation/application ID
9️⃣ Monitor your email for communication from IBM’s recruitment team
⏰ Application Deadline:
This position was posted on November 6, 2025 and is anticipated to remain open for 21 days from the posting date or until the role is filled—whichever comes first.
⚡ Apply soon to maximize your chances! Product Engineering roles at IBM are competitive and may close earlier if filled.
📢 Share this high-paying IBM opportunity with friends pursuing careers in hardware engineering and mainframe systems! 😇
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the selection process for IBM Product Engineer roles?
The typical IBM hiring process for Product Engineer positions includes:
- Application Screening: Resume review by HR and hiring managers focusing on technical skills and education
- Phone/Video Screening: Initial conversation with recruiter about your background, interest in mainframe technology, and basic technical knowledge
- Technical Interviews: In-depth discussions covering:
- Hardware concepts (CPU to memory operations, clocking circuits, cryptography)
- Programming skills (Python, Java, C++, C#)
- Problem-solving scenarios related to customer support
- Knowledge of mainframe systems (if applicable)
- Behavioral Interviews: Assessment of communication skills, teamwork, and cultural fit with IBM values
- Panel Interview: May include discussions with current Product Engineers and team leads
- Offer Stage: Compensation negotiation, background verification, and onboarding
The entire process typically takes 3-6 weeks depending on scheduling and candidate availability.
2. Does this job allow remote work or is it strictly onsite?
According to the job description, this position has an “Onsite” work arrangement, meaning you will be required to work from IBM’s Poughkeepsie, New York facility. This is NOT a remote or hybrid role.
Additionally, off-shift coverage will be required as part of normal rotation, which means you may need to provide support during evenings, nights, or weekends on a rotating basis to handle critical customer situations.
3. What programming and technical skills are most important for this role?
Based on the job description, the critical skills include:
Required:
- ✅ Hardware Knowledge: CPU to memory operations, clocking circuits, cryptographic methods
- ✅ Object-Oriented Programming: Proficiency in Python, Java, C#, or C++
- ✅ Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities
- ✅ Technical Writing: Excellent communication and documentation skills
Preferred:
- 🔹 Experience troubleshooting complex software/hardware stacks
- 🔹 Knowledge of logical partitioning and SYSPLEX design
- 🔹 Basic knowledge of IBM zSystems (mainframes)
- 🔹 Understanding of call flow and support organization structures
- 🔹 Software development background for creating productivity tools
4. Is this position open to fresh graduates or only experienced professionals?
Yes, fresh graduates can apply! This is classified as an “Early Professional / Entry Level” position. While the job description lists some preferred qualifications including troubleshooting experience, the minimum requirement is an Associate’s Degree.
Fresh graduates with:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering
- Strong programming skills in object-oriented languages
- Understanding of hardware concepts (CPU operations, circuits)
- Good communication and problem-solving abilities
…are encouraged to apply. IBM values growth-minded individuals willing to learn, and this role offers training through Early Ship Programs and collaboration with experienced engineers.
5. Will IBM sponsor a work visa for this position?
No. The job description explicitly states:
“IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.”
You must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring visa sponsorship to be eligible for this role.
6. What is the career growth potential in this Product Engineer role?
This Product Engineer position offers significant career advancement opportunities:
🚀 Technical Growth:
- Work with cutting-edge IBM Z mainframe technology
- Gain expertise in Central Electronics Complex (CEC) hardware
- Learn from a team of mainframe experts
- Participate in Early Ship Programs for new product launches
📈 Career Progression:
- Advance from Entry Level to Senior Product Engineer roles
- Transition into Development, Engineering Test, or Architecture teams
- Move into leadership positions within Systems Technology
- Leverage IBM’s AI-driven learning platform for continuous skill development
💼 Skill Diversification:
- Develop both hardware and software expertise
- Build customer-facing technical support skills
- Create web applications and productivity tools
- Gain experience in critical situation management
IBM’s culture of continuous learning and internal mobility provides pathways to senior technical roles, management positions, or specialized areas like AI, quantum computing, and cloud infrastructure.
7. What does “off-shift coverage as part of normal rotation” mean?
This means that as a Product Engineer supporting critical IBM Z mainframe systems, you will be part of a rotation schedule to provide 24/7 technical support. This typically involves:
- Regular Daytime Shift: Your primary work hours during standard business days
- Rotating On-Call Duty: Periodic assignment (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly rotation) where you’re available to handle critical customer situations during:
- Evenings (after 5-6 PM)
- Nights (overnight hours)
- Weekends
- Holidays
Since IBM Z mainframes run mission-critical systems for Fortune 500 companies worldwide, technical support must be available around the clock. The rotation is shared among team members to distribute the responsibility fairly.
8. What is IBM Z and why is it important?
IBM Z refers to IBM’s family of enterprise mainframe computers—the most secure, scalable, and reliable computing platform used by the world’s largest organizations. Key facts:
- Mission-Critical: Powers 87% of global credit card transactions, 8 billion ATM transactions daily
- Industries: Used extensively in banking, insurance, healthcare, government, and airlines
- Security: Industry-leading security features with built-in encryption
- Reliability: 99.999% uptime with unmatched stability
- Innovation: Incorporates AI, quantum-safe cryptography, and hybrid cloud capabilities
As a Product Engineer supporting IBM Z, you’ll work on technology that literally keeps the world’s economy running—making this role both challenging and highly impactful.
9. Does IBM consider applicants with criminal histories?
Yes. According to the job description:
“We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.”
IBM reviews candidates with criminal records on a case-by-case basis in compliance with federal and state fair chance hiring laws. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you from consideration.
10. What makes IBM a good employer for early career professionals?
IBM is particularly well-suited for early career professionals because:
✅ Learning Culture: Access to personalized, AI-driven learning platforms with industry certifications
✅ Mentorship: Work alongside experienced engineers and domain experts
✅ Innovation Focus: Exposure to cutting-edge tech (AI, quantum computing, blockchain)
✅ Comprehensive Benefits: Full healthcare, retirement, and wellness programs from day one
✅ Diversity & Inclusion: Strong commitment to creating belonging for all backgrounds
✅ Global Impact: Work on systems that serve Fortune 500 companies worldwide
✅ Career Mobility: Internal opportunities to move across technologies and business units
✅ Job Security: Over 110 years of continuous innovation and market leadership
IBM’s “growth mindset” culture encourages experimentation, continuous feedback, and career development—making it an ideal place to launch and build a meaningful tech career.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Product Engineer – IBM Z role at IBM represents an exceptional opportunity for early career professionals passionate about hardware engineering, mainframe technology, and customer-focused technical support. With a competitive salary range of $88,000 to $152,000, comprehensive benefits, and access to IBM’s world-class learning platforms, this position offers both financial stability and long-term career growth.
Working on IBM’s Z mainframe platform means contributing to technology that powers critical systems for banks, governments, healthcare organizations, and major corporations worldwide. You’ll develop rare expertise in enterprise computing while building problem-solving, communication, and technical skills that are highly valued in the industry.
Whether you’re a recent graduate with strong programming skills or an early career professional looking to specialize in enterprise systems, this role provides the foundation for a rewarding career in systems engineering at one of the world’s most respected technology companies.
👉 Don’t miss this chance to join IBM and become part of a legacy of innovation! Apply before the position closes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is created for informational purposes based on the official IBM job description posted on November 6, 2025. Salary, benefits, and job requirements are subject to change. Applicants should refer to the official IBM Careers portal for the most current information. This blog is not affiliated with IBM or its subsidiaries.