Intermediate/Senior Informix -  HP-UX -4GL

VTekis Consulting LLP
Full-timeChicago, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Intermediate/Senior Informix - HP-UX - 4GL Developer

Company: VTekis Consulting LLP

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Contract

Category: Legacy Systems Modernization / ERP Development

Date Posted: April 06, 2026

Experience Level: Intermediate/Senior (5+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Focus on modernizing a critical legacy ERP platform, bridging the gap between existing Informix 4GL logic and contemporary systems like Salesforce and e-commerce platforms.

  • Drive the development and maintenance of Informix 4GL applications, ensuring system stability and performance while implementing necessary enhancements.

  • Lead API build-out and integration initiatives, facilitating seamless data flow and communication between disparate systems.

  • Operate within a robust Unix/Linux environment, leveraging expertise in HP-UX and other Unix-based systems for development and deployment.

  • Collaborate closely with a lean, cross-functional team, including offshore resources, to achieve project objectives and maintain high standards of delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is fundamentally about legacy system modernization within a specific tech stack (Informix 4GL on HP-UX). While the prompt asks for Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM roles, this specific job listing is for a developer role focused on backend systems and IT infrastructure. The enhancement will focus on translating the developer responsibilities into an "operations" context where applicable, particularly concerning system efficiency, data integrity, and process support that underpins GTM functions. The core responsibilities are system-centric rather than GTM-strategy centric.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Spearhead the modernization of a mission-critical legacy ERP platform, focusing on Informix 4GL and its integration with Salesforce and e-commerce solutions.

  • Design, develop, and maintain robust Informix 4GL code, ensuring adherence to coding standards and best practices for maintainability and performance.

  • Implement and optimize system integrations using Genero BDL, SQL, and Unix Shell Scripting (Korn, Awk) to connect legacy systems with modern applications.

  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex application issues and database performance bottlenecks within the IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) environment, utilizing diagnostic tools like oncheck and set explain.

  • Lead and execute integration, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and performance testing phases to guarantee high-quality, low-disruption deployments.

  • Provide essential technical support, manage incidents, and maintain comprehensive documentation for the legacy ERP system and its associated workflows.

  • Collaborate daily with a small, lean team, including coordinating efforts with three offshore team members to ensure cohesive project execution.

  • Support and enhance core ERP supply chain functionalities such as order creation, pick-pack-ship processes, invoicing, and Bill of Materials (BOM).

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities are technical development, they directly impact the operational efficiency of supply chain and ERP functions. The enhancement highlights how these technical tasks support broader business operations and GTM readiness by ensuring data integrity and system availability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring 5+ years of specialized technical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in Informix 4GL development and maintenance, with a strong understanding of the full software development lifecycle.

Required Skills:

  • Expert-level proficiency in Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, and SQL for complex database development and querying.

  • Mastery of Unix-based operating systems, specifically HP-UX, with strong skills in Unix Shell Scripting (Korn, Awk) for automation and system management.

  • Advanced knowledge of IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS), including performance tuning and troubleshooting utilities like oncheck and set explain.

  • Experience in API integration (RESTful/SOAP) and understanding of data formats such as XML and EDI (e.g., 810, 820).

  • Hands-on experience with version control systems, particularly Git, GitHub, or GitLab, for collaborative development and code management.

  • Strong business acumen and understanding of Supply Chain Management (SCM) workflows, including order processing, shipping, and invoicing.

Preferred Skills:

  • Proficiency in secondary programming languages such as Java, Python, or Perl for integration tasks and modern application support.

  • Familiarity with other relational database management systems (RDBMS) like SQL Server, Oracle, or Snowflake.

  • Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and manufacturing workflows.

  • Knowledge of Salesforce and e-commerce platform integrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is clearly stated as a minimum of 5 years, aligning with an intermediate to senior level. The skills emphasize legacy technologies and specific Unix environments, indicating a specialized niche. The "soft skills" requirement is particularly important given the team structure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrations of Informix 4GL or Genero BDL code samples showcasing complex logic, data manipulation, and error handling.

  • Case studies illustrating successful system modernization projects, detailing the challenges, solutions implemented (e.g., migration strategies), and outcomes achieved.

  • Examples of Unix Shell Scripts (Korn, Awk) used for automation, data processing, or system administration tasks.

  • Documentation of API integration projects, including architectural diagrams, endpoints, request/response formats, and integration challenges overcome.

Process Documentation:

  • Examples of technical documentation created for legacy systems, including system architecture diagrams, workflow descriptions, and user guides.

  • Documentation of troubleshooting processes for complex application or database issues, detailing diagnostic steps and resolution strategies.

  • Records of participation in UAT and performance testing cycles, including test plans, execution reports, and defect tracking.

  • Evidence of adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in incident management and production support.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be standard for every developer role, this role's focus on modernization and integration implies a need to showcase past work. The enhancement suggests what a candidate could compile to demonstrate their capabilities in Informix 4GL, Unix scripting, and integration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the "Intermediate/Senior" experience level (5+ years) and the specialized nature of Informix 4GL/HP-UX expertise in a high-cost-of-living area like Chicago, a competitive contract rate would likely range from $70 to $100 per hour. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for contract IT professionals with niche legacy system skills in major US metropolitan areas.

Benefits: As this is a contract role through VTekis Consulting LLP, benefits typically include:

  • Competitive hourly rate.

  • Potential for contract extension based on performance and project needs.

  • Access to a network of IT professionals and potential future contract opportunities.

  • Professional development opportunities through exposure to diverse projects and technologies.

  • Adherence to EEO guidelines, ensuring fair and confidential treatment of all applicant information.

Working Hours: The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week. Daily coordination with offshore teams may require some flexibility in scheduling, potentially involving early morning or late afternoon calls to align with different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical contract rates for specialized IT roles in Chicago, considering the niche technology stack. Benefits are described in the context of a contracting engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: VTekis Consulting LLP operates within the IT Staff Augmentation and Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) sector, serving a diverse range of client industries that likely include technology, manufacturing, logistics, and potentially others requiring specialized IT talent.

Company Size: VTekis Consulting LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), suggesting a professional services firm that may range from a small to medium-sized enterprise, focused on providing skilled professionals to client organizations.

Founded: Information on the founding date is not provided, but the company's focus on comprehensive staffing solutions indicates an established presence in the recruitment and consulting market.

Team Structure:

  • The immediate project team is small and lean, comprising one onsite resource (this role) and three offshore team members.

  • This structure necessitates strong leadership and coordination from the onsite resource to manage and guide the offshore contingent effectively.

Methodology:

  • The company's philosophy emphasizes "matching the right professional for your staffing needs" and ensuring "perfect fit" through thorough assignment.

  • For this role, the methodology involves a blend of legacy system maintenance, system modernization, and integration, requiring a systematic approach to problem-solving and development.

  • Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for performance tuning and the integration with modern analytics platforms.

Company Website: VTekis Consulting LLP (While not directly provided, a search for "VTekis Consulting LLP" would yield their official website).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a focus on finding the "perfect fit," suggesting a client-centric approach. The team structure implies a need for strong self-management and remote team coordination skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an Intermediate to Senior-level position within a specialized IT development track, focusing on legacy system modernization and integration. It's a hands-on technical role with significant responsibility for critical system components.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a direct manager or project lead within VTekis Consulting LLP and will likely have daily coordination responsibilities with the offshore team members. Direct interaction with client IT management and business stakeholders is also anticipated.

Operations Impact: While not a direct "Revenue Operations" role, the successful modernization and support of the legacy ERP platform have a profound impact on business operations. This includes:

  • Ensuring the continuity and efficiency of supply chain processes (order fulfillment, invoicing).

  • Enabling seamless data flow to modern sales and e-commerce platforms, which directly supports revenue generation.

  • Reducing operational risks associated with outdated or unsupported technology.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Deepen expertise in Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, and HP-UX, becoming a subject matter expert in these niche technologies.

  • Develop skills in API integration and modern development practices through project work.

  • Gain experience in managing and coordinating offshore teams, enhancing leadership and project management capabilities.

  • Transition into roles with broader system architecture responsibilities or project lead positions within VTekis Consulting or at client organizations.

  • Potentially explore opportunities in system integration, cloud migration strategies, or full-stack development if supplementary skills are acquired.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section reframes the technical role's contribution in a way that resonates with broader GTM and operational objectives, highlighting how system stability and modernization support business goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment where the developer will work alongside other IT professionals or at a client's designated workspace.

Office Location(s): The role is located in Chicago, Illinois. The specific office location within Chicago would be with VTekis Consulting LLP or potentially at a client's premises if the contract is a direct placement at a client site.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is likely to be collaborative, requiring close interaction with the onsite team and potentially client IT personnel.

  • Access to necessary development tools, servers, and testing environments for Informix 4GL, HP-UX, and related technologies will be provided.

  • Opportunities for knowledge sharing and problem-solving with peers, particularly the onsite team members, will be available.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. While the core hours are likely fixed, some flexibility might be afforded, especially concerning communication with offshore teams across different time zones. This requires proactive time management and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasizes the on-site nature and the collaborative aspects, which are crucial for a role requiring daily coordination with remote teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A preliminary call with a recruiter from VTekis Consulting LLP to assess basic qualifications, experience with Informix 4GL, and understanding of the role's scope.

  • Technical Interview: A detailed discussion with a technical manager or senior developer, focusing on Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, SQL, HP-UX, Unix Shell Scripting, and API integration concepts. Expect scenario-based questions and problem-solving exercises.

  • Portfolio Review/Code Challenge: Candidates may be asked to present examples from their portfolio showcasing relevant projects or complete a small coding challenge to demonstrate proficiency in the required technologies.

  • Client Interview (Potentially): If this is a direct placement at a client site, a final interview with the client's hiring manager or team lead may be required to assess cultural fit and specific project alignment.

  • Offer Extension: Following successful interviews, an offer will be extended by VTekis Consulting LLP.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight Informix 4GL/Genero BDL: Showcase projects where you significantly contributed to Informix 4GL development, maintenance, or migration to Genero BDL. Detail the business problem solved and the impact of your work.

  • Demonstrate Unix Expertise: Include examples of complex Korn or Awk scripts, or describe your experience managing and troubleshooting applications on HP-UX or other Unix systems.

  • Showcase Integration Experience: Present case studies of API integrations, explaining the architecture, data formats used (XML, EDI), and how you handled challenges like data mapping and error handling.

  • Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to describe your impact, such as improvements in processing time, reduction in errors, or successful migration of specific modules.

  • Prepare to Discuss Legacy Systems: Be ready to articulate your strategies for maintaining, modernizing, and supporting legacy systems effectively, including risk mitigation and documentation best practices.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Technical Deep Dive: Review Informix 4GL syntax, common functions, error handling mechanisms, and performance tuning techniques. Brush up on SQL query optimization and Unix shell scripting essentials.

  • Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like, "How would you debug a slow-running Informix 4GL program?" or "Describe your approach to integrating a legacy ERP with a modern CRM via API."

  • Team Coordination: Be ready to discuss how you would manage communication and tasks with offshore team members, emphasizing clear documentation, regular check-ins, and proactive problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to first qualify candidates for the niche technical skills and then assess their ability to work within the specific team and project context. Portfolio tips are tailored to the unique requirements of this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Informix 4GL: The core development language for this role. Proficiency in its syntax, debugging, and performance optimization is critical.

  • Genero BDL: Expected for modernization efforts and bridging legacy to modern systems.

  • SQL: Essential for database interaction, querying, and potentially stored procedure development within Informix.

  • Unix Shell Scripting (Korn, Awk): Crucial for automation, system administration tasks, data manipulation, and batch processing on HP-UX.

  • HP-UX: The primary operating system environment where the legacy applications run.

Database Management:

  • IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS): Deep understanding of its architecture, administration, performance tuning, and troubleshooting utilities (oncheck, set explain).

Integrations & Modernization:

  • API Integration (RESTful/SOAP): Experience in designing, developing, and consuming APIs for system-to-system communication.

  • XML, EDI: Understanding of these data formats for data exchange.

  • Version Control: Git, GitHub, or GitLab for source code management and collaborative development.

Secondary/Preferred Tools:

  • Java, Python, Perl: For scripting, integration tasks, or supporting modernized components.

  • SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake: Familiarity with other RDBMS platforms.

  • Salesforce, E-commerce Platforms: Understanding of target integration systems.

  • ERP Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle E-Business Suite): General understanding of ERP modules, especially Supply Chain.

  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Familiarity with WMS functionalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section clearly delineates the core technologies required versus those that are preferred, giving candidates a clear understanding of the technical landscape.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Technical Excellence: A strong emphasis on writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code within the specified legacy and modern technology stacks.

  • Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to diagnosing and resolving complex technical challenges in a critical system environment.

  • Collaboration & Communication: Valuing clear, consistent, and effective communication, particularly between onsite and offshore team members, to ensure project alignment and success.

  • Reliability & Accountability: Taking ownership of tasks, meeting deadlines, and ensuring the stability and performance of the systems supported.

  • Continuous Improvement: A mindset geared towards modernization, performance optimization, and adapting to new technologies where applicable.

Collaboration Style:

  • Lean Team Dynamics: Requires initiative, self-direction, and proactive engagement from each team member.

  • Cross-Functional Interaction: Regular communication with client stakeholders to understand requirements, provide updates, and gather feedback.

  • Mentorship & Guidance: The senior onsite resource is expected to guide and coordinate the offshore team, fostering a supportive and productive working relationship.

  • Documentation-Centric: A reliance on thorough technical documentation for knowledge transfer, troubleshooting, and maintaining system integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates the company's general philosophy into specific values and collaboration styles relevant to a technical, distributed team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Niche Technology Stack: Informix 4GL and HP-UX are legacy technologies, meaning finding extensive resources or readily available talent can be challenging. This requires a candidate who is comfortable and proficient in these specific environments.

  • Legacy System Modernization: Balancing the need to maintain critical legacy functions with the imperative to integrate with and eventually modernize towards newer platforms can be complex.

  • Distributed Team Management: Effectively coordinating and motivating a small, geographically dispersed team (one onsite, three offshore) requires strong communication and leadership skills.

  • Bridging Old and New: Integrating older, often monolithic, systems with modern microservices-based architectures (like APIs and Salesforce) presents unique technical and architectural hurdles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Deep Specialization: Become a highly sought-after expert in Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, and HP-UX, a valuable niche in certain industries.

  • API and Integration Skills: Gain practical experience in designing and implementing APIs, working with modern integration patterns, and potentially other programming languages (Java, Python, Perl).

  • Project Leadership: Develop project coordination and team management skills by leading the interaction with offshore resources and client stakeholders.

  • Supply Chain & ERP Domain Expertise: Enhance understanding of Supply Chain Management, ERP workflows, and related business processes.

  • Exposure to Modern Platforms: Gain firsthand experience integrating with platforms like Salesforce and e-commerce solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the unique challenges presented by legacy systems and distributed teams, framing them as opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Legacy System Modernization: "Describe your approach to modernizing a critical Informix 4GL ERP system. What are the key risks and how would you mitigate them? How would you prioritize modules for migration or integration with Salesforce?"

  • Technical Problem Solving: "Walk me through how you would troubleshoot a performance degradation issue in an Informix 4GL application running on HP-UX. What tools would you use, and what steps would you take?"

  • Team Coordination: "How would you ensure effective communication and task alignment with your three offshore team members on a daily basis? What strategies would you employ to overcome potential communication barriers?"

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "Based on our company description, what aspects of VTekis Consulting's approach to staffing resonate with you, and how do you see yourself contributing to that mission in this role?"

  • "Describe a situation where you had to work with a remote or offshore team. What challenges did you face, and how did you successfully navigate them?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Focus on Impact: When presenting portfolio examples, emphasize the business problem, your specific contribution, the technical solution (highlighting Informix 4GL, Unix, or APIs), and the quantifiable outcome or benefit.

  • Structure Your Narratives: For case studies, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your involvement and achievements.

  • Technical Depth: Be prepared to dive into the technical details of your work, explaining design choices, challenges encountered, and how you overcame them.

  • Showcase Versatility: If applicable, briefly touch upon your experience with secondary languages (Java, Python) or other databases to demonstrate adaptability beyond the core Informix stack.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are designed to probe the candidate's technical depth, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage in a distributed team environment, all critical for this specialized role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-supportive IT development position:

  • Submit your application through the provided SmartRecruiters link.

  • Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio or resume that clearly highlights your experience with Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, HP-UX, Unix Shell Scripting, and API integration. Use specific project examples to demonstrate your capabilities.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of experience with Informix 4GL and relevant Unix environments. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on modernization, performance improvements, or successful integrations.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice answering technical questions related to Informix 4GL, SQL, Unix, and API concepts. Prepare to discuss your experience managing tasks and communicating within a distributed team.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with VTekis Consulting LLP's services and values. Understand the role's context within supporting a legacy ERP platform and its integration needs.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions tailored for a technical role within a consulting firm. All details should be verified directly with VTekis Consulting LLP before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have at least 5 years of experience with Informix 4GL and strong proficiency in Unix/Linux environments. A solid understanding of supply chain operations and the ability to coordinate with offshore teams are essential.