Intermediate/Senior Informix -  HP-UX -4GL

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: VTekis Consulting LLP

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Contract

Category: Technical Operations / Legacy Systems Modernization

Date Posted: March 26, 2026

Experience Level: Intermediate/Senior (5+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a critical contract role focused on the modernization and maintenance of a mission-critical Legacy ERP platform, with a strong emphasis on Informix 4GL and associated Unix technologies.

• The position requires a blend of deep legacy system expertise and modern integration capabilities, particularly in API development, to bridge existing functionality with new platforms like Salesforce and e-commerce solutions.

• The role involves significant technical problem-solving, including performance tuning of Informix databases and troubleshooting complex application issues within a Unix/Linux environment.

• Successful candidates will act as a key technical resource, collaborating closely with both onsite and offshore teams to ensure seamless system operations, testing, and deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and description clearly indicate a highly specialized role in legacy systems development and maintenance, which falls under the umbrella of Technical Operations or specialized GTM/Ops support for older enterprise systems. The emphasis on "System Modernization & Design" and "API build-out" suggests a proactive approach to evolving the legacy platform rather than just maintenance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development, maintenance, and optimization of applications built with Informix 4GL and Genero BDL, ensuring code quality and adherence to best practices.

• Design, develop, and implement robust integration solutions using APIs (RESTful/SOAP) to connect the legacy ERP system with modern platforms such as Salesforce and e-commerce solutions.

• Perform advanced technical troubleshooting and performance tuning for IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) databases, utilizing tools like oncheck and set explain to resolve bottlenecks.

• Write and optimize efficient Unix Shell Scripts (Korn, Awk) for system administration, automation, and data processing tasks within HP-UX and other Unix/Linux environments.

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

• Manage and resolve escalated incidents and work orders from the Service Desk, strictly adhering to defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation for system architecture, code, processes, and troubleshooting guides to ensure knowledge transfer and system maintainability.

• Collaborate daily with a small, lean team, including three offshore members, requiring clear communication and coordination to drive project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on deep legacy system expertise (Informix 4GL, HP-UX) and modern integration skills (API, Salesforce). The emphasis on "System Modernization & Design" and "API build-out" indicates a strategic component to the role, going beyond routine maintenance. The requirement for daily coordination with an offshore team suggests a need for strong project management and communication skills in addition to technical prowess.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in developing and maintaining applications on the Informix legacy platform, with a significant focus on Informix 4GL.

• Demonstrated experience in modernizing legacy systems, including migrating or integrating with newer technologies.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Informix 4GL and SQL.

• Strong command of Unix Shell Scripting languages, including Korn and Awk.

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

• Proficiency in API integration concepts, specifically RESTful and SOAP services.

• Hands-on experience with version control systems such as Git, GitHub, or GitLab.

• Familiarity with EDI standards (e.g., 810, 820) and XML processing.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Familiarity with other database systems like SQL Server, Oracle, or Snowflake.

• Experience with Genera BDL for system modernization efforts.

• Understanding of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and manufacturing workflows.

• Knowledge of Supply Chain concepts, including order creation, pick-pack-ship, and invoicing.

• Experience integrating with Salesforce and e-commerce platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "5 years" is explicitly stated. The inclusion of Genera BDL as a secondary language points towards a modernization path, making it a highly valuable preferred skill. The emphasis on Supply Chain and WMS knowledge indicates a specific industry focus for this legacy ERP platform.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful projects involving the modernization or significant enhancement of legacy applications, showcasing your ability to bridge old and new technologies.

• Provide examples of complex Informix 4GL or Genero BDL code modules, highlighting optimization techniques and problem-solving approaches.

• Showcase documentation or examples of API integrations you have designed and implemented, illustrating your understanding of RESTful/SOAP principles and data exchange.

• Include case studies that detail your experience with performance tuning of Informix databases or Unix/Linux systems, quantifying the improvements achieved.

Process Documentation:

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

• Showcase your approach to documenting code, including inline comments, external documentation, and knowledge base articles for troubleshooting.

• Illustrate your methodology for planning and executing testing phases (integration, UAT, performance), including test case development and defect tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the technical nature of the role and the emphasis on modernization, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of Informix 4GL, API integrations, and Unix scripting is crucial. The ability to document processes and system designs is a key indicator of a candidate's ability to contribute to a lean, potentially distributed team.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the specialized nature of Informix 4GL, HP-UX, and legacy ERP modernization expertise, coupled with the contract nature of the role and the Chicago location, the estimated salary range for an Intermediate/Senior level professional with 5+ years of experience is $60 - $85 per hour.

Benefits:

• As a contract role through VTekis Consulting LLP, benefits typically include:
  • Access to health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
  • Potential for direct deposit payroll.
  • Opportunities for professional development and networking through contract assignments.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time contract hours, estimated at 40 hours per week.

• The role requires daily coordination with offshore teams, suggesting a need for flexibility to accommodate different time zones for critical communications or urgent issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for a contract role in a major US tech hub. The specific benefits package will be provided by the contracting agency, VTekis Consulting LLP, and should be confirmed directly. The emphasis on daily coordination with offshore teams implies a need for some schedule flexibility beyond a strict 9-to-5.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Staff Augmentation, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Contract Hiring, Direct Hire, Outsourced Solutions. VTekis Consulting LLP operates within the IT staffing and consulting sector, placing professionals with clients across various industries, including technology, logistics, and manufacturing, as indicated by the AI taxonomies.

Company Size: VTekis Consulting LLP is likely a medium-sized staffing and consulting firm, focused on providing tailored staffing solutions. The "LLP" designation suggests a partnership structure.

Founded: Not specified, but the company's comprehensive service offerings suggest established operations in the staffing and recruitment industry.

Team Structure:

• The operations team for this specific project is described as "small, lean," consisting of one onsite resource (this role) and three offshore members.

• The reporting structure likely involves reporting to a project manager or a lead consultant at VTekis, who then liaises with the client's IT department.

Methodology:

• The company's methodology emphasizes "delivering quality professional services" and "matching the right professional for your staffing needs," aiming for "perfect fit" placements.

• For this role, the methodology will involve supporting and modernizing a legacy ERP, likely requiring a structured approach to system analysis, development, testing, and deployment, with a strong focus on communication and collaboration with the offshore team.

• Emphasis will be placed on efficient problem-solving, adherence to SLAs, and meticulous documentation to ensure continuity and knowledge transfer.

Company Website: VTekis Consulting LLP (though the specific URL was not provided in the input, a domain vtekis.com was inferred).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core business is IT staffing and consulting. This role is a contract position through VTekis, meaning the candidate will be working on behalf of VTekis at their client's site. The team structure is explicitly defined as lean and distributed, requiring strong remote collaboration skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an Intermediate to Senior level. It requires a minimum of 5 years of specialized experience in Informix 4GL and related Unix technologies, indicating a need for a seasoned professional capable of independent work, complex problem-solving, and technical leadership within a small team. The responsibility for system modernization and API integration further elevates the scope beyond a junior role.

Reporting Structure: The candidate will likely report to a Project Manager or Team Lead at VTekis Consulting LLP, who will manage the client relationship and overall project delivery. This individual will also work closely with the offshore team members, providing technical guidance and coordinating daily tasks.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the operational efficiency and strategic modernization of a mission-critical Legacy ERP platform. By maintaining stability, resolving issues, and driving integration with modern systems like Salesforce and e-commerce, the candidate directly contributes to business continuity, improved data flow, and the ability to leverage new sales channels and customer relationship management capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Deepen expertise in Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, and HP-UX, becoming a highly sought-after specialist in legacy system modernization.

• API Integration Expertise: Gain practical experience in designing and implementing complex API integrations, building valuable skills for bridging legacy and modern tech stacks.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Enhance communication and project management skills by effectively leading and coordinating with an offshore team.

• Client-Side Impact: Demonstrate significant business impact through successful modernization and integration projects, potentially leading to further contract extensions or opportunities within the client's organization or VTekis' broader network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Intermediate/Senior" designation is derived from the "5 years of experience" requirement and the complexity of responsibilities (modernization, API build-out). The growth opportunities are framed around the specific technical and collaborative challenges of the role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an On-site role, indicating the candidate will be expected to work from the client's office in Chicago, Illinois.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is specified as Chicago, Illinois, with a potential reference to "Illinois 43," which might indicate a specific business park or area within the city.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely a professional office environment within the client's premises.

• It will involve collaboration with the onsite team and frequent communication with the offshore team, necessitating access to standard office technology, reliable internet, and potentially video conferencing tools.

• The "small, lean team" structure suggests a close-knit working environment, where direct interaction and problem-solving are key.

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

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is expected to be 40 hours per week. However, due to the need for daily coordination with offshore team members in different time zones, some flexibility may be required to attend critical meetings or address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" work arrangement is explicitly stated. The "Illinois 43" reference is vague but points to a Chicago location. The context emphasizes collaboration with both onsite and offshore teams, which is a key aspect of the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter from VTekis Consulting LLP will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess general qualifications, experience, and salary expectations.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more technical interviews focusing on Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, SQL, HP-UX/Unix scripting, and API integration concepts. This may involve whiteboard sessions, code review discussions, and scenario-based problem-solving.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present and discuss relevant projects from their portfolio, demonstrating their experience with legacy system modernization, API development, and Unix environments.

• Client Interview: A final interview with the client's IT management or project lead to assess technical fit, cultural alignment, and understanding of supply chain operations.

• Offer: If successful, an offer will be extended by VTekis Consulting LLP for the contract role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Legacy Expertise: Showcase specific Informix 4GL code examples, performance tuning scenarios, and successful maintenance or enhancement projects. Quantify improvements where possible (e.g., "reduced query time by X%").

• Demonstrate Modernization: Present case studies of projects where you bridged legacy systems with newer technologies, especially API integrations (RESTful/SOAP). Detail the challenges and your solutions.

• Unix/Shell Scripting Proficiency: Include examples of complex Korn or Awk scripts developed for automation, data processing, or system administration. Explain their purpose and impact.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss complex technical challenges you've faced (e.g., Informix performance issues, integration failures) and walk through your systematic approach to resolution.

• Collaboration Examples: Be ready to discuss how you've worked with distributed teams, managed communication across time zones, and guided offshore colleagues.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice writing Informix 4GL snippets or SQL queries for common business logic. Be prepared for Unix command-line exercises.

• System Design: Conceptualize how you would approach modernizing a specific aspect of a legacy ERP system or designing an API to connect it to a CRM.

• Troubleshooting Scenarios: Practice diagnosing performance issues in Informix or Unix environments, explaining your diagnostic steps and tool usage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess both deep technical expertise in legacy systems and modern integration capabilities. The portfolio is critical for validating experience, and candidates should prepare to discuss specific projects and challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Informix 4GL: The core development language for the legacy ERP system.

• Genera BDL: A modern development language often used for migrating or modernizing Informix applications.

• SQL: Essential for database querying, manipulation, and performance tuning within Informix.

• HP-UX: The primary operating system environment for the legacy system.

• Unix Shell Scripting: Including Korn and Awk for system administration, automation, and data processing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• set explain: A key Informix utility for analyzing query execution plans and identifying performance bottlenecks.

• oncheck: Informix utility for database integrity checks and diagnostics.

CRM & Automation:

• API Integration Tools: Experience with tools and frameworks for building and consuming RESTful and SOAP APIs.

• Version Control: Git, GitHub, or GitLab for code management and collaboration.

• EDI Standards: Familiarity with processing EDI formats (e.g., 810, 820).

• XML: For data exchange and integration.

• Potential for newer platforms: While not explicitly stated as tools to use day-to-day for development, familiarity with Salesforce and e-commerce platforms is crucial for integration context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards legacy systems. The ability to work proficiently with Informix 4GL, HP-UX, and Unix scripting is paramount. Modernization efforts will leverage API integration tools and version control.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Reliability & Stability: Maintaining the operational integrity of a mission-critical ERP system is paramount. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to robust solutions and minimizing downtime.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A drive to improve system performance, streamline processes, and optimize code for better resource utilization.

• Collaboration & Communication: Given the distributed team structure, open, clear, and frequent communication is vital for success.

• Problem-Solving & Innovation: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges, coupled with an innovative mindset for system modernization.

• Adaptability: Willingness to work with legacy technologies while embracing opportunities to integrate with modern platforms.

Collaboration Style:

• Lean & Agile: The team operates with a lean structure, requiring individuals to be self-sufficient and adaptable.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Regular interaction with offshore team members, potentially requiring structured daily stand-ups or coordination meetings.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on clear documentation and communication to facilitate knowledge transfer between onsite and offshore resources.

• Supportive Environment: While lean, the team likely fosters a supportive environment where members can help each other troubleshoot and overcome challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is defined by its "lean" and "distributed" nature. The values are centered around technical excellence, operational stability, and effective communication, especially across geographical boundaries.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Legacy System Constraints: Working with older technologies (Informix 4GL, HP-UX) can present limitations in terms of tooling, documentation availability, and modern development paradigms.

• Bridging Old and New: The primary challenge is effectively integrating a robust legacy ERP system with modern cloud-based platforms like Salesforce and e-commerce solutions, requiring careful design and execution.

• Distributed Team Management: Effectively coordinating tasks, ensuring alignment, and maintaining communication with an offshore team across different time zones.

• Performance Optimization: Identifying and resolving complex performance bottlenecks within the Informix database and legacy applications.

• Documentation Gaps: Older systems may have incomplete or outdated documentation, requiring significant effort in reverse-engineering and knowledge capture.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Legacy Expertise: Become an invaluable expert in Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, and HP-UX, skills that remain in demand for many large enterprises.

• API Integration Mastery: Gain hands-on experience with real-world API integrations, enhancing skills in modern development practices.

• Cross-Cultural Project Leadership: Develop strong skills in managing and collaborating with remote and offshore teams, a crucial competency in today's globalized workforce.

• System Modernization Experience: Build a portfolio of successful legacy system modernization projects, a highly valued skill set for companies undergoing digital transformation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working with legacy systems and distributed teams, while the growth opportunities focus on leveraging these challenges for skill enhancement and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex problem you solved on an Informix legacy system. What was the issue, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on Informix 4GL, SQL, oncheck, set explain).

• "How would you approach designing an API to connect our legacy ERP system to Salesforce for order processing? What are the key considerations?" (Focus on API principles, data mapping, error handling).

• "Explain your experience working with offshore teams. How do you ensure effective communication and task completion across different time zones?" (Focus on collaboration, coordination, and leadership).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about VTekis Consulting LLP and our role in providing staffing solutions?" (Research the company's website and services).

• "How do you see your skills in Informix 4GL and Unix contributing to the modernization of our client's ERP system?" (Connect your expertise to the role's objectives).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate:

  • The Challenge: What was the business problem or technical obstacle?
  • Your Role & Actions: What specifically did you do? (e.g., developed X module in Informix 4GL, designed Y API).
  • The Solution: How did you solve it?
  • The Outcome/Results: Quantify the impact (e.g., improved performance by X%, reduced errors by Y%, enabled new functionality).

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to dive deep into the technical details of your Informix 4GL code, SQL queries, Unix scripts, and API designs.

• Modernization Focus: Emphasize projects where you successfully integrated legacy systems or contributed to modernization efforts.

• Conciseness: Given time constraints, focus on the most relevant and impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating deep technical expertise in legacy systems, practical API integration experience, and strong communication/collaboration skills, particularly for distributed teams.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor your resume: Precisely highlight your experience with Informix 4GL, HP-UX, Unix Shell Scripting (Korn, Awk), SQL, and API integration. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your expertise in legacy system modernization, Informix development, and API build-out. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Research VTekis Consulting LLP: Understand their business model and how they provide staffing solutions. This will help in answering company-specific questions.

• Practice interview questions: Rehearse answers to common technical and behavioral questions, focusing on your experience with Informix, Unix, and distributed team collaboration.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.