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: Legacy Systems Modernization / ERP Development

Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Experience Level: Intermediate/Senior (5+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on the modernization and integration of a mission-critical Legacy ERP platform, bridging legacy logic with modern requirements.

• Drive development and maintenance of the Informix 4GL codebase, ensuring application stability and performance.

• Lead API build-out and integration projects to connect the legacy system with Salesforce and e-commerce platforms.

• Provide expert technical troubleshooting for application issues and database performance bottlenecks within a Unix/Linux environment.

• Collaborate closely with a small, lean team, including daily coordination with offshore resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized, focusing on the maintenance and strategic modernization of a legacy ERP system. The "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" alignment is indirect, primarily through ensuring the stability and integration of the ERP, which underpins critical business functions like order processing, invoicing, and supply chain management that directly impact revenue generation and operational efficiency. The emphasis on legacy systems like Informix 4GL and HP-UX suggests a need for deep technical expertise in older but still vital enterprise architectures.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Legacy System Modernization: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement solutions for migrating Informix 4GL components to modern platforms like Genero BDL.

• Code Development & Optimization: Write, test, and optimize clean, maintainable code in Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, and Unix Shell Scripting (Korn, Awk).

• Database Management & Performance Tuning: Perform advanced database administration tasks for IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS), including issue resolution and performance bottleneck analysis using utilities like oncheck and set explain.

• API Integration & Development: Lead the design, build, and implementation of API integrations (RESTful/SOAP) to connect the ERP system with external platforms such as Salesforce and e-commerce solutions.

• Technical Troubleshooting & Support: Resolve complex application issues and database performance problems, manage incidents escalated from the Service Desk, and adhere strictly to established Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

• Deployment & Testing: Oversee and execute integration, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and performance testing activities to ensure successful, low-disruption deployments.

• Documentation & Knowledge Transfer: Maintain comprehensive technical documentation for legacy systems, processes, and integrations, facilitating knowledge transfer within the team.

• Team Coordination: Facilitate daily coordination and communication between the onsite resource and the offshore development team, ensuring alignment and progress on project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of deep technical hands-on development and project leadership for a critical legacy system. The emphasis on "System Modernization & Design" and "API build-out" highlights a strategic, forward-looking aspect to this role, beyond simple maintenance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring this level of technical expertise. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience with the Informix legacy platform, specifically focusing on Informix 4GL development.

Required Skills:

• Primary Languages: Expert-level proficiency in Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, and SQL.

• Operating Systems: Mastery of Unix-based systems, with specific experience in HP-UX, IBM AIX, and Linux environments. Proficiency in Windows environments is also expected.

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

• Database Management: Advanced knowledge and practical experience with IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS).

• Integration Technologies: Understanding of EDI (e.g., 810, 820), XML, and API integration concepts (RESTful, SOAP).

• Version Control: Hands-on experience with Git, GitHub, or GitLab for code management.

• Testing: Experience with User Acceptance Testing (UAT) methodologies and execution.

• Troubleshooting Tools: Familiarity with Informix utilities such as oncheck and set explain for performance analysis and issue resolution.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, crucial for coordinating with offshore teams and cross-functional stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Secondary Development Languages: Proficiency in Java, Python, or Perl for integration tasks and supporting modern application components.

• Database Familiarity: Experience with other relational databases like SQL Server, Oracle, or Snowflake.

• Domain Knowledge: Experience with ERP Supply Chain concepts, including order creation, Pick-Pack-Ship processes, invoicing, and Bill of Materials (BOM).

• System Familiarity: Familiarity with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and manufacturing workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are highly specific and indicate a need for a seasoned developer with deep expertise in a particular legacy technology stack. The preference for secondary languages like Java/Python suggests a transitional or hybrid development environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Legacy System Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful maintenance, optimization, or migration projects involving Informix 4GL or similar legacy ERP systems.

• API Integration Examples: Documented projects showcasing the design and implementation of API integrations (RESTful/SOAP) to connect disparate systems.

• Performance Optimization Reports: Evidence of identifying and resolving complex database performance issues, potentially using tools like oncheck or set explain, with measurable results.

• Workflow Automation: Examples of shell scripting (Korn, Awk) or other scripting languages used to automate operational tasks within a Unix/Linux environment.

• System Design & Architecture: Diagrams or documentation illustrating the architecture of integrated systems, particularly the legacy ERP's interaction with modern platforms.

Process Documentation:

• Legacy System Maintenance Procedures: Documented standard operating procedures for maintaining Informix 4GL applications, including coding standards, testing protocols, and deployment checklists.

• API Integration Design Patterns: Best practices and documented patterns for designing and implementing robust and scalable API integrations.

• Troubleshooting and Incident Management: Established processes for diagnosing, escalating, and resolving technical issues within the legacy ERP and associated systems, adhering to SLA frameworks.

• Code Review and Quality Assurance: Protocols for reviewing code written in Informix 4GL and other languages to ensure quality, maintainability, and adherence to best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this highly technical, legacy-focused role, a portfolio demonstrating practical, hands-on experience with the specified technologies and problem-solving scenarios is paramount. The emphasis should be on how problems were solved and the impact of those solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a contract role of this specialization in Chicago, IL, with 5+ years of experience in Informix 4GL, HP-UX, and API integration, the estimated hourly rate would likely range from $60 to $90 per hour. This is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for niche legacy skill sets and contract positions in a major metropolitan area.

Benefits: As this is a contract role through VTekis Consulting LLP, benefits typically offered by staffing agencies may include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (often with employee contribution)

• 401(k) plan (eligibility and matching may vary)

• Paid Time Off (accrued based on hours worked or contract duration)

• Potential for contract extension or conversion to a permanent role.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work, approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role requires on-site presence in Chicago, IL.

• Daily coordination with offshore teams may necessitate flexibility in start/end times to overlap effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on specialized legacy skill sets in a high-cost-of-living area and the contract nature of the role. Benefits are typical for contract positions managed by staffing agencies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Staff Augmentation, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Contract Hiring, Direct Hire, and Outsourced Solutions. VTekis Consulting operates within the professional services and IT staffing industry.

Company Size: VTekis Consulting LLP is likely a medium-sized business, typical for specialized staffing and consulting firms. The specific number of employees would need to be confirmed, but their service offerings suggest a substantial operational footprint.

Founded: Information on the founding date of VTekis Consulting LLP is not provided in the input data, but their established service offerings imply a history of providing staffing solutions.

Team Structure:

• Lean & Collaborative: The team is described as "small, lean" and consists of one onsite resource (this role) and three offshore members.

• Reporting: The onsite resource will likely report to a project manager or a lead technical architect within VTekis Consulting or potentially directly to a client stakeholder within the client organization.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While the immediate team is small, this role will interface with various client teams for ERP modernization and integration efforts, including IT, Supply Chain, and potentially Sales or E-commerce departments.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: VTekis emphasizes delivering quality professional services and finding the "perfect fit" for staffing needs, aiming to earn confidence through proper assignment.

• Process Focus: The company's service offerings (RPO, Outsourced Solutions) indicate a structured approach to talent acquisition and management.

• Project-Based Delivery: For this specific role, the methodology will involve project-driven work focused on ERP modernization and integration, requiring agile coordination with offshore teams.

Company Website: VTekis Consulting LLP (It's recommended to search for their official website as organization_url was null).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus is on providing specialized talent solutions. The role itself is likely a placement with a client that utilizes VTekis's services for their legacy ERP modernization project. The team structure emphasizes remote collaboration and coordination.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an Intermediate to Senior-level Technical Specialist with a deep focus on legacy systems and a critical modernization project. It's not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role but is vital for the operational backbone that supports these functions. The emphasis is on specialized technical execution and problem-solving within a complex ERP environment.

Reporting Structure: The candidate will likely report to a Project Manager or a Technical Lead within VTekis Consulting or the client organization. They will also be responsible for coordinating daily activities with a team of three offshore developers.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue streams, this role has a significant impact on operational efficiency and the potential for revenue growth by:

• Ensuring System Stability: Maintaining a critical ERP platform prevents disruptions to order processing, invoicing, and supply chain operations, which directly affect revenue.

• Facilitating Modern Integrations: Successfully integrating the legacy ERP with Salesforce and e-commerce platforms can unlock new sales channels, improve customer experience, and streamline sales processes.

• Enabling Data Flow: Effective integration ensures accurate data flow across systems, supporting better forecasting, reporting, and decision-making for revenue-generating teams.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Deepen expertise in Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, and legacy system modernization, which remains in demand for specific industries.

• Integration Expertise: Gain hands-on experience with modern API integration patterns (RESTful/SOAP) and their application in connecting legacy and modern systems.

• Project Leadership: Opportunity to lead technical aspects of integration projects and mentor offshore team members, developing leadership and coordination skills.

• Transition to Modern Stacks: Leverage experience to move into roles focused on modernizing other legacy systems or contributing to full-stack development with Java/Python/Perl.

• Client-Side Opportunities: Successful contract performance can lead to direct hire opportunities with the client organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is primarily technical specialization and project leadership within legacy systems and their modernization. It offers a unique opportunity to become an expert in a niche but critical area.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role in Chicago, IL. The specific type of office (e.g., corporate, co-working, client's dedicated space) would depend on the client organization's setup managed by VTekis Consulting.

Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, United States (specifically near IL-43). This location offers access to a major metropolitan area with robust infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Setting: The role requires close collaboration with a small onsite team and daily coordination with offshore team members, suggesting a team-oriented workspace.

• Technology Access: Expect access to standard office technology, development workstations, and potentially specialized tools for Informix and HP-UX environments.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with various departments within the client organization, providing exposure to different business functions and stakeholders.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week.

• While anchored to a typical business day, effective coordination with offshore teams may require some flexibility in start or end times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key aspect of this role, emphasizing hands-on work and direct collaboration, particularly with the client's infrastructure and potentially other onsite personnel.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter from VTekis

Consulting will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more technical interviews, potentially involving:

  • Deep Dive into Experience: Detailed questions about your Informix 4GL, HP-UX, and API integration experience.
  • Problem-Solving Scenarios: Hypothetical questions or small coding challenges related to legacy system issues, database performance, or integration logic.
  • System Design Discussion: Questions about how you would approach modernizing specific components or integrating systems.

• Client Interview: If successful, you will likely interview with the client organization's hiring manager or technical lead to assess fit with their team and project.

• Offer: VTekis Consulting will extend a contract offer based on mutual agreement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prioritize Relevance: Showcase projects directly related to Informix 4GL, HP-UX, Genero BDL, Unix Shell Scripting, and API integrations.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the problem, your solution, and the measurable results (e.g., performance improvements, error reduction, successful integration).

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your approach to problem-solving, development lifecycle, testing, and collaboration, especially with offshore teams.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to walk through code snippets or architectural diagrams and explain technical decisions.

• Legacy to Modern Bridge: Highlight any experience you have in bridging legacy systems with modern technologies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Informix 4GL & SQL: Brush up on syntax, common functions, and database interaction patterns.

• Unix Shell Scripting: Practice writing scripts for file manipulation, process management, and data extraction using Korn and Awk.

• API Concepts: Review RESTful and SOAP principles, HTTP methods, and common integration patterns.

• Troubleshooting Scenarios: Think about common issues in legacy systems (performance, data integrity, integration failures) and how you would diagnose them.

• Team Coordination: Prepare to discuss how you manage communication and collaboration with distributed or offshore teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio and interview process will heavily focus on validating deep technical expertise in a niche area and the ability to apply that expertise to modernization and integration challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Development Languages: Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, SQL.

• Operating Systems: HP-UX, IBM AIX, Linux, Windows.

• Scripting Languages: Unix Shell Scripting (Korn, Awk), potentially Java, Python, or Perl.

• Database: IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS).

• Version Control: Git, GitHub, GitLab.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Database Utilities: oncheck, set explain for performance monitoring and diagnostics.

• Reporting Tools: Any reporting or BI tools used by the client to consume data from the ERP system.

CRM & Automation:

• Integration Technologies: EDI (810, 820), XML, API (RESTful, SOAP).

• CRM Systems: Salesforce (for integration purposes).

• E-commerce Platforms: Various platforms (for integration purposes).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role demands expertise in a specific, older technology stack, but also requires understanding how to integrate it with modern platforms. The emphasis is on the core Informix/HP-UX environment and its surrounding integration layers.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A strong emphasis on deep technical knowledge, precision in coding, and robust problem-solving for legacy systems.

• Reliability & Stability: Commitment to maintaining critical business operations without disruption, ensuring the ERP platform functions flawlessly.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Driving improvements in system performance, code execution, and operational workflows through technical solutions.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing clear and consistent communication, especially within a distributed team structure, to achieve project goals.

• Adaptability: Willingness to work with legacy technologies while actively contributing to modernization efforts and integrating with newer systems.

Collaboration Style:

• Hybrid Teamwork: Requires effective collaboration between onsite and offshore team members, necessitating structured communication and clear task delegation.

• Cross-functional Partnerships: Engaging with various client departments to understand requirements, gather feedback, and ensure integrated solutions meet business needs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in knowledge transfer sessions, documentation creation, and peer reviews to disseminate expertise on the legacy systems.

• Proactive Problem Solving: Encouraging a culture where issues are identified and addressed proactively rather than reactively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances the meticulous nature of legacy system maintenance with the dynamic requirements of modernization projects, emphasizing technical rigor and effective teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

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

• Bridging the Gap: Effectively integrating a mission-critical legacy ERP with modern platforms like Salesforce requires careful design, robust error handling, and thorough testing.

• Distributed Team Management: Coordinating tasks, ensuring consistent quality, and fostering a cohesive team spirit with offshore members can be challenging.

• Skill Obsolescence Risk: While specialized, the long-term demand for pure legacy skills may be limited, necessitating continuous learning and adaptation.

• Business Process Understanding: Deeply understanding complex Supply Chain workflows and their mapping within the ERP is crucial for effective development and troubleshooting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Legacy Expertise: Becoming a go-to expert for Informix 4GL, HP-UX, and ERP modernization within the client's organization.

• API Integration Mastery: Gaining extensive hands-on experience with RESTful and SOAP APIs, becoming proficient in building and managing integrations.

• Modern Language Exposure: Opportunity to work with Java, Python, or Perl in the context of integration layers or supporting modern applications.

• Project Leadership Skills: Developing skills in managing technical tasks, coordinating offshore resources, and contributing to project planning.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of Supply Chain Management, WMS, and ERP functionalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to master a critical niche skill set while also engaging with modern integration technologies, providing a balanced approach to career development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Legacy Modernization Approach: "Describe your strategy for modernizing a critical Informix 4GL application while minimizing business disruption. What are the key risks and how would you mitigate them?"

  • Preparation: Outline a phased approach (analysis, design, development, testing, deployment), discuss migration paths (e.g., to Genero BDL or re-architecting), and highlight risk management techniques.

• API Integration Design: "How would you design an API integration between our legacy ERP and Salesforce to synchronize order data? What are the critical considerations for data mapping, error handling, and security?"

  • Preparation: Discuss choosing between REST/SOAP, defining data models, implementing robust error logging and retry mechanisms, and securing API endpoints.

• Performance Tuning Scenario: "Imagine users report slow response times when creating new orders. Using your knowledge of Informix and HP-UX, how would you diagnose and resolve this issue?"

  • Preparation: Detail steps involving analyzing query plans (set explain), checking database statistics, examining server logs, reviewing system resources (CPU, memory on HP-UX), and potentially optimizing code.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Team Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with an offshore development team? What tools or methods do you use to maintain alignment?"

  • Preparation: Discuss daily stand-ups, clear task assignments, shared documentation platforms, and proactive communication.

• Understanding VTekis's Role: "What do you understand about VTekis Consulting's role in this project, and how do you see yourself contributing to their client's success?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize your role as a specialized technical resource supporting the client's strategic modernization goals, aligning with VTekis's mission to provide quality staffing solutions.

• Handling Legacy Constraints: "How do you approach development challenges when working with older technologies and potentially limited documentation?"

  • Preparation: Highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to reverse-engineer code, leverage existing documentation, and communicate proactively to gather information.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the challenge, your role, the solution, and the quantifiable outcome.

• Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to explain the technical architecture, specific code implementations, and decision-making processes.

• Metrics Focus: Clearly present any performance improvements, cost savings, or efficiency gains achieved.

• Integration Focus: If showcasing integrations, visually represent the data flow and system interactions.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your specific contributions, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating deep technical expertise in legacy systems, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication within a distributed team context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this contract position with VTekis Consulting LLP:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link on SmartRecruiters to submit your resume and any requested information.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume prominently highlights your 5+ years of experience with Informix 4GL, HP-UX, Unix Shell Scripting, and API integration. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of past projects, code snippets (if permissible and anonymized), and documentation that showcase your expertise in legacy system maintenance, modernization, and integration.

• Research VTekis Consulting: Understand their service offerings and client focus to articulate your value proposition effectively during initial screenings.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical questions covering Informix 4GL, HP-UX, SQL, and API concepts, as well as behavioral questions related to teamwork and problem-solving.

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