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 & Support (Operations Technology)

Date Posted: March 23, 2026

Experience Level: Intermediate/Senior (5+ Years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Legacy System Modernization: Drive the strategic modernization of a critical legacy ERP platform, bridging existing Informix 4GL logic with contemporary requirements and technologies.

• Technical Development & Maintenance: Execute expert-level development and maintenance of Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, and Unix Shell Scripts (Korn, Awk) to ensure system stability and functionality.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Lead and contribute to API build-out and integration projects, connecting the legacy ERP with Salesforce and e-commerce platforms.

• Operational Efficiency: Perform advanced technical troubleshooting for application issues and database performance bottlenecks, ensuring high availability and minimal business disruption.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized, focusing on maintaining and evolving a critical legacy ERP system within a dynamic environment. The emphasis is on bridging old and new technologies, requiring a deep understanding of Informix 4GL and Unix, coupled with modern integration skills. This is not a typical "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role but falls under a specialized Operations Technology umbrella, focusing on the backend systems that power business processes, particularly in Supply Chain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Informix 4GL & Genero BDL Development: Write, test, and maintain clean, efficient, and well-documented code in Informix 4GL and Genero BDL, adhering to coding standards and best practices.

• System Design & Architecture: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including business analysts and offshore development teams, to design and implement solutions for system modernization and feature enhancements.

• API Integration & Development: Lead the development and implementation of RESTful and SOAP APIs to facilitate seamless integration between the legacy ERP and modern platforms like Salesforce and e-commerce solutions.

• Database Performance Tuning: Utilize Informix utilities such as oncheck and set explain to diagnose and resolve complex database performance issues and optimize query execution.

• Unix/Linux Environment Management: Operate and develop within a Unix-based environment (HP-UX, AIX, Linux), including advanced Unix Shell Scripting (Korn, Awk) for automation and system administration tasks.

• Testing & Deployment: Oversee and execute integration testing, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and performance testing to ensure the quality and reliability of deployed solutions.

• Technical Support & Documentation: Manage escalated incidents and work orders from the Service Desk, ensuring adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and create/maintain comprehensive technical documentation.

• Offshore Team Coordination: Provide daily technical guidance and coordination for a small, lean offshore development team, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: deep expertise in legacy Informix 4GL and Unix, combined with modern integration skills (APIs, Genero BDL). The coordination with an offshore team is a critical aspect, requiring strong leadership and communication skills beyond pure technical ability. The "System Modernization & Design" responsibility implies a strategic contribution, not just maintenance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience with the Informix legacy platform, specifically Informix 4GL.

• Proven experience in developing and maintaining applications within Unix-based operating systems (HP-UX, AIX, Linux).

Required Skills:

• Informix 4GL Expertise: Deep understanding and extensive practical experience in Informix 4GL programming, development, and debugging.

• Unix/Linux Proficiency: Mastery of Unix-based systems (HP-UX, AIX, Linux) including advanced Unix Shell Scripting (Korn, Awk) for system automation and administration.

• SQL Mastery: Advanced proficiency in SQL for complex query writing, optimization, and database interaction.

• API Integration: Solid understanding and practical experience with API concepts, including RESTful and SOAP services, for system integration.

• Technical Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex application and database performance issues using specialized tools.

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

• Communication & Coordination: Exceptional communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and guide offshore resources.

Preferred Skills:

• Genero BDL: Experience with Genero Business Development Language (BDL) for modernizing Informix applications.

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

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

• EDI Standards: Familiarity with EDI standards such as 810 (Invoice) and 820 (Payment Order/Remittance Advice).

• XML: Experience working with XML data formats.

• Domain Knowledge: Experience with Supply Chain Management (SCM) concepts (order creation, pick-pack-ship, invoicing, BOM) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

• Other Databases: Familiarity with SQL Server, Oracle, or Snowflake.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Technical Skills" section in the original description directly translates to the required skills here. The "Preferred Domain Knowledge" and additional technical skills like Genero BDL, Java/Python/Perl, and specific Informix IDS utilities are categorized as preferred. The minimum 5 years experience is a key requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Informix 4GL Code Samples: Demonstrating complex logic, efficient coding practices, and problem-solving capabilities within the Informix 4GL environment.

• Shell Scripting Examples: Showcasing automation scripts (Korn, Awk) for system tasks, data manipulation, or process management within Unix/Linux.

• API Integration Case Studies: Portfolios detailing the design, development, and implementation of RESTful or SOAP APIs, highlighting challenges overcome and integration success.

• System Modernization Projects: Examples of projects where legacy systems were enhanced, refactored, or integrated with newer technologies, emphasizing the impact on business operations.

• Database Optimization Examples: Demonstrations of performance tuning efforts on Informix IDS, including query optimization, index strategies, and problem resolution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of analyzing existing business workflows (e.g., Supply Chain, WMS) and proposing/implementing optimized solutions, potentially involving legacy system modifications or integrations.

• System Implementation & Automation: Documentation of processes for deploying new code, integrating systems, and automating repetitive tasks within the Unix/Linux environment.

• Performance Analysis & Measurement: Evidence of tracking system performance, identifying bottlenecks, and measuring the impact of implemented changes through metrics and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original posting doesn't explicitly ask for a portfolio, the nature of the role – supporting and modernizing a critical system, leading integrations, and coordinating offshore teams – strongly implies that demonstrating past work is crucial. The "Portfolio Essentials" and "Process Documentation" sections are inferred based on what would be expected of a candidate proving their expertise in these areas during an interview or technical assessment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a contract role, the compensation will likely be an hourly rate. Based on the specialized nature of Informix 4GL, HP-UX, and API integration skills, combined with 5+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Chicago, the estimated hourly rate would range from $65 to $95 per hour.

Benefits:

• As a contract role through VTekis Consulting LLP, benefits may vary depending on the specific contract terms and duration. Typical benefits for contract positions with staffing agencies can include:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (often with employee contribution)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) or Sick Leave (may be accrued or limited)
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan (eligibility may vary)
  • Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-site, requiring presence in the Chicago, IL office.

• Flexibility may be limited due to the need for daily coordination with offshore teams and potential for urgent system support.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical contract rates for highly specialized IT roles in a major US city. Benefits are inferred as VTekis is a consulting/staffing firm, and contract employees often receive benefits through the agency.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Staff Augmentation, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Contract & Direct Hire Solutions. VTekis Consulting LLP operates within the IT staffing and consulting services sector.

Company Size: VTekis Consulting LLP is likely a small to medium-sized business (SMB) based on typical staffing agency structures.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's focus suggests an established presence in the staffing industry.

Team Structure:

• Core Project Team: A small, lean team comprising one on-site resource (this role) and three offshore team members.

• Reporting: The on-site resource will likely report to a Project Manager or a Lead Technical Architect within VTekis or potentially directly to a client stakeholder if embedded within the client's organization.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires significant collaboration with business stakeholders, IT teams responsible for Salesforce and e-commerce platforms, and potentially the Service Desk for incident escalation.

Methodology:

• Agile/Iterative Development: Given the modernization and integration focus, an agile or iterative approach to development and deployment is probable.

• Process-Driven Support: Adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for incident management and work order resolution is critical.

• Data-Driven Modernization: Decisions for modernization and integration will likely be driven by business needs, performance metrics, and ROI considerations.

Company Website: [VTekis Consulting LLP website information would be inserted here if available, e.g., vtekis.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description positions VTekis as a solutions provider focused on "perfect fit" staffing. The team structure indicates a collaborative, potentially hybrid (onshore/offshore) environment where clear communication is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior Technical Specialist or Lead Developer position within a specialized IT operations domain. It's not a traditional business operations role but focuses on the technical infrastructure supporting business operations, particularly in Supply Chain.

Reporting Structure: The candidate will be the primary on-site technical resource, working closely with and coordinating a remote offshore team. They will likely report to a project lead or manager.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the operational continuity and modernization of a mission-critical ERP platform. Successful modernization and integration will improve efficiency, data flow, and business agility within the Supply Chain and e-commerce functions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in legacy Informix systems, Genero BDL, and modern integration patterns, becoming a sought-after specialist.

• Leadership Development: Gain experience in leading and coordinating offshore teams, developing project management and stakeholder communication skills.

• Project Management: Potential to move into project management roles for system modernization initiatives.

• Broader Integration Skills: Expand knowledge in various integration technologies and platforms beyond the current scope.

• Domain Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of Supply Chain and WMS operations, which can open doors to specialized roles in those industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities focus on leveraging the unique blend of legacy and modern skills. The "operations" aspect here refers to the technical operations supporting business functions, rather than pure business operations management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role in Chicago, IL. The specific office environment (e.g., corporate office, shared workspace) is not detailed but implies a professional setting for collaboration.

Office Location(s): The specified location is "Illinois 43, Chicago, Illinois, United States," suggesting a specific business park or office building area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Requires close daily coordination with an offshore team, implying reliance on digital collaboration tools and effective communication strategies.

• Technology Access: Access to necessary development tools, Informix database environments, Unix servers, and standard office technology.

• Team Interaction: Direct interaction with the on-site team member and remote offshore team members daily. Potential for interaction with client business and IT stakeholders.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours (likely Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM Central Time), but may require some flexibility for urgent issue resolution or cross-time-zone coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Chicago is a key factor, along with the dynamic of working with a remote offshore team. This necessitates strong self-management and digital communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume by VTekis Consulting LLP to assess your experience with Informix 4GL, HP-UX, and API integration.

• Technical Interview (Phone/Video): This will likely involve in-depth technical questions covering Informix 4GL programming, SQL, Unix Shell Scripting, and API concepts. You may be asked to explain how you would approach specific technical challenges.

• Skills Assessment/Coding Challenge: A practical test to evaluate your coding abilities in Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, or Unix Shell Scripting. This could be a take-home assignment or a live coding session.

• Cultural Fit/Team Coordination Interview: An interview focusing on your ability to communicate effectively, manage and coordinate with offshore teams, and fit within the project's team dynamics.

• Final Interview (Client/Manager): Potentially a final interview with the client's project manager or IT lead to discuss project scope, expectations, and confirm suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Legacy Expertise: Showcase specific Informix 4GL code snippets that demonstrate complex logic, error handling, or performance optimizations.

• Demonstrate Modernization Efforts: If you have experience migrating or integrating legacy systems, provide case studies or examples of your contribution.

• API Integration Examples: Prepare to discuss API projects, including the technologies used (REST, SOAP), data formats (JSON, XML), and integration challenges you solved.

• Unix Scripting Examples: Include examples of shell scripts you've written for automation, data processing, or system administration.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "Reduced query execution time by X%", "Successfully integrated Y systems").

• Focus on Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you've worked with distributed or offshore teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Informix 4GL Scenarios: Practice common Informix 4GL programming tasks and data manipulation techniques.

• SQL Query Optimization: Be prepared to write and optimize SQL queries, explain execution plans (set explain), and discuss indexing strategies.

• Unix Command Line Proficiency: Review essential Unix commands, shell scripting syntax (Korn, Awk), and common system administration tasks.

• API Design Principles: Understand the fundamentals of RESTful and SOAP API design, including request/response structures, authentication, and error handling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is inferred based on the technical depth and contract nature of the role. A portfolio is highly recommended given the specialized skills and the need to prove expertise in both legacy and modern technologies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Genero BDL: A modern RAD tool often used for migrating or extending Informix applications.

• IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS): The underlying database management system.

• Unix Shell Scripting: Korn, Awk for automation and system tasks.

• SQL: For database interaction and querying.

Analytics & Reporting:

• oncheck: Informix utility for database integrity checks.

• set explain: Informix utility for analyzing query execution plans.

• System Monitoring Tools: Standard Unix/Linux tools for performance monitoring.

CRM & Automation:

• Git/GitHub/GitLab: For version control and code collaboration.

• API Integration Platforms/Tools: Potentially tools used for developing or testing RESTful/SOAP APIs.

• EDI Software: If specific EDI translation software is used by the client.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section directly pulls from the "Required Technical Skills" and "Job Description" sections, focusing on the specific technologies and tools mentioned.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Reliability & Stability: Ensuring the continuous operation of a critical legacy system is paramount.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Driving improvements in system performance and code efficiency.

• Collaboration & Communication: Essential for working with a distributed team and stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving: A strong aptitude for diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues.

• Adaptability: Willingness to work with both legacy and modern technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Hybrid Onshore/Offshore: Requires clear, concise communication and well-defined processes to bridge geographical and time zone differences.

• Task-Oriented: Focus on completing development tasks, bug fixes, and integration projects within defined timelines.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging documentation and sharing of knowledge, especially between onshore and offshore team members, to build collective expertise on the legacy platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred based on the nature of a contract role involving legacy systems and distributed teams, aiming to provide a well-rounded view of the expected work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Legacy System Maintenance: Working with older technologies (Informix 4GL, HP-UX) can present unique challenges in terms of documentation, tooling, and finding resources.

• Bridging Old and New: Successfully integrating a legacy ERP with modern platforms like Salesforce requires careful planning, understanding of both environments, and robust error handling.

• Distributed Team Management: Coordinating effectively with offshore team members across different time zones and communication styles requires strong leadership and organizational skills.

• Technical Debt: Modernizing a mission-critical system often involves addressing existing technical debt and implementing solutions that are maintainable long-term.

• Vendor Lock-in: Depending on the specific Informix version and licensing, there might be considerations around vendor-specific tools and support.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Informix Expertise: Become a go-to expert on Informix 4GL and IDS.

• Master Genero BDL: Gain proficiency in a modern RAD tool for legacy system evolution.

• Advanced API Development: Enhance skills in designing, building, and securing complex API integrations.

• Supply Chain/WMS Domain Knowledge: Develop a strong understanding of business processes critical to the company's operations.

• Cross-Cultural Team Leadership: Hone skills in managing and motivating diverse, distributed teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the inherent difficulties of working with legacy systems and distributed teams, while growth opportunities are tied to leveraging these challenges for skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex problem you solved using Informix 4GL and how you approached it." (Focus on your problem-solving methodology and technical depth.)

• "How would you approach integrating a legacy Informix system with a modern cloud-based CRM like Salesforce?" (Assess your understanding of integration challenges and strategies.)

• "Explain your experience managing or coordinating with offshore development teams. What are the key success factors?" (Evaluate your communication and leadership skills in a distributed environment.)

• "Walk me through your process for diagnosing and resolving a slow-running database query in Informix." (Demonstrate your knowledge of performance tuning tools like set explain and oncheck.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about VTekis Consulting LLP and our focus on staffing solutions?" (Show you've researched the company.)

• "How do you handle working with team members who have different communication styles or work hours?" (Assess your adaptability and collaboration skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Case Studies: For each project in your portfolio, clearly define the problem, your solution, the technologies used, your specific role, and the quantifiable results.

• Code Walkthroughs: Be prepared to present snippets of your Informix 4GL, shell scripts, or API code and explain their logic and efficiency.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your work improved system performance, enabled new business capabilities, or reduced operational costs.

• Address Legacy Challenges: Be ready to discuss the specific challenges of working with Informix 4GL and how you overcame them.

• Integration Focus: Clearly articulate your contributions to API build-outs and integrations, showcasing your ability to connect disparate systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to the specific skills and challenges of this role, emphasizing Informix 4GL, integration, and distributed team coordination.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this contract position:

• Submit your resume through the VTekis Consulting LLP application portal via the provided SmartRecruiters link.

• Tailor your resume: Clearly highlight your experience with Informix 4GL, HP-UX, Unix Shell Scripting, and API integration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Gather examples of Informix 4GL code, Unix scripts, and API integration projects. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews.

• Research VTekis: Understand the company's business model and their role as a staffing and consulting firm.

• Practice technical questions: Review common Informix 4GL, SQL, and Unix commands, and prepare to explain your approach to system modernization and integration challenges.

⚠️ 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 before making application decisions.