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 / Application Development

Date Posted: March 19, 2026

Experience Level: Intermediate/Senior (5+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on the modernization and maintenance of a critical legacy ERP platform, bridging aged technologies with contemporary integration strategies.

• Spearhead the development and optimization of applications utilizing Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, and Unix Shell Scripting, ensuring robust and efficient code.

• Drive API build-out and integration projects, facilitating seamless data flow between the legacy ERP and modern systems like Salesforce and e-commerce platforms.

• Provide expert technical troubleshooting for complex application issues and performance bottlenecks within the Informix database environment.

• Collaborate closely with a small, lean team, including offshore resources, to ensure effective project execution and timely delivery within strict SLAs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized, focusing on maintaining and modernizing legacy systems. The term "Intermediate/Senior" coupled with a 5+ year experience requirement suggests a need for deep technical expertise in Informix 4GL and related legacy technologies, as well as the ability to independently troubleshoot and lead integration efforts. The "Contract" employment type indicates a project-based engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and optimize application code in Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, and Unix Shell Scripting (Korn, Awk) to support and modernize the legacy ERP platform.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and technical stakeholders to design and implement system modernization strategies, including potential migration paths from Informix 4GL to Genero BDL.

• Lead and execute API build-out and integration projects, ensuring successful connectivity and data exchange with Salesforce, e-commerce platforms, and other external systems.

• Perform advanced technical troubleshooting and root cause analysis for application issues and database performance problems, utilizing diagnostic tools like oncheck and set explain.

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

• Conduct and lead integration, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and performance testing activities to ensure the quality and reliability of deployed solutions.

• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for system architecture, code, processes, and troubleshooting guides.

• Support and provide guidance to offshore team members, fostering effective collaboration and ensuring consistent development practices.

• Analyze and understand Supply Chain workflows, including order creation, pick-pack-ship, invoicing, and Bill of Materials (BOM), to effectively support and enhance the ERP system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of deep legacy system expertise (Informix 4GL, HP-UX) and modern integration skills (API, Genero BDL). The focus on "mission-critical Legacy ERP platform" and "expediting its integration" highlights the strategic importance of this role in bridging old and new technology stacks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mentioned, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is often preferred for roles requiring advanced technical proficiency. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in developing and maintaining applications on the Informix legacy platform, with a strong emphasis on Informix 4GL.

Required Skills:

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

• Strong command of Genero BDL for application development and modernization.

• Advanced skills in Unix Shell Scripting, specifically Korn and Awk.

• Mastery of Unix-based operating systems, with a focus on HP-UX. Familiarity with IBM AIX and Linux is also valuable.

• Deep understanding of IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) database management, including performance tuning utilities like oncheck and set explain.

• Proven experience with API integration, including understanding of RESTful and SOAP protocols.

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

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in secondary programming languages like Java, Python, or Perl for integration and scripting tasks.

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

• Knowledge of EDI standards (e.g., 810, 820) and XML.

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

• Experience with Windows environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Technical Skills" section is exceptionally detailed, indicating a strong preference for candidates with direct, deep experience in the specified legacy technologies. The emphasis on both legacy maintenance and modern integration (APIs, Genero BDL) suggests a role focused on incremental modernization rather than a complete rip-and-replace.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of Informix 4GL code logic, demonstrating problem-solving capabilities for complex business rules.

• Present case studies of system modernization initiatives, highlighting the transition from legacy components to newer technologies like Genero BDL.

• Include documentation or descriptions of API integration projects, detailing the architecture, data flow, and challenges overcome.

• Provide evidence of database performance tuning using Informix tools, with metrics demonstrating improvements in query execution or system responsiveness.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design and optimization for Supply Chain processes within an ERP context.

• Documentation related to integration processes between disparate systems, including data mapping and transformation rules.

• Records of testing methodologies employed for legacy applications, including UAT and performance testing strategies.

• Evidence of contribution to technical documentation for complex systems, including architecture diagrams and operational guides.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a requirement for submission, a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in Informix 4GL, API integration, and Unix scripting would be highly beneficial for candidates. The role implies a need to document processes and demonstrate efficiency gains, so evidence of this in a portfolio would be advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the specialized nature of Informix 4GL and HP-UX expertise, combined with a contract role in Chicago, IL, the estimated salary range for an Intermediate/Senior level (5+ years) is $65 - $95 per hour.

Benefits: As this is a contract position through a consulting firm (VTekis Consulting LLP), benefits are typically provided by the contracting agency rather than the client company. Standard benefits for contract roles may include:

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

• Paid Time Off (PTO) or Vacation accrual (may vary)

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

• Potential for paid holidays

• Professional development opportunities (e.g., access to training or certifications)

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The role requires daily coordination with offshore teams, which may necessitate some flexibility in working hours to accommodate different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on market data for highly specialized legacy system developers in the Chicago area, considering the contract nature of the role and the specific technology stack (Informix 4GL, HP-UX). Benefits are inferred based on typical contract staffing agency offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: VTekis Consulting LLP operates within the IT Staff Augmentation, Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO), and Outsourced Solutions sector. They serve clients across various industries, including technology, logistics, and manufacturing, by providing specialized technical talent.

Company Size: VTekis Consulting LLP is a medium-sized firm. Precise employee numbers aren't readily available, but their service offerings suggest a substantial operational footprint.

Founded: VTekis Consulting LLP was founded with a mission to deliver quality professional services and find the "perfect fit" for staffing needs, emphasizing confidence through proper people assignment. Their focus is on creating opportunities through alignment of people and companies.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a small, lean team comprising one onsite resource (the hired candidate) and three offshore members.

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

Methodology:

• VTekis emphasizes a client-centric approach, focusing on understanding client needs to deliver the "perfect fit."

• For this specific role, the methodology involves bridging legacy logic with modern requirements, supporting and modernizing a legacy ERP platform.

• This includes designing and implementing solutions, writing and optimizing code, troubleshooting complex issues, and leading integration projects.

Company Website: [VTekis Consulting LLP website information is not directly provided, but the domain is likely vtekis.com based on the AI-derived domain.]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at VTekis appears to be service-oriented, focused on client satisfaction through skilled staffing. The team structure for this role highlights the need for an independent, proactive individual who can manage and lead distributed teams effectively.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at an Intermediate to Senior level, specifically within the domain of legacy application development and modernization. It requires a deep technical specialization in Informix 4GL and HP-UX, coupled with the ability to lead integration efforts and manage offshore resources. The candidate is expected to be largely autonomous in their technical tasks and influential in guiding the offshore team.

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

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the operational continuity and modernization efforts of a mission-critical legacy ERP platform. Successful execution will ensure the stability of existing business processes (Supply Chain, ERP functions) while enabling critical integrations with modern platforms like Salesforce and e-commerce, thereby directly contributing to business efficiency and revenue enablement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Informix 4GL, Genero BDL, and Unix system administration, becoming a go-to expert for legacy system challenges.

• Integration Leadership: Gain significant experience in leading API build-out and integration projects, potentially expanding into broader enterprise integration architecture.

• Project Management: Develop skills in managing distributed teams, coordinating tasks, and ensuring SLA adherence, which can lead to project management roles.

• System Modernization Strategy: Contribute to and learn about strategic initiatives for migrating or modernizing legacy systems, providing valuable insights into digital transformation processes.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Work closely with various business units reliant on the ERP system, gaining a holistic understanding of Supply Chain operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is heavily focused on specialized technical depth and project leadership within legacy systems and their integration. It's ideal for someone who thrives in a niche technical environment and enjoys problem-solving complex, entrenched systems.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an On-site role, indicating that the candidate will be expected to work from a physical office location in or near Chicago, Illinois. This setting facilitates direct collaboration with any local team members and provides access to company infrastructure.

Office Location(s): The role is located in Chicago, Illinois, with a specific address mentioned as "Illinois 43". This suggests a typical office environment within the Chicago metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely involve a dedicated desk or cubicle within an office setting, providing a stable environment for focused technical work.

• Access to development tools, testing environments, and necessary hardware/software for Informix 4GL, HP-UX, and integration projects will be provided.

• The environment will foster collaboration with any local team members and require structured communication channels for daily coordination with the offshore team.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. Given the requirement for daily coordination with offshore team members, there might be an expectation for some flexibility to overlap working hours, particularly for critical updates or issue resolution that spans time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Chicago suggests a traditional work setup. The emphasis on coordinating with an offshore team implies that while the physical presence is required, the communication tools and practices will be geared towards remote collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, designed to assess deep technical expertise and collaboration skills.

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

2. Technical Interview(s): In-depth technical interviews focusing on Informix 4GL, HP-UX, SQL, Genero BDL, Unix scripting, and API integration concepts. This may involve live coding exercises or problem-solving scenarios.

3. Case Study/Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing relevant projects, or they might be given a specific technical challenge related to legacy system modernization or integration for them to solve and present.

4. Team/Stakeholder Interview: An interview with project leads or key stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, communication effectiveness (especially with offshore teams), and alignment with project goals.

5. Final Evaluation: A final review by VTekis Consulting LLP to confirm suitability and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Informix 4GL Mastery: Showcase specific code snippets or project descriptions where you solved complex business logic challenges using Informix 4GL. Quantify any performance improvements achieved.

• Demonstrate API Integration Experience: Detail projects where you built or integrated APIs. Include diagrams, describe the data flow, and mention the technologies used (RESTful, SOAP).

• Showcase Modernization Efforts: If you have experience migrating from Informix 4GL to Genero BDL or other modern languages, present these as case studies. Focus on the strategy, challenges, and outcomes.

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

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced query execution time by X%", "integrated Y systems, improving data accuracy by Z%").

Challenge Preparation:

• Legacy System Troubleshooting: Be prepared to diagnose and propose solutions for common issues in Informix databases and applications, such as performance degradation, data corruption, or integration failures.

• Code Optimization: Practice optimizing Informix 4GL code for efficiency and maintainability.

• API Design Principles: Refresh your understanding of RESTful and SOAP API design, error handling, and security best practices.

• Cross-cultural Communication: Prepare examples of how you have successfully collaborated with and managed remote or offshore teams, emphasizing clear communication and proactive problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "mission-critical Legacy ERP platform" and "expediting its integration" suggests that interviewers will be keen to see how candidates can balance maintaining stability with driving forward modernization and integration efforts. The small team size with offshore members highlights the importance of communication and leadership skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Genero BDL: Target language for modernization and new development.

• SQL: For database querying and manipulation within Informix.

• Unix Shell Scripting (Korn, Awk): For automation, system administration, and data processing on HP-UX.

• HP-UX: The primary Unix operating system.

Database Management:

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

• oncheck: Utility for Informix database checking and repair.

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

Integration & Development:

• API Integration (RESTful, SOAP): For connecting the legacy system with modern platforms.

• Java, Python, Perl: Secondary languages for integration and scripting.

• XML: Data format for integration.

• EDI (810, 820): Standards relevant to Supply Chain transactions.

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

Preferred (but not required) Tools:

• SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake (other RDBMS experience).

• Windows environments.

• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

📝 Enhancement Note: This stack is heavily weighted towards legacy technologies. Candidates need to demonstrate deep expertise in Informix 4GL and HP-UX, alongside practical experience with modern integration techniques to bridge the gap.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A strong emphasis on writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code, particularly in Informix 4GL and related legacy technologies.

• Problem-Solving: A commitment to diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues within critical systems, often requiring deep analytical skills.

• Reliability & Stability: Prioritizing the stability and continuous operation of mission-critical systems, adhering strictly to SLAs.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering effective teamwork across geographical boundaries, with clear and proactive communication being essential for success.

• Adaptability & Modernization: A forward-thinking approach to integrating legacy systems with modern technologies, balancing maintenance with strategic evolution.

Collaboration Style:

• Distributed Team Management: The role requires managing and coordinating daily tasks with three offshore team members, necessitating strong leadership and clear communication protocols.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Collaboration with various internal stakeholders and potentially client-side technical teams to understand requirements and implement solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where best practices are shared, and technical challenges are tackled collaboratively, especially between onsite and offshore resources.

• Process-Oriented: Adherence to established processes for incident management, change control, and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values likely reflect a blend of traditional IT operations' emphasis on stability and reliability, combined with the consulting firm's focus on client delivery and efficient team coordination.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Legacy and Modern: The primary challenge is to effectively modernize and integrate a mission-critical legacy ERP system without compromising its stability, using technologies like Informix 4GL alongside APIs and Genero BDL.

• Distributed Team Management: Effectively leading and coordinating a small team of offshore resources requires strong communication, delegation, and oversight skills.

• Technical Obsolescence: Working with older technologies like Informix 4GL and HP-UX can present challenges in finding resources, documentation, and modern development tools.

• Complex Business Logic: Supporting an ERP platform often involves intricate business rules and workflows that require deep understanding and careful handling to avoid unintended consequences.

• Strict SLAs: Adhering to Service Level Agreements for incident resolution and system uptime in a mission-critical environment demands high efficiency and accuracy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Legacy System Expertise: Become a highly sought-after expert in Informix 4GL and HP-UX, a niche but critical skill set.

• Modern Integration Skills: Gain hands-on experience in building and managing API integrations, which are highly transferable skills.

• Cross-Cultural Project Management: Develop advanced skills in managing and collaborating with distributed, international teams.

• System Modernization Strategies: Learn practical approaches to incrementally modernize legacy systems, a valuable skill in many enterprise IT environments.

• Supply Chain Domain Knowledge: Enhance understanding of ERP and WMS functionalities within the Supply Chain context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the specialized nature of the role – managing and evolving old systems while connecting them to the new. The growth opportunities offer a path to become a specialized expert with valuable integration skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Legacy System Modernization: "Describe your approach to modernizing a mission-critical legacy ERP system like one built on Informix 4GL. How would you balance stability with the need for integration and potential migration?"

  • Preparation: Prepare to discuss phased approaches, risk assessment, technology evaluation (e.g., Genero BDL vs. other options), and stakeholder management.

• API Integration Design: "Walk me through the process of designing and implementing a RESTful API to connect our legacy Informix ERP with Salesforce. What are the key considerations for data mapping, error handling, and security?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to draw diagrams, explain data transformation, discuss authentication methods, and outline testing strategies.

• Performance Tuning: "A critical Informix 4GL batch job is running too slowly. How would you diagnose the bottleneck using tools like oncheck and set explain, and what steps would you take to optimize it?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How would you manage and coordinate daily tasks with a team of three offshore developers to ensure project success and adherence to SLAs?"

  • Preparation: Provide specific examples of communication strategies, task delegation, progress tracking, and conflict resolution in a distributed team setting.

• "What is your experience with Supply Chain workflows, and how have you applied that knowledge in previous roles involving ERP systems?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate the business problem, your role, the solution implemented (especially Informix 4GL or integration aspects), and the quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, improved data accuracy).

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to dive deep into the technical details of your Informix 4GL code, database structures, and integration logic.

• Modernization Narrative: If you have modernization examples, frame them as a journey from legacy constraints to modern capabilities, highlighting the strategic value.

• Clarity for Distributed Teams: If presenting a project involving offshore teams, highlight how you ensured clear communication and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily scrutinize your ability to handle specialized legacy technologies while also demonstrating modern integration capabilities and leadership in a distributed team. Your portfolio and case studies should directly address these dual requirements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your experience with Informix 4GL, HP-UX, Genero BDL, Unix Shell Scripting, and API integration. Quantify achievements related to system modernization, performance optimization, and problem resolution.

• Prepare your portfolio: Compile examples of your Informix 4GL code, API integration projects, or system modernization case studies. Be ready to discuss your contributions and the impact of your work.

• Practice technical explanations: Rehearse explaining complex technical concepts related to Informix databases, 4GL programming, and API development, as these will be key to the technical interviews.

• Research VTekis Consulting LLP: Understand their service offerings and client focus to articulate how your skills align with their mission of providing quality staffing solutions.

⚠️ 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.