Mainframe zOS Systems Programmer

Chennai - India

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Join a team where your expertise as a z/OS System Administrator makes a real impact! In this critical role youll help maintain and optimize a robust Mainframe environment leveraging deep technical knowledge of z/OS systems. With hands-on experience in hardware refresh projects and a passion for delivering service excellence youll be at the forefront of keeping systems running smoothly and efficiently.

Years of experience required: 15 years.

Responsibilities:

Operating System Knowledge
- Deep mastery of z/OS architecture including IPL procedures JES2/JES3 configurations Sysplex management SMF data collection and parmlib customization.
Programming Skills
- Proficient in writing and debugging system-level routines and automation:
- Assembler for exits and control blocks.
- REXX for scripting and batch utilities.
- JCL for job submission parameterization and workflow control.
System Administration
- Managing hardware and logical resources across LPARs:
- DASD and tape allocation via HCD/HCM.
- LPAR configuration in HMC.
- Security administration using RACF or equivalent.
Problem-Solving Skills
- Analytical troubleshooting of abends storage hangs and performance anomalies using:
- Dump analysis with IPCS.
- SLIP and trace tools.
- System logs and console messages.
Backup and Recovery
- Ensuring data integrity and swift recovery with:
- DFSMShsm policies and recall management
- FDR/ABR for high-speed backups
- FlashCopy or virtual tape replication for near-instant restores
Performance Monitoring
- Optimizing system throughput and response times utilizing:
- RMF and SMF report analysis.
- OMEGAMON or BMC MainView dashboards.
- WLM classification and tuning.
Networking Knowledge:
- Configuring and supporting mainframe connectivity:
- VTAM and SNA definitions.
- TCP/IP stack on z/OS.
- OSA adapter and Coupling Facility communication.
Documentation and Communication:
- Producing clear system diagrams runbooks and upgrade plans while collaborating with application teams storage networking and security groups.
Continuous Learning:
- Staying current on IBM Redbooks z/OS release notes firmware updates and attending vendor training (IBM Broadcom BMC) or industry conferences.
Software Maintenance & Upgrade Tools:
- Executing OS and product upgrades with industry-standard utilities:
- SMP/E for PTF APAR and deliverable management.
- z/OSMF workflows for streamlined maintenance.
- Broadcom (e.g. Topaz) IBM and BMC tooling for fix management and compliance reporting.
Project Management & Hardware Refresh:
- Planning and leading hardware refreshes feature activations and migrations with minimal downtime including IPL scheduling vendor coordination and change-control governance.

Soft Skills:

Communication & Collaboration
- Clear documentation of system changes configurations and procedures.
- Cross-functional teamwork with developers DBAs and network engineers.
- Stakeholder engagement to explain technical issues in business terms.
Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Root cause analysis for system outages and performance issues.
- Pattern recognition across logs dumps and metrics.
- Decision-making under pressure especially during incident response.
Adaptability & Continuous Learning
- Staying current with z/OS updates SMP/E practices and IBM tools.
- Embracing modernization trends like Zowe z/OSMF and hybrid cloud integration.
- Learning new scripting languages (REXX CLIST) and automation tools.
Patience & Resilience
- Handling legacy systems with limited documentation.
- Managing long upgrade cycles and complex migrations.
- Remaining calm during critical system failures or audits..
Attention to Detail
- Precision in JCL scripting IPL procedures and system configurations.
- Vigilance in security settings RACF profiles and access controls.
- Thoroughness in change management and rollback planning.
Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing
- Training junior staff on mainframe fundamentals.
- Creating internal guides and cheat sheets for recurring tasks.
- Participating in user groups like IBM SHARE or local meetups.

Benefits:

Health Insurance Accident Insurance.
The salary will be determined based on several factors including but not limited to location relevant education qualifications experience technical skills and business needs.

Additional Responsibilities:

Participate in OP monthly team meetings and participate in team-building efforts.
Contribute to OP technical discussions peer reviews etc.
Contribute content and collaborate via the OP-Wiki/Knowledge Base.
Provide status reports to OP Account Management as requested.

About us:

OP is a technology consulting and solutions company offering advisory and managed services innovative platforms and staffing solutions across a wide range of fields - including AI cyber security enterprise architecture and beyond. Our most valuable asset is our people: dynamic creative thinkers who are passionate about doing quality work. As a member of the OP team you will have access to industry-leading consulting practices strategies & and technologies innovative training & education. An ideal OP team member is a technology leader with a proven track record of technical excellence and a strong focus on process and methodology.