Mainframe IMS Solution Architect

Ann Arbor, MI - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 2 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Role: Mainframe IMS Solution Architect

Location: Ann Arbor MI (Hybrid)

Type: Contract

Responsibilities:

Product InstallUpgrade

Product installupgradesmaintenance and customization with user mods.

Supporting Product Support

Managing supporting software products.

CICS Configuration

Configuration of CICS and setting up subsystem connectivity

System InstallationUpgrades & Configuration

Plan test and implement IMS software upgrades RSU and feature enhancements

IMS Architecture Knowledge

Deep understanding of IMS/TM and IMS/DB subsystems message processing regions and how IMS fits within a z/OS Sysplex.

Database Management

Proficient in defining and maintaining IMS databases using DBDs and PSBs controls for segmentation and executing DL/I utilities.

Programming Skills

Hands-on experience developing and maintaining IMS applications in COBOL writing exits in Assembler and automating tasks with REXX.

System Administration

Skills in installing configuring and patching IMS regions; managing control blocks; and orchestrating deployments via SMP/E or z/OSMF. SYSGEN and subsystem connectivity management for MQ CICS and DB2. Also LU6.2 and NJE connectivity

Performance Tuning

Ability to monitor IMS transaction and database performance adjust IMS buffer pools and optimize logging and threading for SLAs.

Troubleshooting

Strong analytical skills for diagnosing transaction failures database lock contention and communication errors using trace tools and dumps.

Backup and Recovery

Knowledge of IMS restart strategies (cold warm and concurrent restarts) and integration with DFSM Shsm for log retention and recovery.

Integration Skills

Familiarity with linking IMS to CICS DB2 MQ web services and leveraging IMS Connect or GATEWAY for cross-platform transactions.

Documentation and Communication

Ability to produce clear runbooks architecture diagrams change-control records and to coordinate with developers DBAs and operations teams.

Continuous Learning

Commitment to staying current with IBM Redbooks IMS enhancements vendor training and industry best practices.

Skills Matrix:

Competency Area
Skill Focus
Proficiency Level
Tools / Technologies Used
IMS Architecture Knowledge
Designing IMS/TM regions IMS/DB structure setup
Advanced
IMS/TM IMS/DB IMS Connect GATEWAY
Mainframe OS & Utilities
Mainframe OS & Utilities
Advancd
z/OS SMP/E JES2 JCL TSO/ISPF DFSMS
Database Management
DBD/PSB design database utility operations
Advanced
DL/I DBDGEN PSBGEN IEBGENER File-AID RECON
Programming Skills
Application coding system exits automation scripting
Intermediate
COBOL HLASM REXX ISPF
System Administration
Region installs PTF deployments SMP/E and z/OSMF use
Intermediate
SMP/E z/OSMF SDSF SMP/E RECEIVE/APPLY/ACCEPT SYSGEN
Performance Tuning
Buffer tuning logging optimization workload balancing
Intermediate
RMF SMF OMEGAMON IMS Performance Analyzer
Troubleshooting
Dump analysis trace capture log interpretation
Advanced
IPCS SLIP IMS logs dump analyzers
Backup & Recovery
Cold/warm restarts log retention disaster recovery
Intermediate
DFSMShsm FDR ABARS
Integration Skills
Connecting IMS with middleware and enterprise systems
Intermediate
IMS Connect MQSeries JDBC web services
Documentation & Communication
Runbooks diagrams change-control documentation
Advanced
Visio Word Confluence SharePoint
Continuous Learning
Tracking product updates certifications community
Ongoing
IBM Redbooks TechU vendor webinars

Soft Skills:

Communication
Clearly conveys technical concepts and status updates to both technical and non-technical stakeholders ensuring alignment and shared understanding.
Collaboration
Works effectively with application developers DBAs operations teams and vendors fostering a team Mindset and driving joint problem resolution.
Analytical
Thinking Breaks down complex system behaviors into root causes leveraging structured reasoning to guide troubleshooting and design decisions.
Adaptability
Quickly adjusts to new IMS releases changing project priorities and evolving operational challenges without disruption to service delivery.
Attention to Detail
Meticulously reviews configuration parameters job streams and change-control documentation to prevent errors in highly sensitive production environments.
Time Management
Prioritizes tasks-such as system maintenance incident response and project work-to meet tight SLAs and minimize business impact.
Customer Focus
Anticipates and responds to the needs of internal customers by delivering reliable IMS services and clear guidance on usage or recovery procedures.
Resilience
Maintains composure under pressure-during outage scenarios or high-volume support windows-and works methodically toward resolution.
Mentoring & Coaching
Shares expertise with junior engineers through peer reviews knowledge-transfer sessions and documentation strengthening overall team capability.
Continuous Learning Mindset
Seeks out training IBM Redbooks vendor webinars and community forums to stay ahead of IMS innovations and best practices.

Role: Mainframe IMS Solution Architect Location: Ann Arbor MI (Hybrid) Type: Contract Responsibilities: Product InstallUpgrade Product installupgradesmaintenance and customization with user mods. Supporting Product Support Managing supporting software products. CICS Configuration Configuration ...