Mainframe zOS System Programmer

Role :- Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Location :- Salisbury NC/Boston MA/Frisco TX

Job Description:

Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer : 7-10 years of hands-on experience as a Mainframe Systems Programmer.

• • Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer to join our dynamic IT team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the installation maintenance and upgrade of the z/OS operating system as well as various Independent Software Vendor (ISV) products. This role requires deep technical expertise in mainframe technologies a strong understanding of system performance tuning problem diagnosis and a commitment to ensuring the stability security and efficiency of our critical mainframe infrastructure.
  • Key Responsibilities:
  • z/OS Upgrades and Maintenance:
  • Plan prepare and execute z/OS operating system upgrades (e.g. from z/OS 2.x to z/OS 3.x) including pre-installation checks customization testing and post-upgrade verification.
  • Apply IBM PTFs (Program Temporary Fixes) and APARs (Authorized Program Analysis Reports) to maintain system integrity and resolve reported issues.
  • Perform regular IPLs (Initial Program Loads) and system restarts as required for maintenance and upgrades.
  • Monitor z/OS system health performance and resource utilization using tools like RMF SMF Omegamon etc.
  • ISV Product Management:
  • Install configure upgrade and maintain a wide range of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) products (e.g. Broadcom/CA BMC IBM Rocket Software etc.). This includes products for security (ACF2 Top Secret RACF) performance monitoring job scheduling (CA-7 TWS) storage management (SMS CA-Disk FDR/ABR) database (DB2 IMS VSAM) and other utilities.
  • Collaborate with vendors for problem resolution licensing and technical support.
  • Ensure compatibility and integration of ISV products with the z/OS environment.
  • System Maintenance and Support:
  • Perform system IPLs reconfigurations and PARMLIB updates.
  • Manage and maintain critical system datasets (e.g. SYSRES Page datasets SMF datasets).
  • Provide expert-level support for mainframe incidents including problem determination diagnosis and resolution in a timely manner.
  • Participate in on-call rotation for 24/7 support of critical systems.
  • Performance Tuning and Optimization:
  • Analyze system performance data to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements.
  • Tune various z/OS components WLM (Workload Manager) and ISV products to optimize resource utilization and application performance.
  • Automation and Scripting:
  • Develop and maintain REXX JCL and other scripts for system automation monitoring and administrative tasks.
  • Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:
  • Participate in the planning testing and execution of disaster recovery procedures for the mainframe environment.
  • Ensure high availability and recoverability of critical systems.
  • Documentation and Best Practices:
  • Create and maintain comprehensive system documentation including installation guides configuration details operational procedures and troubleshooting guides.
  • Adhere to ITIL best practices for change management incident management and problem management.
  • Collaboration and Mentorship:
  • Work closely with application development teams database administrators operations staff and other infrastructure teams.
  • Mentor junior systems programmers and share knowledge effectively.
  • Security and Compliance:
  • Implement and enforce security best practices within the z/OS environment and for ISV products.
  • Ensure compliance with internal security policies and external regulations.
  • Required Skills and Experience:
  • 7-10 years of hands-on experience as a Mainframe Systems Programmer.
  • In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with z/OS operating system installation configuration and maintenance.
  • Proven experience with major z/OS upgrades (e.g. from one version to another).
  • Strong proficiency in JCL TSO/ISPF SMP/E JES2/JES3.
  • Extensive experience with the installation and support of various ISV products from vendors such as Broadcom/CA BMC IBM and Rocket Software. Specific product experience in areas like:
  • Security: RACF ACF2 or Top Secret
  • Performance Monitoring: Omegamon RMF SMF
  • Scheduling: CA-7 TWS/OPC
  • Storage Management: SMS DASD management tools (e.g. CA-Disk FDR/ABR)
  • Database: DB2 IMS VSAM
  • Utilities: DFSORT Syncsort
  • Solid understanding of mainframe networking (TCP/IP VTAM).
  • Experience with z/OS performance tuning and capacity planning.
  • Proficiency in REXX or other scripting languages for automation.
  • Strong problem-solving analytical and troubleshooting skills.
  • Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong commitment to quality and attention to detail.
  • Desired Skills and Experience (Plus Points):
  • Experience with Parallel Sysplex environments.
  • Knowledge of z/VM or Linux on Z.
  • Experience with mainframe modernization initiatives or hybrid cloud environments.
  • Certifications related to z/OS or specific mainframe technologies.