zOS Systems Programmer

Lighthouse Technology Services is partnering with our client to fill their zOS Systems Programmer position! This is a 5 month contract opportunity based in Buffalo NY and can be REMOTE in the United States. This role will be a W2 employee of Lighthouse Technology Services.

Position Summary

We seeking an experienced z/OS Systems Programmer to install upgrade and support mainframe software products. This role requires strong expertise with SMP/E broad familiarity with independent software vendor (ISV) tools and a solid understanding of core z/OS infrastructure. The programmer will support production development and test environments; participate in a rotating oncall schedule; and adhere to all SDLC and Change Management controls.

What Youll Be Doing:

• Install configure and maintain mainframe software products using SMP/E including applying maintenance (PTFs APARs) managing zones and ensuring environment compatibility.
• Deploy and support a broad suite of ISV tools including PanValet PanAPT CA7 CA11 Datacom Abend Aid Xpediter SYSBII Syncsort VPS DRS PGP Easytrieve PKZIP and VSAM Assist.
• Support core z/OS infrastructure components including JES2 ISPF and TSO/E.
• Monitor and tune system performance using tools such as SMF RMF and related diagnostic utilities.
• Troubleshoot system and product issues using abend analysis dump review and structured problem solving methods.
• Participate in Disaster Recovery exercises to ensure platform resiliency and audit readiness.
• Support IPL procedures parameter updates software migrations and environment stabilization activities.
• Collaborate with application teams operations security and audit partners across SDLC phases.
• Maintain technical documentation including installation guides configuration standards system diagrams and operations references.
• Follow all SDLC Change Management Risk and Information Security requirements.

What Youll Need to Have:

• 5 years of experience as a z/OS Systems Programmer or equivalent mainframe engineering role.
• Strong hands on expertise with SMP/E installation deployment and maintenance processes.
• Experience supporting multiple ISV products listed above.
• Solid understanding of z/OS architecture Parallel Sysplex utilities subsystems and operational best practices.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting capabilities including dump analysis abend review and diagnostic tooling.
• Familiarity with ACF2 or RACF security frameworks.
• Ability to participate in a 247 on call rotation.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Practical experience with CA7/CA11 scheduling tools.
• Working knowledge of key z/OS subsystems such as CICS DB2 and USS/zFS.
• Proficiency with diagnostic and performance tools including SMF RMF IPCS and SDSF.
• Ability to develop or maintain scripts using REXX CLIST or similar scripting languages.
• Background supporting highavailability or disasterrecovery environments including experience with Sysplex architectures.
• Handson experience with GDPS operations particularly for multisite resiliency or coordinated recovery workflows.
• Comfort working within agile delivery methods including use of tools such as JIRA.
• Experience in regulated or compliancedriven industries (e.g. financial services).
• Ability to create and maintain clear technical documentation using modern platforms (e.g. OneNote Confluence).

Pay Range:$70-$85/hr

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