AS400/IBM i Infrastructure Analyst

Kforce has a client in Phoenix, AZ that is seeking an AS400/IBM i Infrastructure Analyst. The Role: We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe DB2 Systems Administrator to manage and support DB2 for z/OS subsystems in a mission-critical enterprise environment. This role is responsible for installation, configuration, performance tuning, and overall health of DB2 subsystems, ensuring high availability, security, and optimal performance. This role requires employees to live in or around the Phoenix, AZ area. The Analyst will be responsible to be onsite 3 days a week. We will consider candidates who are willing to relocate to the area. Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and maintain DB2 for z/OS subsystems
• Perform version upgrades, patching (PTFs/APARs), and system maintenance
• Manage subsystem configuration and initialization parameters
• Support capacity planning and performance analysis using DB2 and system tools
• Perform root cause analysis and implement preventive actions
• Ensure DB2 availability and resilience through DR strategies
• Monitor and tune DB2 system-level performance (CPU, memory, I/O)

Maintain core DB2 components:

• ZPARMs (DSNZPARM)
• Buffer pools
• Logs and BSDS
• Catalog and directory

Optimize:

• Buffer pools
• Locking and concurrency
• Thread and connection performance

Manage and support:

• DB2 Data Sharing environments (Sysplex)
• Coupling Facility integration
• Workload balancing and failover

Analyze and resolve:

• Subsystem failures
• Dumps, logs, and abends
• Connectivity issues affecting DB2 operations

Support interaction with: * Batch (JCL)

* CICS

* IMS

• MQ and distributed systems
• 7-12+ years of mainframe experience
• 3-5+ years in DB2 Systems Programming / Administration
• Experience with IBM DB2 for z/OS and Replication products (Qrep, SQLrep and CDC) - software installation, version upgrades and maintenance, certification testing, documentation of operational procedures, disaster recovery testing

Deep knowledge of:

• ZPARMs and subsystem configuration
• Buffer pools, logs, BSDS, catalog/directory

Strong troubleshooting skills for:

• System-level DB2 issues
• Performance and connectivity problems

Proficiency in:

* JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF

* SMP/E (preferred) Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with: DB2 utilities and performance tools; Monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, MainView)
• Knowledge of: DevOps tools for mainframe (Endevor, ISPW, etc.)
• Exposure to: Cloud integration or hybrid architectures
• Experience with: Large-scale DB2 upgrades or migrations; Performance optimization initiatives
• Knowledge of: Modernization tools (z/OS Connect, APIs)
• Experience with software support for BMC for DB2 Tools, IBM z/OS Connect, Software AG ADABAS and Natural products
• Programming experience with REXX
• Working knowledge of SQL, JIRA, SMP/E, RACF, TCP/IP, Network certificates, Splunk
• Working knowledge of other Mainframe Subsystems (CICS, IMS, MQ)