Mainframe Systems Programmer

IBM ZSeries Maintenance Specialist

Job Responsibilities

1. Maintain the IBM zSeries by keeping the OS and third-party software that is used up to date.

1.1. The zSeries runs three operating systems: zVM, zVSE and ClefOS (Red Hat Linux for zSeries). Each have regular releases that need to be installed, tested and implemented in production.

1.2. There are a dozen third-party software products that CDG uses on the mainframe. Each have new releases or fixes that need to be installed, tested and implemented in production.

2. Perform configuration management for the storage associated with the IBM zSeries. The FlashSystem storage that is associated with the IBM zSeries is referred to as NAS (Network Attached Storage), networking protocols to transfer data from / to servers on a high speed network. NAS provides a lot of flexibility but requires quite a bit of configuration to set up and support.

3. Maintain many of the file transfer processes used within CDG, with the primary goal being to automate any file transfer process where such functionality is desired.

3.1. On zVSE, transfer automation is handled by using scheduling software called FAQS/PCS. With FAQS, processes can be established that will run at specific intervals to dynamically build ftp transfers of a variety of file types (BDSi EMI, CDRs, MPB, BDT, 9299s, PICC, ORP, etc. as well as CDG created reports) or processes that can be initiated by BDSI program calls.

3.2. On the ftp server, automation is handled by using the UNIX program called 'cron'. With cron, scripts can be written that run at specific intervals which log on to ftp or sftp servers and send or retrieve files.

3.3. On the Connect:Direct server, transfer automation is handled by using the Connect:Direct scripting language to initiate transfers or by using the FileAgent utility which monitors directories and initiates Connect:Direct transfers when files show up.

1. Additional responsibilities may include.

1.1. Adding and deleting user's access to the zSeries.

1.2. Monitoring various logs of file transfers or using them to diagnose problems.

1.3. Migrating processes. For example in 2019 it was moving from Luminex virtual tape system to IBM's VSE VTAPE system and in 2020 it was migrating from CSI TCPIP software to BSI TCPIP software - which involved installing 2 new third party software products.

1.4. Setting up VSE monitors for the Operators to use (and for Phil Gramly to access remotely.)

1.5. Maintaining FlashSystem (disk subsystem) scripts for disaster recovery testing.

1.6. Maintaining the tape library (at this point, mainly systems backups of EPIC, VSAM catalogs, BIM-Edit, FAQS, POWER queue – reports – offloads, etc.)

1.7. Adding or removing disk drives as needed to various storage pools.

1.8. When BDSI adds a new company, there is often a need for duplicate processes to be created / modified, so BDS-I staff can run parallels.

2. Programming – largely using scripting languages

5.1 VSE/REXX to automate file transfers

5.2 Connect:Direct process coding using its procedure language (VSE and Unix flavors)

5.3 Expect scripting to automate sending/receiving files on Linux

5.4 BIM-Edit procedure language scripts

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills

· Associate degree in data processing, computer science or related curriculum, or experience equivalent to that level.

· Experience/working knowledge of IBM OS/9000 Mainframe operating VM/ESA, VSE/ESA, CICS, VTAM, BTAM, NCP, VSAM, and various third party software required.

· AS/400, RS6000, AIX, and UNIX skills desired.

· Technical support experience essential.

· Effective interpersonal and oral and written communication skills necessary.

· Highly developed problem solving and analytical skills necessary.

· Must be able to perform hexadecimal arithmetic and understand rudimentary statistical concepts.

· Must have proven history of dependability, teamwork skills, integrity, and professionalism.

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience
• At least 5 years of experience within a total information technology (IT) environment
• At least 10 years of experience with the design, development and support of technology infrastructure
• Terraform experience a plus
• AWS experience a plus