Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Title: Mainframe z/OS System Programmer
Duration: 6 months contract to hire
Location: Phoenix, AZ, Plano, TX, Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Pennington, NJ and Chicago, IL (3days onsite, 2days WFH)
MOI: Skype

Need LinkedIn

Overview:
The Mainframe z/OS System Programmer is responsible for the installation, customization, maintenance, and optimization of IBM z/OS operating systems and associated system software. This role ensures the stability, performance, security, and availability of mission-critical mainframe environments, supporting large-scale enterprise applications.




Responsibilities:
1. System Administration & Maintenance:

• Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/OS operating systems.
• Perform system upgrades, migrations (e.g., z/OS version upgrades), and apply maintenance (PTFs, APARs, RSUs).
• Manage IPL processes, system initialization, and configuration (PARMLIB, PROCLIB, SYS1 datasets).
• Monitor system health and performance using tools such as RMF, SMF, SDSF.

2. Subsystem Support:

• Install, configure, and support key subsystems:
• JES2/JES3
• TSO/E, ISPF
• USS (Unix System Services)
• RACF (in coordination with security teams)
• Work closely with DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and Storage teams for integration and support.

3. Performance & Capacity Management:

• Analyse system performance metrics and implement tuning improvements.
• Support capacity planning and resource optimization (CPU, memory, I/O).
• Evaluate hardware upgrades (e.g., CPU/MIPS growth, z-series enhancements).
• Problem Management & Troubleshooting:
• Diagnose and resolve system-related issues, including system abends and failures.
• Perform root cause analysis for outages and major incidents.
• Work with IBM and vendors on problem determination and fixes.

4. Automation & Scheduling:
Develop and maintain automation using tools such as:

• System REXX, CLIST
• SA z/OS, NetView
• Support job scheduling tools (e.g., CA7, Control-M where applicable).

5. Security & Compliance:

• Support system-level security configurations aligned with RACF policies.
• Ensure compliance with audit, regulatory, and enterprise security standards.
• Assist in vulnerability remediation and patching activities.

6. Change & Release Management:

• Execute changes through ITIL-based processes (ServiceNow or equivalent).
• Prepare implementation plans, backout procedures, and validation steps.
• Support weekend maintenance windows and IPL activities.

7. Documentation:

• Create and maintain technical documentation, including:
• System configurations
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Disaster Recovery plans

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in mainframe system programming (z/OS).
• Strong hands-on knowledge of z/OS, JES2/JES3, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, USS/OMVS, SMP/E.
• Experience with large-scale environments (multi-LPAR, Parallel Sysplex).
• Knowledge of vendor products (Broadcom, IBM, BMC).
• IBM certifications (preferred but not mandatory).

Preferred Experience:

• Exposure to mainframe modernization initiatives (APIs, hybrid cloud integration).
• Experience with z/OSMF and modern interfaces.
• Knowledge of DevOps practices on mainframe (CI/CD pipelines).
• Exposure to Zowe and APIs on z/OS.