Mainframe Automation System Programmer

Title: Mainframe Automation System Programmer

Location: Plano, TX

JOB DESCRIPTION: .


Required Qualifications


5+ years in Mainframe System Programming with strong focus on automation.


Proficiency in Rexx, CLIST, JCL, and experience with IBM Workload Scheduler automation.


Familiarity with z/OS subsystems (DB2, IMS, CICS, MQ) and operational workflows.


Strong understanding of WTOR handling, command automation, and event-driven triggers.


Experience with version control (Git) and DevOps practices for mainframe.


Preferred Qualifications


Exposure to Ansible for z/OS or similar automation frameworks.


Knowledge of REST APIs for mainframe integration with enterprise automation tools.


Experience in observability platforms (OMEGAMON, IBM Z Monitoring Suite).


Certifications: IBM z/OS, Automation tools, ITIL.


Tools & Environment


Languages: Rexx, CLIST, JCL, optional Python for z/OS.


Automation Frameworks: Ansible for z/OS, IBM Workload Scheduler.


Monitoring: OMEGAMON, RMF/SMF.


Version Control: Git, ChangeMan.


Roles & Responsibilities


Automation Development & Maintenance


Design and implement automation scripts (Rexx, CLIST, JCL, Ansible for z/OS) for routine operational tasks, health checks, and system recovery.


Develop WTOR confirmation automation for operator commands with validation logic.


Automate batch scheduling workflows in IBM Workload Scheduler (IWS/TWS) and integrate with enterprise orchestration tools.


Create self-healing mechanisms for common issues (e.g., MQ transmit queue backlogs, DB2 log utilization alerts, IMS region restarts).


Monitoring & Alerting


Build real-time monitoring dashboards for system health (CPU, DASD, queue depths, buffer pools).


Implement event-driven automation for proactive remediation (e.g., auto-restart channels, clear JES backlog).


Integrate automation with SIEM/SOC tools for security compliance.


Governance & Compliance


Ensure all automation adheres to audit requirements: capture execution logs, approvals, and artifacts.


Maintain version-controlled repositories for scripts and automation frameworks.


Validate automation against SOX/ISO controls and enforce segregation of duties.


Performance & Optimization


Automate capacity checks and performance tuning tasks for DB2, IMS, and CICS regions.


Reduce batch window through job stream optimization and dynamic workload balancing.