Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Title: Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer
Location: Phoenix, AZ, Plano, TX, Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Pennington, NJ and Chicago, IL (Hybrid 3days onsite, 2days WFH)
Duration: 6 months contract to hire
MOI: Skype

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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.
Responsibilities:
DB2 Installation & Configuration

• Install, configure, and maintain DB2 for z/OS subsystems
• Perform version upgrades, patching (PTFs/APARs), and system maintenance
• Manage subsystem configuration and initialization parameters
• Maintain core DB2 components:
  • ZPARMs (DSNZPARM)
  • Buffer pools
  • Logs and BSDS
  • Catalog and directory

Performance & Capacity Management

• Monitor and tune DB2 system-level performance (CPU, memory, I/O)
• Optimize:
  • Buffer pools
  • Locking and concurrency
  • Thread and connection performance
• Support capacity planning and performance analysis using DB2 and system tools

High Availability & Data Sharing

• Manage and support:
  • DB2 Data Sharing environments (Sysplex)
  • Coupling Facility integration
  • Workload balancing and failover
• Ensure DB2 availability and resilience through DR strategies

System Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Analyze and resolve:
  • Subsystem failures
  • Dumps, logs, and abends
  • Connectivity issues affecting DB2 operations
• Perform root cause analysis and implement preventive actions
• Support interaction with:
  • Batch (JCL)
  • CICS
  • IMS
  • MQ and distributed systems

Required Qualifications:

• 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)