Mainframe Systems Programmer

Automation System ProgrammerThe Automation System Programmer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automation solutions that reduce manual effort, improve reliability, and enhance operational efficiency across mainframe platforms (z/OS, DB2, IMS, CICS, MQ, JES2/3). This role focuses on developing scripts, tools, and frameworks to automate routine tasks, system commands, monitoring, and recovery processes, ensuring compliance with audit and security standards.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.Success Metrics:Automation Coverage: % of manual tasks automated (target: 30–50% reduction in toil).Incident Reduction: Fewer repetitive incidents due to proactive automation.Change Compliance: 100% artifact capture for automated changes.Efficiency Gains: Measurable reduction in batch window and operator interventions.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.Collaboration & Documentation:Work closely with System Programmers, Operations, and Application teams to identify automation opportunities.Document all automation solutions with runbooks, rollback plans, and audit evidence.Provide training and knowledge transfer to operations teams.