(AZ) Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

Kforce's client in Chandler, AZ is seeking a highly skilled Mainframe z/OS System Programmer to support and manage enterprise IBM z/OS environments. This role focuses on core system programming, platform stability, and performance optimization across mission-critical mainframe systems. The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on experience with z/OS internals and a strong understanding of system-level operations, along with exposure to modernization initiatives and evolving mainframe technologies. What You'll Do:

• Install, configure, and maintain z/OS operating system environments
• Perform system upgrades, patching (PTFs), and maintenance using SMP/E
• Support and manage Parallel Sysplex environments and related components
• Monitor and optimize system performance using tools such as RMF, SMF, or equivalent
• Perform capacity planning, system tuning, and resource management
• Support hardware and platform migrations, including LPAR configurations and system transitions
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex system-level issues, abends, and performance bottlenecks
• Collaborate with subsystem teams (DB2, IMS, CICS, MQ) to ensure system integration and stability
• Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and high availability initiatives
• Maintain system documentation, procedures, and configuration standards
• Participate in modernization initiatives, including automation, monitoring, and integration with newer technologies

Manage and support core system components including:

* JES2

• PARMLIB/PROCLIB configurations
• System initialization and IPL processes

What Makes This Role a Great Fit:

• You enjoy working at the core system and platform level
• You are highly hands-on with mainframe infrastructure and system internals
• You thrive in environments where stability, performance, and reliability are critical
• You are interested in evolving mainframe environments through automation and modernization
• 7+ years of experience working in IBM mainframe (z/OS) environments
• Experience working in Parallel Sysplex environments
• Experience with performance monitoring and tuning tools (RMF, SMF, etc.)
• Experience supporting high-availability, enterprise production environments

Strong hands-on experience with:

• z/OS system programming
• System installation, configuration, and maintenance
• SMP/E, PTFs, and system upgrades
• JES2 and system-level components

Strong understanding of:

• z/OS architecture and internals
• JCL and system utilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with hardware/platform migrations and system upgrades
• Exposure to automation and scripting (REXX, Python, Shell)
• Experience with monitoring and observability tools
• Familiarity with DB2, IMS, CICS, or MQ integration
• Experience working in large-scale, enterprise or financial services environments

Exposure to mainframe modernization efforts, such as:

• API enablement (e.g., z/OS Connect)
• DevOps or CI/CD pipeline integration
• Hybrid cloud environments