z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer

Z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer

NTT DATA is currently looking for a z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer remote for our growing team in the UK and rest of Europe.

We are seeking an experienced z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer to join our enterprise infrastructure team. This role is responsible for the installation, upgrade, maintenance, and support of the IBM z/OS operating system and a broad range of ISV products, primarily from IBM and Computer Associates (CA/Broadcom).

The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in z/OS Systems Programming, strong Parallel Sysplex administration skills, and extensive experience working within large-scale, mission-critical environments such as banking and financial services organizations. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who can work independently, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and contribute effectively from day one.

This position requires excellent communication skills, strong analytical thinking, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and participation in planned after-hours activities related to system upgrades, maintenance, and implementations.

In this role, you will:

• Install, configure, customize, upgrade, and maintain IBM z/OS operating systems.
• Manage and support IBM and CA/Broadcom system software products across enterprise environments.
• Plan and execute operating system upgrades and software maintenance activities using SMP/E.
• Administer and support large-scale Parallel Sysplex environments to ensure high availability and performance.
• Perform system performance monitoring, capacity planning, and resource optimization.
• Analyse and resolve complex system-level issues involving z/OS, middleware, and infrastructure components.
• Work closely with application support, infrastructure, security, and operations teams to ensure platform stability.
• Implement software maintenance, fixes, service packs, and vendor-recommended updates.
• Support disaster recovery, business continuity, and high-availability initiatives.
• Maintain system security controls and ensure compliance with organizational standards.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, procedures, and operational runbooks.
• Participate in root cause analysis and problem management activities.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior team members.
• Support production implementations and planned maintenance activities, including off-hours and weekend work when required.

Required qualifications:

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in z/OS Systems Programming.
• Deep knowledge of: z/OS Operating System, SMP/E, TSO/ISPF, UNIX System Services (USS), SDSF, JCL, RACF.
• Strong expertise in Parallel Sysplex implementation and support as well as Parallel Sysplex architecture and administration.
• Extensive experience installing, configuring, customizing, supporting and maintaining multiple IBM and CA/Broadcom mainframe products.
• Experience working in large enterprise environments, preferably within Banking or Financial Services.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to independently manage complex technical assignments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience supporting mission-critical production environments with stringent SLA requirements.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience with ACF2 Security Administration.
• Knowledge of GDPS (Geographically Dispersed Parallel Sysplex) environments.
• Working knowledge of: Assembler, REXX, OMEGAMON, RMF, SMF, SAS.
• Experience with automation and operational tooling in mainframe environments.
• Understanding of disaster recovery and high-availability architectures.
• Exposure to hybrid infrastructure environments and modernization initiatives.
• Industry certifications related to IBM Z Platforms or Mainframe Systems Programming are desirable.

Job expectations:

• Deliver stable, secure, and highly available mainframe infrastructure services.
• Participate in change management, release management, and implementation activities.
• Provide on-call and after-hours support for critical production changes and incident resolution.
• Ensure adherence to enterprise security, compliance, and operational standards.
• Collaborate with global teams and stakeholders across infrastructure, applications, and business units.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on system reliability, performance, and automation.
• Maintain thorough documentation of system configurations, procedures, and technical implementations.
• Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and a proactive approach to issue resolution.
• Act as a trusted technical expert for z/OS platform services and system software products.

Primary skillset:

• z/OS
• SMP/E
• TSO/ISPF
• USS (UNIX System Services)
• SDSF
• JCL
• RACF
• Parallel Sysplex
• Installation, customization, and support of IBM and CA/Broadcom products

Secondary skillset:

• ACF2
• GDPS
• RACF Administration
• Assembler
• REXX
• OMEGAMON
• RMF
• SMF
• SAS

Benefits:

Our people are the most critical component of our long-term success and their health and wellbeing are our priority. You will enjoy a comprehensive, locally competitive benefits package.