DB2 Systems Programmer

DB2 Systems Programmer

Location: Salisbury, NC/Boston, MA/Frisco, TX

Note: Please submit senior profiles with minimum experience of 15+ years.

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer to join our core infrastructure team. This critical role involves the installation, maintenance, and upgrade of IBM DB2 for z/OS subsystems, ensuring their optimal performance, availability, and stability. The successful candidate will work closely with DB2 DBAs, z/OS Systems Programmers, application development teams, and operations staff to provide expert-level support for our enterprise-wide DB2 environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• DB2 Subsystem Management:
• Plan, prepare, and execute DB2 for z/OS subsystem installations, upgrades, and migrations (e.g., from DB2 12 to DB2 13, or between Function Levels).
• Apply IBM DB2 maintenance (PTFs, APARs, SPEs) regularly using SMP/E to ensure system integrity, resolve issues, and enhance functionality.
• Configure and maintain DB2 PARMLIB, DSNZPARM, and other critical DB2 initialization parameters.
• Perform DB2 subsystem restarts (IPLs, Quiesce/Start) as required for maintenance and configuration changes.
• DB2 Tool and Utility Support:
• Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain IBM DB2 utilities (e.g., REORG, RUNSTATS, COPY, LOAD, UNLOAD).
• Install and support various Independent Software Vendor (ISV) tools for DB2 (e.g., BMC DB2 tools, Broadcom/CA DB2 tools, IBM DB2 Admin Tool, IBM Data Studio, etc.) used for performance monitoring, backup/recovery, administration, and development.
• Troubleshoot issues related to DB2 utilities and ISV tools.
• Performance Monitoring and Tuning:
• Monitor DB2 subsystem health, performance, and resource utilization using tools like Omegamon for DB2, DB2 PM, SMF, RMF, and other performance monitors.
• Analyze performance data to identify bottlenecks within DB2 and recommend tuning improvements at the subsystem, buffer pool, and thread level.
• Assist DBAs and application teams in optimizing SQL queries and application performance.
• Problem Diagnosis and Resolution:
• Provide expert-level support for DB2 incidents, including problem determination, diagnosis (e.g., analyzing dumps, logs, traces), and resolution in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with IBM support and ISV vendors to resolve complex issues.
• Participate in on-call rotation for 24/7 support of critical DB2 environments.
• Collaboration and Coordination:
• Work closely with DB2 DBAs to understand their requirements, provide technical guidance, and ensure the smooth operation of database environments.
• Collaborate with z/OS Systems Programmers on shared resources, system-level issues, and overall mainframe health.
• Liaise with application development teams for DB2-related changes, new application deployments, and problem resolution.
• Coordinate with mainframe operations for scheduled maintenance and incident response.
• Automation and Scripting:
• Develop and maintain JCL, REXX, CLISTs, and other scripts for DB2 administration, monitoring, and automation tasks.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:
• Assist in the planning, testing, and execution of disaster recovery procedures for DB2 subsystems.
• Ensure the high availability and recoverability of critical DB2 environments.
• Documentation and Best Practices:
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for DB2 installations, configurations, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Adhere to ITIL best practices for change management, incident management, and problem management within the DB2 domain.
• Security and Compliance:
• Implement and enforce security best practices within DB2, working with security administrators (RACF/ACF2/Top Secret) to define and manage DB2 security profiles.
• Ensure compliance with internal security policies and external regulatory requirements for DB2 data.

Required Skills and Experience:

• 5-8 years of hands-on experience as a Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with IBM DB2 for z/OS installation, configuration, maintenance, and migration (preferably including recent versions like DB2 12 or 13).
• Strong proficiency in JCL, TSO/ISPF, and SMP/E.
• Extensive experience with IBM DB2 utilities (COPY, RECOVER, REORG, RUNSTATS, LOAD, UNLOAD).
• Proven experience with installation and support of leading DB2 ISV tools (e.g., BMC DB2 tools, Broadcom/CA DB2 tools, IBM DB2 Admin Tool, Omegamon for DB2).
• Solid understanding of DB2 architecture, data sharing, buffer pool management, and logging.
• Experience with DB2 performance monitoring, tuning, and problem diagnosis (e.g., reading traces, interpreting DSNZPARM settings).
• Ability to read and interpret DB2 dumps for problem determination.
• Proficiency in REXX, CLISTs, or other scripting languages for automation.
• Familiarity with z/OS operating system fundamentals, including JES2/JES3, SMS, VSAM.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with various teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Desired Skills and Experience (Plus Points):

• Experience with Parallel Sysplex and DB2 Data Sharing environments.
• Knowledge of IBM MQ for z/OS, IMS, or CICS connectivity with DB2.
• Experience with DB2 DDF (Distributed Data Facility) and remote connectivity.
• Certifications related to DB2 for z/OS.