Mainframe IMS System Programmer

Title: Mainframe IMS System 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 IMS System Programmer to support and manage IBM z/OS IMS environments. The role is responsible for ensuring the stability, availability, performance, and security of IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems in a mission-critical banking or financial services environment.
* This role requires employees to live in or around the Phoenix, AZ area. You will be responsible to be onsite 3 days a week. We will consider candidates who are willing to relocate to the area.

Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and maintain IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems on IBM z/OS
• Perform version upgrades, maintenance, and patching to ensure system currency and stability
• Manage and maintain IMS system definitions, including DBDs, PSBs, ACB libraries, and control regions
• Configure and tune buffer pools, parameters, and system resources to optimize performance
• Monitor IMS database and transaction performance, proactively identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks
• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues by analyzing logs, dumps, abends, and database errors
• Support IMS utilities, backup/recovery processes, and disaster recovery testing
• Ensure seamless integration with z/OS, DB2, MQ, CICS, TCP/IP, and Sysplex environments
• Implement and follow ITIL/ServiceNow change management processes for all system updates
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and system configurations

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience with IBM z/OS operating system
• Hands-on experience with IMS DB and IMS TM administration
• Deep knowledge of:
  • DBD/PSB/ACB management
  • IMS control regions and transaction processing
  • Buffer pool tuning and performance optimization
• Experience with IMS utilities, backup/recovery, and DR strategies
• Strong troubleshooting skills (dump analysis, log analysis, abend resolution)
• Experience integrating IMS with:
  • DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systems
• Familiarity with RACF security controls for IMS environments
• Experience with SMP/E, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF
• Understanding of Sysplex and high availability architectures

Preferred Experience:

• Exposure to IMS modernization or API enablement (z/OS Connect, REST integration)
• Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., OMEGAMON, MainView, RMF)
• Knowledge of automation tools (REXX, Ansible, z/OSMF workflows)
• Experience with DB control, TCPIP, ZOS Connect, Assembler routines.
• Skill and experience with IMS Routines & Exit Routines will be a big plus.