Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Mainframe DB2 Systems ProgrammerDuration: 6 months contract to hire Work Location: Phoenix, AZ, Plano, TX, Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Pennington, NJ and Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 3days onsite, 2days WFH)The RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe DB2 Systems Administrator to manage and support DB2 for z/OS subsystems in a mission-critical enterprise environment. This role is responsible for installation, configuration, performance tuning, and overall health of DB2 subsystems, ensuring high availability, security, and optimal performance.ResponsibilitiesInstall, configure, and maintain DB2 for z/OS subsystemsPerform version upgrades, patching (PTFs/APARs), and system maintenanceManage subsystem configuration and initialization parametersMaintain core DB2 components: ZPARMs (DSNZPARM)Buffer poolsLogs and BSDSCatalog and directoryMonitor and tune DB2 system-level performance (CPU, memory, I/O)Optimize: Buffer poolsLocking and concurrencyThread and connection performanceSupport capacity planning and performance analysis using DB2 and system toolsManage and support: DB2 Data Sharing environments (Sysplex)Coupling Facility integrationWorkload balancing and failoverEnsure DB2 availability and resilience through DR strategiesAnalyze and resolve: Subsystem failuresDumps, logs, and abendsConnectivity issues affecting DB2 operationsPerform root cause analysis and implement preventive actionsSupport interaction with: Batch (JCL)CICSIMSMQ and distributed systemsRequired Qualifications7–12+ years of mainframe experience3–5+ years in DB2 Systems Programming / AdministrationExperience with IBM DB2 for z/OS and Replication products (Qrep, SQLrep and CDC) - software installation, version upgrades and maintenance, certification testing, documentation of operational procedures, disaster recovery testingDeep knowledge of: ZPARMs and subsystem configurationBuffer pools, logs, BSDS, catalog/directoryStrong troubleshooting skills for: System-level DB2 issuesPerformance and connectivity problemsProficiency in: JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSFSMP/E (preferred)Preferred QualificationsFamiliarity with: DB2 utilities and performance toolsMonitoring tools (OMEGAMON, MainView)Knowledge of: DevOps tools for mainframe (Endevor, ISPW, etc.)Exposure to: Cloud integration or hybrid architecturesExperience with: Large-scale DB2 upgrades or migrationsPerformance optimization initiativesKnowledge of: Modernization tools (z/OS Connect, APIs)Experience with software support for BMC for DB2 Tools, IBM z/OS Connect, Software AG ADABAS and Natural productsProgramming experience with REXXWorking knowledge of SQL, JIRA, SMP/E, RACF, TCP/IP, Network certificates, SplunkWorking knowledge of other Mainframe Subsystems (CICS, IMS, MQ)