Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

Join our team where your expertise as a Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer makes a real impact Comprehensive responsibility breakdown, skills matrix, and soft skills for a Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer specializing in hardware refresh, product upgrades, and software lifecycle management using advanced tools like SMP/E, z/OSMF, Broadcom, IBM, and BMC utilities. With hands-on experience in hardware refresh projects and a passion for delivering service excellence, you'll be at the forefront of keeping systems running smoothly and efficiently. Years of experience required: +15 yrs. Responsibilities: Operating System Knowledge: Deep mastery of z/OS architecture, including IPL procedures, JES2/JES3 configurations, Sysplex management, SMF data collection, and parmlib customization. Programming Skills: Proficient in writing and debugging system-level routines and automation: Assembler for exits and control blocks. REXX for scripting and batch utilities. JCL for job submission, parameterization, and workflow control. System Administration: Managing hardware and logical resources across LPARs: DASD and tape allocation via HCD/HCM. LPAR configuration in HMC. Security administration using RACF or equivalent. Problem-Solving Skills: Analytical troubleshooting of abends, storage hangs, and performance anomalies using: Dump analysis with IPCS. SLIP and trace tools. System logs and console messages. Backup and Recovery: Ensuring data integrity and swift recovery with: DFSMShsm policies and recall management. FDR/ABR for high-speed backups. FlashCopy or virtual tape replication for near-instant restores. Performance Monitoring: Optimizing system throughput and response times utilizing: RMF and SMF report analysis. OMEGAMON or BMC MainView dashboards. WLM classification and tuning. Networking Knowledge: Configuring and supporting mainframe connectivity: VTAM and SNA definitions. TCP/IP stack on z/OS. OSA adapter and Coupling Facility communication. Documentation and Communication: Producing clear system diagrams, runbooks, and upgrade plans while collaborating with application teams, storage, networking, and security groups. Continuous Learning: Staying current on IBM Redbooks, z/OS release notes, firmware updates, and attending vendor training (IBM, Broadcom, BMC) or industry conferences. Software Maintenance & Upgrade Tools: Executing OS and product upgrades with industry-standard utilities: SMP/E for PTF, APAR, and deliverable management. z/OSMF workflows for streamlined maintenance. Broadcom (e.g., Topaz), IBM, and BMC tooling for fix management and compliance reporting. Project Management & Hardware Refresh: Planning and leading hardware refreshes, feature activations, and migrations with minimal downtime, including IPL scheduling, vendor coordination, and change-control governance. Skills Matrix: Focus: Hardware Refresh, Product Upgrades, SMP/E, z/OSMF, Broadcom, IBM & BMC Tooling. Soft Skills: Communication & Collaboration: Clear documentation of system changes, configurations, and procedures. Cross-functional teamwork with developers, DBAs, and network engineers. Stakeholder engagement to explain technical issues in business terms. Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving: Root cause analysis for system outages and performance issues. Pattern recognition across logs, dumps, and metrics. Decision-making under pressure, especially during incident response. Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Staying current with z/OS updates, SMP/E practices, and IBM tools. Embracing modernization trends like Zowe, z/OSMF, and hybrid cloud integration. Learning new scripting languages (REXX, CLIST) and automation tools. Patience & Resilience: Handling legacy systems with limited documentation. Managing long upgrade cycles and complex migrations. Remaining calm during critical system failures or audits. Attention to Detail: Precision in JCL scripting, IPL procedures, and system configurations. Vigilance in security settings, RACF profiles, and access controls. Thoroughness in change management and rollback planning. Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Training junior staff on mainframe fundamentals. Creating internal guides and cheat sheets for recurring tasks. Participating in user groups like IBM SHARE or local meetups. Benefits: Health Insurance, Accident Insurance. The salary will be determined based on several factors, including, but not limited to, location, relevant education, qualifications, experience, technical skills, and business needs. Additional Responsibilities: Participate in OP monthly team meetings and participate in team-building efforts. Contribute to OP technical discussions, peer reviews, etc. Contribute content and collaborate via the OP-Wiki/Knowledge Base. Provide status reports to OP Account Management as requested. About us: OP is a technology consulting and solutions company, offering advisory and managed services, innovative platforms, and staffing solutions across a wide range of fields - including AI, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, and beyond. Our most valuable asset is our people: dynamic, creative thinkers who are passionate about doing quality work. As a member of the OP team, you will have access to industry-leading consulting practices, strategies & and technologies, innovative training & education. An ideal OP team member is a technology leader with a proven track record of technical excellence and a strong focus on process and methodology.