Mainframe System Specialist

Mainframe System Specialist Opportunity

• Z/OS Maintenance and Upgrades:
  • We seek an experienced professional to lead z/OS system maintenance and upgrades, ensuring seamless execution of tasks such as planning, preparation, customization, testing, and post-upgrade verification.
  • The ideal candidate will have a strong background in applying IBM PTFs (Program Temporary Fixes) and APARs (Authorized Program Analysis Reports) to maintain system integrity and resolve reported issues.
  • This role also involves performing regular IPLs (Initial Program Loads) and system restarts as required for maintenance and upgrades.
• ISV Product Management:
  • Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain a wide range of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) products, including those for security, performance monitoring, job scheduling, storage management, database management, and other utilities.
  • The successful candidate will have extensive experience with the installation and support of various ISV products from vendors such as Broadcom/CA, BMC, IBM, and Rocket Software.
  • This includes knowledge of specific product areas like RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret for security, Omegamon, RMF, SMF for performance monitoring, CA-7, TWS/OPC for scheduling, SMS, DASD management tools for storage management, DB2, IMS, VSAM for database management, and DFSORT, Syncsort for utilities.
• System Performance and Optimization:
  • Analyze system performance data to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements.
  • Tune various z/OS components, WLM (Workload Manager), and ISV products to optimize resource utilization and application performance.
• Automation and Scripting:
  • Develop and maintain REXX, JCL, and other scripts for system automation, monitoring, and administrative tasks.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:
  • Participate in the planning, testing, and execution of disaster recovery procedures for the mainframe environment.
  • Ensure high availability and recoverability of critical systems.
• Documentation and Best Practices:
  • Create and maintain comprehensive system documentation, including installation guides, configuration details, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
  • Adhere to ITIL best practices for change management, incident management, and problem management.
• Collaboration and Mentorship:
  • Work closely with application development teams, database administrators, operations staff, and other infrastructure teams.
  • Mentor junior systems programmers and share knowledge effectively.
• Security and Compliance:
  • Implement and enforce security best practices within the z/OS environment and for ISV products.
  • Ensure compliance with internal security policies and external regulations.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• 7-10 years of hands-on experience as a Mainframe Systems Programmer.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with z/OS operating system installation, configuration, and maintenance.
• Proven experience with major z/OS upgrades (e.g., from one version to another).
• Strong proficiency in JCL, TSO/ISPF, SMP/E, JES2/JES3.
• Extensive experience with the installation and support of various ISV products from vendors such as Broadcom/CA, BMC, IBM, and Rocket Software. Specific product experience in areas like:
  • Security: RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret
  • Performance Monitoring: Omegamon, RMF, SMF
  • Scheduling: CA-7, TWS/OPC
  • Storage Management: SMS, DASD management tools (e.g., CA-Disk, FDR/ABR)
  • Database: DB2, IMS, VSAM
  • Utilities: DFSORT, Syncsort
  • Solid understanding of mainframe networking (TCP/IP, VTAM).
• Experience with z/OS performance tuning and capacity planning.
• Proficiency in REXX or other scripting languages for automation.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commitment to quality and attention to detail.

Desired Skills and Experience (Plus Points):

• Experience with Parallel Sysplex environments.
• Knowledge of z/VM or Linux on Z.
• Experience with mainframe modernization initiatives or hybrid cloud environments.
• Certifications related to z/OS or specific mainframe technologies.