Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

Join a team where your expertise as a z/OS System Administrator makes a real impact In this critical role, youll help maintain and optimize a robust Mainframe environment, leveraging deep technical knowledge of z/OS systems. 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 years.

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.

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.