(AZ) Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

Kforce Inc.

Chandler, AZ

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$55–$65
SKILLS
Application Programming Interface (API), Automation, Capacity Management, Continuous Deployment/Delivery, Continuous Integration, DevOps, Disaster Recovery, Documentation, Financial Services, Hardware Administration, High Availability, Hybrid Cloud, IBM CICS (Customer Information Control System), IBM DB2, IBM IMS Database, IBM Job Entry Subsystem, IBM Mainframe, IBM Rexx Programming Language, IBM Sysplex, IBM z-OS Operating System, Identify Issues, JCL (Job Control Language), Legal, Mainframe Computer, Mainframe Operating System, Messaging Middleware, Operating Systems, Performance Analysis, Performance Tuning/Optimization, Production Systems, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Resource Management, Scripting (Scripting Languages), Short Messaging Service (SMS), Software Patches, Symmetric MultiProcessing (SMP) Computing, System Integration (SI), System Operations, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Maintenance, Systems/Internals Programming, Unix Shell Programming
LOCATION
Chandler, AZ
POSTED
19 days ago
Kforce's client in Chandler, AZ is seeking a highly skilled Mainframe z/OS System Programmer to support and manage enterprise IBM z/OS environments. This role focuses on core system programming, platform stability, and performance optimization across mission-critical mainframe systems. The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on experience with z/OS internals and a strong understanding of system-level operations, along with exposure to modernization initiatives and evolving mainframe technologies. What You'll Do:
  • Install, configure, and maintain z/OS operating system environments
  • Perform system upgrades, patching (PTFs), and maintenance using SMP/E
  • Support and manage Parallel Sysplex environments and related components
  • Monitor and optimize system performance using tools such as RMF, SMF, or equivalent
  • Perform capacity planning, system tuning, and resource management
  • Support hardware and platform migrations, including LPAR configurations and system transitions
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex system-level issues, abends, and performance bottlenecks
  • Collaborate with subsystem teams (DB2, IMS, CICS, MQ) to ensure system integration and stability
  • Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and high availability initiatives
  • Maintain system documentation, procedures, and configuration standards
  • Participate in modernization initiatives, including automation, monitoring, and integration with newer technologies
Manage and support core system components including:
  • JES2
  • PARMLIB/PROCLIB configurations
  • System initialization and IPL processes
What Makes This Role a Great Fit:
  • You enjoy working at the core system and platform level
  • You are highly hands-on with mainframe infrastructure and system internals
  • You thrive in environments where stability, performance, and reliability are critical
  • You are interested in evolving mainframe environments through automation and modernization

Requirements:

  • 7+ years of experience working in IBM mainframe (z/OS) environments
  • Experience working in Parallel Sysplex environments
  • Experience with performance monitoring and tuning tools (RMF, SMF, etc.)
  • Experience supporting high-availability, enterprise production environments
Strong hands-on experience with:
  • z/OS system programming
  • System installation, configuration, and maintenance
  • SMP/E, PTFs, and system upgrades
  • JES2 and system-level components
Strong understanding of:
  • z/OS architecture and internals
  • JCL and system utilities
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with hardware/platform migrations and system upgrades
  • Exposure to automation and scripting (REXX, Python, Shell)
  • Experience with monitoring and observability tools
  • Familiarity with DB2, IMS, CICS, or MQ integration
  • Experience working in large-scale, enterprise or financial services environments
Exposure to mainframe modernization efforts, such as:
  • API enablement (e.g., z/OS Connect)
  • DevOps or CI/CD pipeline integration
  • Hybrid cloud environments

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

By clicking “Apply Today” you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.


About the Company

K

Kforce Inc.

Kforce is a solutions firm specializing in technology, finance and accounting, and professional staffing services. Our KNOWLEDGEforce® empowers top companies to achieve their digital transformation goals. We curate teams of technical experts who deliver solutions custom-tailored to each client’s needs. These scalable, flexible outcomes are shaped by deep market knowledge, thought leadership and our multi-industry expertise.

 

Our integrated approach is rooted in 60 years of proven success deploying highly skilled professionals on a temporary and direct-hire basis. Each year, approximately 18,000 talented experts work with the Fortune 500 and other leading companies. Together, we deliver Great Results Through Strategic Partnership and Knowledge Sharing®.

COMPANY SIZE
1,000 to 1,499 employees
INDUSTRY
Financial Services
FOUNDED
1962
WEBSITE
http://www.kforce.com/