-zOS System Programming Pod SME

CTG is seeking to fill a -zOS System Programming Pod SME position for our client.

Location: Remote

Duration: 6 months

Duties:

• Provide technical leadership for enterprise z/OS system programming initiatives, ensuring platform stability, performance, and operational excellence.
• Own end-to-end administration of the z/OS environment, including MVS, JES2, Sysplex, LPARs, and platform infrastructure.
• Manage HCD/IODF configurations to support scalable, secure, and compliant mainframe environments.
• Lead z/OS upgrades, RSU maintenance, and software lifecycle management using SMP/E.
• Coordinate installation, maintenance, and upgrades of third-party ISV products.
• Perform performance analysis, capacity planning, and system optimization activities.
• Serve as the technical escalation point for critical Sev1/Sev2 incidents and lead root cause analysis (RCA) efforts.
• Develop and implement preventive actions to improve system reliability and reduce recurring issues.
• Lead disaster recovery planning, failover testing, and business continuity initiatives.
• Drive automation strategies that improve operational efficiency, reduce manual effort, and enhance system reliability.
• Partner with technical teams and business stakeholders to support modernization initiatives, platform improvements, and strategic planning.
• Participate in an 8x5 U.S. Prime Shift support schedule with on-call support for evenings and weekends as part of a 24x7 operational environment.

Skills:

• Expert knowledge of z/OS System Programming.
• Advanced expertise with MVS, JES2, Sysplex, and LPAR administration.
• Strong experience managing HCD/IODF configurations.
• Extensive hands-on experience with SMP/E software installation, maintenance, and patch management.
• Deep understanding of z/OS upgrades, RSU maintenance planning, and platform lifecycle management.
• Experience administering and maintaining mainframe middleware, storage environments, and infrastructure components.
• Strong troubleshooting, incident management, and root cause analysis skills.
• Experience with disaster recovery planning, testing, and implementation.
• Knowledge of automation frameworks and scripting used to improve mainframe operations.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership abilities.
• ITIL certification is preferred.
• Banking or insurance industry experience is a plus.

Experience:

• 15+ years of overall IT experience with at least 12 years focused on z/OS system programming.
• Proven experience administering large-scale enterprise mainframe environments.
• Strong background in systems programming, middleware (including CICS), storage administration, and z/OS platform management.
• Demonstrated success leading platform modernization, infrastructure improvements, and operational transformation initiatives.
• Experience supporting mission-critical environments requiring high availability and continuous operations.
• Experience working within global delivery or multi-client enterprise environments is preferred.
• Candidates should have a strong infrastructure and platform administration background. Application development-focused experience (such as COBOL, PL/I, DB2 application programming, CICS application development, Java on z/OS, or similar development roles) is not aligned with this position.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered.

Excellent verbal and written English communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group are required.

CTG does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee based recruitment services for this role.

To Apply:

To be considered, please apply directly to this requisition using the link provided. Kindly forward this to any other interested parties. Thank you!

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $64-$68/hr. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, market factors, and where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. In addition to salary, a competitive benefit package is also offered.