Mainframe IMS Application DBA

Job Title: Mainframe IMS Application DBA

Location: Pennington, NJ; hybrid working model

Duration: 6+ months (with a possibility of hire)

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe IMS Application DBA (IMS DBA Analyst) to manage and support IMS database environments in a high-availability enterprise setting. This role is responsible for database design support, performance optimization, data integrity, and backup/recovery operations for mission-critical applications running on IBM z/OS.

* This role requires employees to live in or around the Pennington, NJ area. You will be responsible to be onsite 3 days a week. We will consider candidates who are willing to relocate to the area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and maintain IMS database environments (IMS DB)
• Support and manage different IMS database types:
• Full Function DB
• Fast Path DB
• HALDB (High Availability Large Databases)
• Perform database administration activities:
• Database definition, allocation, and dataset management
• REORGs and space management to maintain performance
• Manage IMS control structures:
• DBD, PSB, ACB libraries, and IMS Catalog
• Execute and support IMS utilities:
• Load / Unload
• Reorganization
• Image Copy
• Recovery utilities (e.g., DFSURGL0, DFSUICP0)
• Monitor database performance and resolve issues:
• Access path inefficiencies
• Space constraints
• Application-related data issues
• Abends and data inconsistencies
• Collaborate with:
• Application development teams (DL/I access, database design)
• IMS System Programmers (performance and tuning)
• Operations teams (batch and online processing)
• Participates in design, development and implementation of complex Databases or maintenance and support of the infrastructure supporting IMS databases, often using new technologies and emerging methodologies.
• Manages multiple, moderately complex projects and may direct activities of a team related to special initiatives or operations. Routine accountability is for technical knowledge and capabilities as a team member or as an individual contributor.
• Design technical solution to match business application requirements
• Create process flow charts and related procedural documentation.
• Perform database recovery of all types (Image Copy recovery, PIT recovery).
• Provide independent application development support
• Experience with Performance and Tunning

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Minimum 7 years of DBA experience supporting IMS databases in a z/OS environment using Sysplexed Data Sharing. Must have knowledge of Full Function, Fast Path and HALDB databases using Secondary Indexing, Logical Relationships, Sparsing Routines (Assembler), Replication, Compression, Encryption.  Database performance and tuning, Database monitoring and troubleshooting, Physical database design and build, Backup and recovery
• Strong experience with IBM z/OS environment
• Hands-on experience as IMS Application DBA (IMS DB)
• Experience with IMS utilities and DB maintenance activities
• Experience troubleshooting:
• Database abends (Uxxx, S0Cxx)
• Data corruption or integrity issues
• Familiarity with:
• JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, REXX
• Batch and online IMS environments (IMS DB/DC)
• IMS Database Administration Utilities, BMC utility and monitoring tools or equivalent. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience integrating IMS with:
• DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systems
• Experience with performance tools (e.g., OMEGAMON, MainView)
• Exposure to IMS modernization (APIs, z/OS Connect)
• Knowledge of scripting/automation (REXX)
• Experience in large-scale IMS database migrations or consolidation
• Exposure to data replication or data integration solutions
• Experience in regulatory/compliance-driven environments (SOX, PCI, etc.)
• Management procedures and/or tools (ISPW, Service Now). Experience with VISIO a plus