Job Title: Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Duration: 6 Months Contract (NO BENEFITS)
Location: Phoenix, AZ / Plano, TX / Charlotte, NC / Richmond, VA / Jacksonville, FL / Pennington, NJ / Chicago, IL
Work Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite, 2 Days Work From Home

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe z/OS System Programmer to install, customize, maintain, and optimize IBM z/OS operating systems and associated system software. The ideal candidate will ensure the stability, performance, security, and availability of mission-critical mainframe environments supporting large-scale enterprise applications.

Key Responsibilities

1. System Administration and Maintenance

• Install, configure, customize, and maintain IBM z/OS operating systems.
• Perform system upgrades, migrations, and maintenance activities, including PTFs, APARs, and RSUs.
• Manage Initial Program Load (IPL) processes, system initialization, and configurations involving PARMLIB, PROCLIB, and SYS1 datasets.
• Monitor system health and performance using tools such as RMF, SMF, and SDSF.

2. Subsystem Support and Integration

• Install, configure, and support key mainframe subsystems, including:
  • JES2/JES3
  • TSO/E and ISPF
  • UNIX System Services (USS)
  • RACF, in coordination with security teams
• Collaborate with DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and storage teams to support subsystem integration and resolve technical issues.

3. Performance and Capacity Management

• Analyze system performance metrics and implement tuning improvements.
• Support capacity planning and resource optimization across CPU, memory, and I/O.
• Evaluate hardware capacity requirements and upgrades, including CPU/MIPS growth and IBM Z platform enhancements.
• Identify opportunities to improve system efficiency, availability, and performance.

4. Problem Management and Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and resolve system-related issues, including system abends, failures, and performance degradation.
• Perform root cause analysis for outages and major incidents.
• Coordinate with IBM and other software vendors to investigate technical issues and implement fixes.
• Support problem management activities to minimize recurring incidents and service disruptions.

5. Automation and Job Scheduling

• Develop and maintain automation solutions using System REXX and CLIST.
• Support automation tools such as System Automation for z/OS (SA z/OS) and NetView.
• Work with job scheduling tools such as CA-7 and Control-M, where applicable.
• Identify opportunities to automate routine system administration and maintenance activities.

6. Security and Compliance

• Support system-level security configurations aligned with RACF policies.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise security standards, regulatory requirements, and audit controls.
• Assist with vulnerability remediation, system patching, and security maintenance.
• Collaborate with security teams to maintain a secure and compliant mainframe environment.

7. Change and Release Management

• Execute system changes according to ITIL-based change management processes using ServiceNow or equivalent tools.
• Prepare implementation plans, backout procedures, and post-implementation validation steps.
• Participate in scheduled maintenance windows, including weekend maintenance and IPL activities.
• Ensure changes are properly documented, tested, and implemented with minimal operational disruption.

8. Documentation and Disaster Recovery

• Create and maintain technical documentation covering system configurations and operational procedures.
• Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain disaster recovery documentation and support recovery planning and testing.
• Ensure system maintenance activities and configuration changes are accurately documented.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mainframe system programming with IBM z/OS.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of z/OS, JES2/JES3, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, USS/OMVS, and SMP/E.
• Experience supporting large-scale mainframe environments, including multiple LPARs and Parallel Sysplex.
• Knowledge of mainframe software and vendor products from IBM, Broadcom, and BMC.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem determination, and root cause analysis skills.
• Understanding of system maintenance, performance tuning, capacity planning, and security administration.
• Ability to support production environments and participate in scheduled maintenance activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• IBM mainframe certifications are preferred but not mandatory.
• Exposure to mainframe modernization initiatives, including APIs and hybrid cloud integration.
• Experience with z/OS Management Facility (z/OSMF) and modern mainframe interfaces.
• Knowledge of mainframe DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Familiarity with Zowe and API-based integration on z/OS.