Systems Programmer III DB2 / Mainframe

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the installation, maintenance, optimization, and support of IBM DB2 for z/OS on the Mainframe platform. The role supports critical business applications and enterprise database environments, including DB2 subsystem administration, performance tuning, upgrades, migrations, disaster recovery, incident resolution, and data movement across environments.

The position provides 24x7 production support through an on-call rotation and works closely with Database Administrators (DBAs) and application teams to ensure system stability, performance, reliability, and resource efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% Research and analyze systems software problems, implement workable solutions, or escalate issues as appropriate.
• 40% Install, test, maintain, and optimize systems software, including:
  • Installing updates, upgrades, and patches.
  • Testing system programs and monitoring results.
  • Identifying errors, failures, or work stoppages.
  • Modifying code/configurations to correct issues.
• 10% Assist with internal and external audits across multiple lines of business and platforms.
• 5% Participate in the planning and execution of disaster recovery procedures.
• 5% Cross-train in all areas of systems programming to effectively participate in the on-call rotation.
• Provide technical and disaster recovery support for systems software.
• Support DB2 subsystem administration, performance tuning, upgrades, migrations, incident resolution, and data movement across environments.
• Maintain the stability, availability, and efficiency of mission-critical systems.

Required Technologies

• IBM DB2 for z/OS
• z/OS / IBM Mainframe
• SYSVIEW
• Broadcom products
• Other IBM Mainframe-related technologies
• Database management and data storage technologies
• Systems programming and programming productivity tools

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical and logical thinking skills.
• Understanding of advanced data storage techniques.
• Understanding of database fundamentals and database management.
• Understanding of advanced programming techniques.
• Understanding of production system maintenance and the impact of system changes.
• Solid understanding of programming productivity tools and their use.
• Solid understanding of quality assurance and systems software implementation strategies.
• Ability to learn and work with programming languages and tools used by the department.
• Ability to analyze software specifications for completeness and compatibility with operating systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot systems software issues and implement effective solutions.
• Understanding of systems software installation, testing, maintenance, upgrades, and patches.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and optimize IBM DB2 for z/OS on the Mainframe.
• Perform DB2 subsystem administration.
• Conduct DB2 performance tuning and optimization.
• Support system upgrades and migrations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production incidents.
• Support data movement across environments.
• Participate in disaster recovery activities.
• Monitor and maintain mission-critical database environments.
• Work with DBAs and application teams on database/system requirements.
• Provide production support as part of a 24x7 on-call rotation.

Team

The Database Systems Programmers (DBS) team consists of 4 team members and is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and optimization of IBM DB2 for z/OS on the Mainframe platform.

The DBA team consists of 9 team members and works closely with application teams to ensure database configurations meet business and customer requirements.

The DBS and DBA teams work together to improve system performance, reliability, resource efficiency, product stability, and service quality.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or another job-related field, OR:

• 4 years of job-related work experience, OR
• 2 years of job-related experience plus an Associate's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or another job-related field.

Required Experience

• 4+ years of IT experience, including varied programming experience.
• Experience working with Mainframe systems and technologies.
• Experience supporting production systems.
• Experience with database/system software administration, troubleshooting, maintenance, or related systems programming activities.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, multi-platform environment.
• May require action and response 24x7 to support technical business needs.
• Participation in an on-call rotation is required.

Work Arrangement

• Hybrid onsite 3 days per week
• Tuesday Thursday onsite
• Remote candidates may be considered if no suitable local candidates are available.

Work Hours

• 40 hours per week.
• Flexible schedule as long as hours fall within 7:00 AM 7:00 PM EST.
• Some overtime may be required.

Interview

• In-person interview preferred for local candidates.
• Teams interview may be used for non-local candidates.