Mainframe ZOS System Programmer
Job Summary
The Mainframe z/OS System Programmer is responsible for the installation, customization, maintenance, and optimization of IBM z/OS operating systems and associated system software. This role ensures the stability, performance, security, and availability of mission-critical mainframe environments for large-scale enterprise applications. The position requires being onsite in Phoenix, AZ, 3 days a week.
Responsibilities
- Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/OS operating systems.
- Monitor system health, performance, and capacity.
- Troubleshoot system-related issues and outages.
- Develop automation for system tasks and job scheduling.
- Ensure security compliance and manage system changes.
Required Skills
- 5+ years z/OS system programming
- JES2/JES3, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, USS, SMP/E expertise
- Large-scale environment management (Parallel Sysplex)
- Automation tools (SA z/OS, NetView, REXX)
- System security and performance tuning
Job Details
Responsibilities:
System Administration & Maintenance:
- Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/OS operating systems.
- Perform system upgrades, migrations (e.g., z/OS version upgrades), and apply maintenance (PTFs, APARs, RSUs).
- Manage IPL processes, system initialization, and configuration (PARMLIB, PROCLIB, SYS1 datasets).
- Monitor system health and performance using tools such as RMF, SMF, SDSF.
Subsystem Support:
- Install, configure, and support key subsystems: JES2/JES3, TSO/E, ISPF, USS (Unix System Services), RACF (in coordination with security teams).
- Work closely with DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and Storage teams for integration and support.
Performance & Capacity Management:
- Analyze system performance metrics and implement tuning improvements.
- Support capacity planning and resource optimization (CPU, memory, I/O).
- Evaluate hardware upgrades (e.g., CPU/MIPS growth, z-series enhancements).
Problem Management & Troubleshooting:
- Diagnose and resolve system-related issues, including system abends and failures.
- Perform root cause analysis for outages and major incidents.
- Work with IBM and vendors on problem determination and fixes.
Automation & Scheduling:
- Develop and maintain automation using tools such as System REXX, CLIST, SA z/OS, NetView.
- Support job scheduling tools (e.g., CA7, Control-M where applicable).
Security & Compliance:
- Support system-level security configurations aligned with RACF policies.
- Ensure compliance with audit, regulatory, and enterprise security standards.
- Assist in vulnerability remediation and patching activities.
Change & Release Management:
- Execute changes through ITIL-based processes (ServiceNow or equivalent).
- Prepare implementation plans, backout procedures, and validation steps.
- Support weekend maintenance windows and IPL activities.
Documentation:
- Create and maintain technical documentation, including system configurations, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Disaster Recovery plans.
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in mainframe system programming (z/OS).
- Strong hands-on knowledge of z/OS, JES2/JES3, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, USS/OMVS, SMP/E.
- Experience with large-scale environments (multi-LPAR, Parallel Sysplex).
- Knowledge of vendor products (Broadcom, IBM, BMC).
- IBM certifications (preferred but not mandatory).
Preferred Experience:
- Exposure to mainframe modernization initiatives (APIs, hybrid cloud integration).
- Experience with z/OSMF and modern interfaces.
- Knowledge of DevOps practices on mainframe (CI/CD pipelines).
- Exposure to Zowe and APIs on z/OS.