Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

VDart, Inc. Logo
VDart, Inc.
Frisco, TX, United States
  • Environmental
  • FullTime
  • Applications have closed

Role :- Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Location :- Salisbury, NC/Boston, MA/Frisco, TX

Job Description:

++Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer++ : 7-10 years of hands-on experience as a Mainframe Systems Programmer.

  • Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmerto join our dynamic IT team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and upgrade of the z/OS operating system, as well as various Independent Software Vendor (ISV) products. This role requires deep technical expertise in mainframe technologies, a strong understanding of system performance tuning, problem diagnosis, and a commitment to ensuring the stability, security, and efficiency of our critical mainframe infrastructure.

  • Key Responsibilities:

  • z/OS Upgrades and Maintenance:

  • Plan, prepare, and execute z/OS operating system upgrades (e.g., from z/OS 2.x to z/OS 3.x), including pre-installation checks, customization, testing, and post-upgrade verification.

  • Apply IBM PTFs (Program Temporary Fixes) and APARs (Authorized Program Analysis Reports) to maintain system integrity and resolve reported issues.

  • Perform regular IPLs (Initial Program Loads) and system restarts as required for maintenance and upgrades.

  • Monitor z/OS system health, performance, and resource utilization using tools like RMF, SMF, Omegamon, etc.

  • ISV Product Management:

  • Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain a wide range of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) products (e.g., Broadcom/CA, BMC, IBM, Rocket Software, etc.). This includes products for security (ACF2, Top Secret, RACF), performance monitoring, job scheduling (CA-7, TWS), storage management (SMS, CA-Disk, FDR/ABR), database (DB2, IMS, VSAM), and other utilities.

  • Collaborate with vendors for problem resolution, licensing, and technical support.

  • Ensure compatibility and integration of ISV products with the z/OS environment.

  • System Maintenance and Support:

  • Perform system IPLs, reconfigurations, and PARMLIB updates.

  • Manage and maintain critical system datasets (e.g., SYSRES, Page datasets, SMF datasets).

  • Provide expert-level support for mainframe incidents, including problem determination, diagnosis, and resolution in a timely manner.

  • Participate in on-call rotation for 24/7 support of critical systems.

  • Performance Tuning and Optimization:

  • Analyze system performance data to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements.

  • Tune various z/OS components, WLM (Workload Manager), and ISV products to optimize resource utilization and application performance.

  • Automation and Scripting:

  • Develop and maintain REXX, JCL, and other scripts for system automation, monitoring, and administrative tasks.

  • Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:

  • Participate in the planning, testing, and execution of disaster recovery procedures for the mainframe environment.

  • Ensure high availability and recoverability of critical systems.

  • Documentation and Best Practices:

  • Create and maintain comprehensive system documentation, including installation guides, configuration details, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guides.

  • Adhere to ITIL best practices for change management, incident management, and problem management.

  • Collaboration and Mentorship:

  • Work closely with application development teams, database administrators, operations staff, and other infrastructure teams.

  • Mentor junior systems programmers and share knowledge effectively.

  • Security and Compliance:

  • Implement and enforce security best practices within the z/OS environment and for ISV products.

  • Ensure compliance with internal security policies and external regulations.

  • Required Skills and Experience:

  • 7-10 years of hands-on experience as a Mainframe Systems Programmer.

  • In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with z/OS operating system installation, configuration, and maintenance.

  • Proven experience with major z/OS upgrades (e.g., from one version to another).

  • Strong proficiency in JCL, TSO/ISPF, SMP/E, JES2/JES3.

  • Extensive experience with the installation and support of various ISV products from vendors such as Broadcom/CA, BMC, IBM, and Rocket Software. Specific product experience in areas like:

  • Security: RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret

  • Performance Monitoring: Omegamon, RMF, SMF

  • Scheduling: CA-7, TWS/OPC

  • Storage Management: SMS, DASD management tools (e.g., CA-Disk, FDR/ABR)

  • Database: DB2, IMS, VSAM

  • Utilities: DFSORT, Syncsort

  • Solid understanding of mainframe networking (TCP/IP, VTAM).

  • Experience with z/OS performance tuning and capacity planning.

  • Proficiency in REXX or other scripting languages for automation.

  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.

  • Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong commitment to quality and attention to detail.

  • Desired Skills and Experience (Plus Points):

  • Experience with Parallel Sysplex environments.

  • Knowledge of z/VM or Linux on Z.

  • Experience with mainframe modernization initiatives or hybrid cloud environments.

  • Certifications related to z/OS or specific mainframe technologies.

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