Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

Job description

<div style="text-align: justify;"> <div>Join a team where your expertise as a z/OS System Administrator makes a real impact! In this critical role, you'll help maintain and optimize a robust Mainframe environment, leveraging deep technical knowledge of z/OS systems.

With hands-on experience in hardware refresh projects and a passion for delivering service excellence, you'll be at the forefront of keeping systems running smoothly and efficiently.</div> <div> </div> <div><b>Years of experience required:</b> +15 years.<br /> <br /> </div> <div><b>Responsibilities: </b><br /> </div> <ul> <li>Operating System Knowledge <ul> <li>Deep mastery of z/OS architecture, including IPL procedures, JES2/JES3 configurations, Sysplex management, SMF data collection, and parmlib customization.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Programming Skills <ul> <li>Proficient in writing and debugging system-level routines and automation: </li> <li>Assembler for exits and control blocks.

</li> <li>REXX for scripting and batch utilities.

</li> <li>JCL for job submission, parameterization, and workflow control.

</li> </ul> </li> <li>System Administration <ul> <li>Managing hardware and logical resources across LPARs: </li> <li>DASD and tape allocation via HCD/HCM.

</li> <li>LPAR configuration in HMC.</li> <li>Security administration using RACF or equivalent.

</li> </ul> </li> <li>Problem-Solving Skills <ul> <li>Analytical troubleshooting of abends, storage hangs, and performance anomalies using: </li> <li>Dump analysis with IPCS.

</li> <li>SLIP and trace tools.

</li> <li>System logs and console messages.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Backup and Recovery <ul> <li>Ensuring data integrity and swift recovery with: </li> <li>DFSMShsm policies and recall management </li> <li>FDR/ABR for high-speed backups </li> <li>FlashCopy or virtual tape replication for near-instant restores </li> </ul> </li> <li>Performance Monitoring <ul> <li>Optimizing system throughput and response times utilizing: </li> <li>RMF and SMF report analysis.

</li> <li>OMEGAMON or BMC MainView dashboards.

</li> <li>WLM classification and tuning.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Networking Knowledge: <ul> <li>Configuring and supporting mainframe connectivity: </li> <li>VTAM and SNA definitions.</li> <li>TCP/IP stack on z/OS.

</li> <li>OSA adapter and Coupling Facility communication.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Documentation and Communication: <ul> <li>Producing clear system diagrams, runbooks, and upgrade plans, while collaborating with application teams, storage, networking, and security groups.

</li> </ul> </li> <li>Continuous Learning: <ul> <li>Staying current on IBM Redbooks, z/OS release notes, firmware updates, and attending vendor training (IBM, Broadcom, BMC) or industry conferences.

</li> </ul> </li> <li>Software Maintenance & Upgrade Tools: <ul> <li>Executing OS and product upgrades with industry-standard utilities: </li> <li>SMP/E for PTF, APAR, and deliverable management.</li> <li>z/OSMF workflows for streamlined maintenance.</li> <li>Broadcom (e.g., Topaz), IBM, and BMC tooling for fix management and compliance reporting.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Project Management & Hardware Refresh: <ul> <li>Planning and leading hardware refreshes, feature activations, and migrations with minimal downtime, including IPL scheduling, vendor coordination, and change-control governance.

</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <div> <br /> <b>Soft Skills:</b> </div> <ul> <li>Communication & Collaboration <ul> <li>Clear documentation of system changes, configurations, and procedures.

</li> <li>Cross-functional teamwork with developers, DBAs, and network engineers.

</li> <li>Stakeholder engagement to explain technical issues in business terms.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving <ul> <li>Root cause analysis for system outages and performance issues.

</li> <li>Pattern recognition across logs, dumps, and metrics.

</li> <li>Decision-making under pressure, especially during incident response.

</li> </ul> </li> <li>Adaptability & Continuous Learning <ul> <li>Staying current with z/OS updates, SMP/E practices, and IBM tools.

</li> <li>Embracing modernization trends like Zowe, z/OSMF, and hybrid cloud integration.

</li> <li>Learning new scripting languages (REXX, CLIST) and automation tools.

</li> </ul> </li> <li>Patience & Resilience <ul> <li>Handling legacy systems with limited documentation.

</li> <li>Managing long upgrade cycles and complex migrations.

</li> <li>Remaining calm during critical system failures or audits..</li> </ul> </li> <li>Attention to Detail <ul> <li>Precision in JCL scripting, IPL procedures, and system configurations.

</li> <li>Vigilance in security settings, RACF profiles, and access controls.

</li> <li>Thoroughness in change management and rollback planning.

</li> </ul> </li> <li>Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing <ul> <li>Training junior staff on mainframe fundamentals.

</li> <li>Creating internal guides and cheat sheets for recurring tasks.

</li> <li>Participating in user groups like IBM SHARE or local meetups.

</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <div> <div> </div> <div> <div><b>Benefits: </b></div> <ul> <li>Health Insurance, Accident Insurance.</li> <li>The salary will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant education, qualifications, experience, technical skills, and business needs.</li> </ul> <div> </div> <div> <div><b>Additional Responsibilities:</b></div> <ul> <li>Participate in OP monthly team meetings, and participate in team-building efforts.</li> <li>Contribute to OP technical discussions, peer reviews, etc.</li> <li>Contribute content and collaborate via the OP-Wiki/Knowledge Base.</li> <li>Provide status reports to OP Account Management as requested.</li> </ul> <div><br /> <b>About us:</b></div> <div>OP is a technology consulting and solutions company, offering advisory and managed services, innovative platforms, and staffing solutions across a wide range of fields - including AI, cyber security, enterprise architecture, and beyond.

Our most valuable asset is our people: dynamic, creative thinkers, who are passionate about doing quality work.

As a member of the OP team, you will have access to industry-leading consulting practices, strategies & and technologies, innovative training & education.

An ideal OP team member is a technology leader with a proven track record of technical excellence and a strong focus on process and methodology.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Required Skill Profession

Computer Occupations