Mainframe ZOS System Programmer W2

Mainframe ZOS System Programmer - W2

Location: Phoenix AZ Hybrid

Duration: 6 months

Interview: Virtual

About:

The Mainframe z/OS System Programmer is responsible for the installation customisation maintenance and optimisation of IBM z/OS operating systems and associated system software. This role ensures the stability performance security and availability of mission-critical mainframe environments supporting large-scale enterprise applications.

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)
• Disaster Recovery plans