VSE Systems Programmer (IBM Mainframe) :: Remote

Job Title: VSE Systems Programmer (IBM Mainframe) – Remote | 12+ Month Contract

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced VSE Systems Programmer to support a highly customized IBM mainframe environment. This is a systems programming role focused on the IBM z/VSE operating system and is not a Mainframe Application Developer or COBOL programming position.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining the stability, availability, and performance of the client''s VSE operating environment while providing operational support, system maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance tuning. The role will also support an ongoing migration from IBM z/VSE to IBM z/OS, making prior migration experience highly desirable.

Location: Remote
Duration: 12+ Months (Contract)

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and support IBM z/VSE operating systems.
• Perform system installation, maintenance, upgrades, and software implementation.
• Manage IPLs, system initialization, and operating system configuration.
• Monitor system performance and perform tuning and capacity planning.
• Troubleshoot operating system, infrastructure, and production issues.
• Support batch processing and VSE/POWER operations.
• Manage DASD, storage resources, backup, and recovery processes.
• Support networking components including VTAM and TCP/IP.
• Administer security using RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret.
• Work with infrastructure and project teams during the migration from VSE to z/OS.
• Document system changes, procedures, and operational processes.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive experience as an IBM VSE Systems Programmer.
• Strong hands-on experience with IBM z/VSE operating systems.
• Experience with:
• System installation, maintenance, and upgrades
• IPLs and system initialization
• Performance monitoring and tuning
• DASD and storage management
• Batch processing
• VSE/POWER
• JCL (Job Control Language)
• CICS administration
• VTAM and TCP/IP
• RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret security administration
• Strong troubleshooting and production support experience.
• Ability to work independently in a highly customized enterprise environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting IBM z/OS environments.
• Experience with VSE to z/OS migration projects.
• Knowledge of:
• SMP/E
• REXX
• Assembler
• DFSMS
• FDR or equivalent backup solutions
• IBM OMEGAMON
• BMC MainView
• CA SYSVIEW
• IBM Tivoli products
• IBM System Automation or OPS/MVS
• Familiarity with IBM Z (System z) hardware.
• Experience with Broadcom (CA) utilities, BMC utilities, IBM MQ, DB2 for z/OS, Endevor, ChangeMan, or IBM z/VM is a plus.

Important Note

This is a Mainframe Operating Systems Programmer position focused on IBM z/VSE Systems Programming.

This is NOT a Mainframe Application Developer or COBOL Developer role.

Candidates should have strong operating system-level administration and systems programming experience rather than application development expertise.

Candidates with extensive legacy IBM VSE experience, including retired professionals interested in returning to consulting, are encouraged to apply. Full-time availability is preferred; however, exceptional part-time candidates may also be considered.