Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer (Large-scale DB2 upgrades or Migrations)

Position: Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer
Location: Hybrid in Phoenix, AZ(Primary), Plano, TX, Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Pennington, NJ, Chicago, IL (3 days onsite per week)
Duration: 12 months contract with possible extension

About R Systems:
R Systems is a leading digital product engineering company that designs and develops chip-to-cloud software products, platforms, and digital experiences that empower its clients to achieve higher revenues and operational efficiency. Our product mindset and engineering capabilities in Cloud, Data, AI, and CX enable us to serve key players in the high-tech industry, including ISVs, SaaS, and Internet companies, as well as product companies in telecom, media, finance, manufacturing, and health verticals. We Are Great Place to Work Certified in 10 countries with a full-time workforce [India, USA, Canada, Poland, Romania, Moldova, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand]! We are recognized as one of the Best Tech Brands 2024 by the Times Group and India's Top 500 Value Creators 2023 by Dun & Bradstreet.

Job Requirement:
We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe DB2 Systems Administrator to manage and support DB2 for z/OS subsystems in a mission-critical enterprise environment.

This role is responsible for installation, configuration, performance tuning, and overall health of DB2 subsystems, ensuring high availability, security, and optimal performance.

DB2 Installation & Configuration

• Install, configure, and maintain DB2 for z/OS subsystems
• Perform version upgrades, patching (PTFs/APARs), and system maintenance
• Manage subsystem configuration and initialization parameters
  Maintain core DB2 components:

• ZPARMs (DSNZPARM)
• Buffer pools
• Logs and BSDS
• Catalog and directory

Performance & Capacity Management

• Monitor and tune DB2 system-level performance (CPU, memory, I/O)
• Optimize:

• Buffer pools
• Locking and concurrency
• Thread and connection performance

• Support capacity planning and performance analysis using DB2 and system tools

High Availability & Data Sharing

• Manage and support:

• DB2 Data Sharing environments (Sysplex)
• Coupling Facility integration
• Workload balancing and failover

• Ensure DB2 availability and resilience through DR strategies

System Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Analyze and resolve:

• Subsystem failures
• Dumps, logs, and abends
• Connectivity issues affecting DB2 operations

• Perform root cause analysis and implement preventive actions
• Support interaction with:

• Batch (JCL)
• CICS
• IMS
• MQ and distributed systems

Required Qualifications:

• 7 12+ years of mainframe experience
• 3 5+ years in DB2 Systems Programming / Administration
• Experience with IBM DB2 for z/OS and Replication products (Qrep, SQLrep and CDC) - software installation, version upgrades and maintenance, certification testing, documentation of operational procedures, disaster recovery testing

Deep knowledge of:

• ZPARMs and subsystem configuration
• Buffer pools, logs, BSDS, catalog/directory

• Strong troubleshooting skills for:

• System-level DB2 issues
• Performance and connectivity problems

Proficiency in:

• JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF
• SMP/E (preferred)

Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with:

• DB2 utilities and performance tools
• Monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, MainView)

Knowledge of:

• DevOps tools for mainframe (Endevor, ISPW, etc.)

Exposure to:

• Cloud integration or hybrid architectures

Experience with:

• Large-scale DB2 upgrades or migrations
• Performance optimization initiatives

Knowledge of:
o Modernization tools (z/OS Connect, APIs)

• Experience with software support for BMC for DB2 Tools, IBM z/OS Connect, Software AG ADABAS and Natural products
• Programming experience with REXX
• Working knowledge of SQL, JIRA, SMP/E, RACF, TCP/IP, Network certificates, Splunk
• Working knowledge of other Mainframe Subsystems (CICS, IMS, MQ)

Why Join R Systems?

• Frequent Internal Hackathons: Engage in dynamic competitions with exciting prizes to keep your skills sharp.
• Cultural Celebrations: Strengthen our familial bonds through shared celebrations, fostering a sense of community.
• Diverse Project Exposure: Work on a variety of projects across sectors like Healthcare, Banking, e-commerce, and Retail, collaborating with leading global brands.
• Centre of Excellence (COE): Benefit from technical guidance and upskilling opportunities provided by our team of technology experts, helping you navigate your career path.
• E-Learning Platform: Gain access to comprehensive e-learning platforms coupled with a robust mentorship program to enhance your skills.
• Open Door Policy: Embrace a culture of mutual support, respect, and open dialogue, promoting a collaborative work environment.

If you are passionate and excited about working in a fast-paced, innovative environment, we would love to hear from you!

R Systems is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strive to build a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Our commitment to equal opportunity extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and benefits.
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