Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Role: Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Location: All Locations HYBRID

Phoenix, AZ(Primary)

Plano, TX

Charlotte, NC

Richmond, VA

Jacksonville, FL

Pennington, NJ

Chicago, IL

Duration: Contract

Job Description:

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:

o ZPARMs (DSNZPARM)

o Buffer pools

o Logs and BSDS

o Catalog and directory

Performance & Capacity Management

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

Optimize:

o Buffer pools

o Locking and concurrency

o Thread and connection performance

Support capacity planning and performance analysis using DB2 and system tools

High Availability & Data Sharing

Manage and support:

o DB2 Data Sharing environments (Sysplex)

o Coupling Facility integration

o Workload balancing and failover

Ensure DB2 availability and resilience through DR strategies

System Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Analyze and resolve:

o Subsystem failures

o Dumps, logs, and abends

o Connectivity issues affecting DB2 operations

Perform root cause analysis and implement preventive actions

Support interaction with:

o Batch (JCL)

o CICS

o IMS

o 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:

o ZPARMs and subsystem configuration

o Buffer pools, logs, BSDS, catalog/directory

Strong troubleshooting skills for:

o System-level DB2 issues

o Performance and connectivity problems

Proficiency in:

o JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF

o SMP/E (preferred)

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with:

o DB2 utilities and performance tools

o Monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, MainView)

Knowledge of:

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

Exposure to:

o Cloud integration or hybrid architectures

Experience with:

o Large-scale DB2 upgrades or migrations

o 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)