Mainframe Roles

Mainframe CICS System Administrator

As a Mainframe CICS System Administrator, you’ll solve complex problems and identify potential future issues across the spectrum of platforms and services.

CICS Administration & Maintenance:

•            Install, upgrade, and maintain CICS Transaction Server (CICS TS) environments

•            Apply patches (PTFs), manage version upgrades, and perform regression validation

•            Configure and maintain CICS regions (production, test, DR)

•            Maintain startup parameters and system initialization tables (DFHSIT)

Performance Monitoring & Tuning:

•            Monitor transaction performance and system health using tools such as:

o            OMEGAMON / MainView / TMON

•            Analyze:

o            Transaction response times

o            CPU utilization

o            Storage usage

•            Perform tuning to eliminate bottlenecks

Mainframe ZOS System Programmer

The Mainframe z/OS System Programmer is responsible for the installation, customization, maintenance, and optimization 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:

o            JES2/JES3

o            TSO/E, ISPF

o            USS (Unix System Services)

o            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:

o            System REXX, CLIST

o            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:

o            System configurations

o            Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

o            Disaster Recovery plans

Mainframe IMS System Programmer:

The Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe IMS System Programmer to support and manage IBM z/OS IMS environments. The role is responsible for ensuring the stability, availability, performance, and security of IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems in a mission-critical banking or financial services environment.

Responsibilities:

•            Install, configure, and maintain IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems on IBM z/OS

•            Perform version upgrades, maintenance, and patching to ensure system currency and stability

•            Manage and maintain IMS system definitions, including DBDs, PSBs, ACB libraries, and control regions

•            Configure and tune buffer pools, parameters, and system resources to optimize performance

•            Monitor IMS database and transaction performance, proactively identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks

•            Troubleshoot and resolve system issues by analyzing logs, dumps, abends, and database errors

•            Support IMS utilities, backup/recovery processes, and disaster recovery testing

•            Ensure seamless integration with z/OS, DB2, MQ, CICS, TCP/IP, and Sysplex environments

•            Implement and follow ITIL/ServiceNow change management processes for all system updates

•            Maintain accurate technical documentation and system configurations

Required Qualifications:

•            7+ years of experience with IBM z/OS operating system

•            Hands-on experience with IMS DB and IMS TM administration

•            Deep knowledge of:

o            DBD/PSB/ACB management

o            IMS control regions and transaction processing

o            Buffer pool tuning and performance optimization

•            Experience with IMS utilities, backup/recovery, and DR strategies

•            Strong troubleshooting skills (dump analysis, log analysis, abend resolution)

•            Experience integrating IMS with:

o            DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systems

•            Familiarity with RACF security controls for IMS environments

•            Experience with SMP/E, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF

•            Understanding of Sysplex and high availability architectures

Preferred Experience:

•            Exposure to IMS modernization or API enablement (z/OS Connect, REST integration)

•            Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., OMEGAMON, MainView, RMF)

•            Knowledge of automation tools (REXX, Ansible, z/OSMF workflows)

•            Experience with DB  control, TCPIP, ZOS Connect, Assembler routines.

•            Skill and experience with IMS Routines & Exit Routines will be a big plus.

Mainframe IMS Application DBA

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe IMS Application DBA (IMS DBA Analyst) to manage and support IMS database environments in a high-availability enterprise setting. This role is responsible for database design support, performance optimization, data integrity, and backup/recovery operations for mission-critical applications running on IBM z/OS.

Key Responsibilities:

•            Install, configure, and maintain IMS database environments (IMS DB)

•            Support and manage different IMS database types:

o            Full Function DB

o            Fast Path DB

o            HALDB (High Availability Large Databases)

•            Perform database administration activities:

o            Database definition, allocation, and dataset management

o            REORGs and space management to maintain performance

•            Manage IMS control structures:

o            DBD, PSB, ACB libraries, and IMS Catalog

•            Execute and support IMS utilities:

o            Load / Unload

o            Reorganization

o            Image Copy

o            Recovery utilities (e.g., DFSURGL0, DFSUICP0)

•            Monitor database performance and resolve issues:

o            Access path inefficiencies

o            Space constraints

o            Application-related data issues

o            Abends and data inconsistencies

•            Collaborate with:

o            Application development teams (DL/I access, database design)

o            IMS System Programmers (performance and tuning)

o            Operations teams (batch and online processing)

•            Participates in design, development and implementation of complex Databases or maintenance and support of the infrastructure supporting IMS databases, often using new technologies and emerging methodologies.

•            Manages multiple, moderately complex projects and may direct activities of a team related to special initiatives or operations. Routine accountability is for technical knowledge and capabilities as a team member or as an individual contributor.

•            Design technical solution to match business application requirements

•            Create process flow charts and related procedural documentation.

•            Perform database recovery of all types (Image Copy recovery, PIT recovery).

•            Provide independent application development support

•            Experience with Performance and Tunning

Required Skills & Qualifications:

•            Minimum 7 years of DBA experience supporting IMS databases in a z/OS environment using Sysplexed Data Sharing. Must have knowledge of Full Function, Fast Path and HALDB databases using Secondary Indexing, Logical Relationships, Sparsing Routines (Assembler), Replication, Compression, Encryption.  Database performance and tuning, Database monitoring and troubleshooting, Physical database design and build, Backup and recovery

•            Strong experience with IBM z/OS environment

•            Hands-on experience as IMS Application DBA (IMS DB)

•            Experience with IMS utilities and DB maintenance activities

•            Experience troubleshooting:

o            Database abends (Uxxx, S0Cxx)

o            Data corruption or integrity issues

•            Familiarity with:

o            JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, REXX

o            Batch and online IMS environments (IMS DB/DC)

o            IMS Database Administration Utilities, BMC utility and monitoring tools or equivalent. 

Preferred Qualifications:

•            Experience integrating IMS with:

o            DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systems

•            Experience with performance tools (e.g., OMEGAMON, MainView)

•            Exposure to IMS modernization (APIs, z/OS Connect)

•            Knowledge of scripting/automation (REXX)

•            Experience in large-scale IMS database migrations or consolidation

•            Exposure to data replication or data integration solutions

•            Experience in regulatory/compliance-driven environments (SOX, PCI, etc.)

•            Management procedures and/or tools (ISPW, Service Now). Experience with VISIO a plus.

Mainframe Logical Security Engineer

The Role:

We are seeking a skilled Mainframe Logical Security Engineer to design, implement, and manage security controls across IBM z/OS environments. The role ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of enterprise systems and data by enforcing robust access controls and complying with regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

•            Administer and maintain RACF security environment across z/OS systems

•            Create, modify, and revoke:

o            User IDs

o            Groups

o            Resource profiles

o            Dataset and subsystem access permissions

•            Implement and maintain least-privilege access controls for:

o            Datasets

o            Applications (CICS, DB2, IMS, MQ)

o            System resources

Security Controls & Compliance

•            Configure and maintain security policies aligned with enterprise standards

•            Perform periodic access reviews, audits, and compliance checks

•            Support regulatory compliance (e.g., SOX, PCI, HIPAA where applicable)

•            Implement data protection controls and access monitoring mechanisms

Monitoring & Incident Response

•            Analyze security logs and reports:

o            SMF records

o            RACF reports

o            SIEM alerts

•            Investigate:

o            Access violations

o            Unauthorized access attempts

o            Security incidents

•            Troubleshoot and resolve:

o            Authorization failures

o            RACF-related abends or access issues

Security Architecture & Integration

•            Secure mainframe subsystems and integrations:

o            CICS, DB2, IMS, MQ, TCP/IP, USS

•            Support integration with:

o            Enterprise IAM solutions

o            Single Sign-On (SSO) / MFA (where applicable)

•            Define and maintain RACF classes, profiles, and rules for system-wide protection

Encryption & Advanced Security

•            Support:

o            Digital certificates

o            TLS/SSL configuration

o            ICSF (crypto services) at a high level

•            Ensure secure key management and encryption practices

Required Qualifications:

•            Strong hands-on experience with:

o            RACF administration on z/OS

•            Deep knowledge of:

o            RACF profiles, classes, and dataset security

o            User/group management and access control models

•            Experience with:

o            SMF data analysis

o            Security reporting and audit tools

•            Strong understanding of:

o            z/OS security concepts and system internals

Preferred Experience:

•            Experience in banking or financial services environments

•            Exposure to:

o            ACF2 or Top Secret (nice to have)

o            SIEM tools (Splunk, QRadar, etc.)

•            Experience with:

o            Automation (REXX, Python)

o            Identity governance tools

•            Experience with enterprise-wide security transformations or IAM integration

•            Knowledge of Zero Trust or modern security frameworks

•            Experience supporting regulatory audits in large enterprises

Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer:

The Role:

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.

Responsibilities:

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