Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Job Description Summary

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. 

Job Description

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:

• 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 

Job Qualifications

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:

• 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)