Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer
Location : Chandler, AZ, Plano, TX & Charlotte, NC, NY

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)