Mainframe Systems Programmer (z/OS)

Role Title: Mainframe Systems Programmer (z/OS)

Employment Type: Contract

Duration: 6 months to start, with extensions or potential to convert FTE

Preferred Location: New York preferred, open to remote with occasional travel 2-3 times per year for milestones

Role Description:

Responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and support of the IBM z/OS operating system and associated mainframe infrastructure supporting critical banking applications. Ensures the stability, availability, security, and performance of the enterprise IBM Z platform through effective system administration, software maintenance, automation, troubleshooting, and technical leadership.

Serves as a senior technical contributor responsible for leading complex system initiatives, resolving advanced technical issues, mentoring junior staff, and driving operational excellence within the Mainframe Systems Programming team. Works closely with application support teams, infrastructure teams, vendors, and technology partners to maintain a highly resilient and secure computing environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

-Install, configure, maintain, and support IBM z/OS operating systems and related system software in production and non-production environments.

-Plan and execute z/OS upgrades, migrations, maintenance, and service implementation activities utilizing SMP/E and established change management procedures.

-Lead technical efforts supporting enterprise mainframe infrastructure including operating system software, subsystem integration, and core platform services.

-Participate in cross-functional projects and provide technical leadership for infrastructure modernization, resiliency, automation, security, and performance improvement initiatives.

-Perform system software maintenance activities including installation of IBM and ISV software products, service application, health checks, and validation testing.

-Monitor system health, performance, and availability; identify trends and recommend improvements to optimize platform stability and efficiency.

-Investigate, diagnose, and resolve complex system incidents utilizing system traces, dumps, logs, vendor diagnostic utilities, and problem determination techniques.

-Coordinate with IBM and third-party software vendors to troubleshoot issues, implement fixes, and validate resolutions.

-Support and maintain enterprise resiliency technologies including Parallel Sysplex environments, system recovery processes, and disaster recovery capabilities.

-Develop and maintain automation solutions that improve operational efficiency, reduce manual effort, and enhance system reliability.

-Participate in capacity planning activities and provide analysis of processor, memory, storage, and workload utilization to support future growth.

-Provide after-hours support for planned implementations, maintenance activities, and critical production incidents.

-Create and maintain technical documentation, standards, procedures, and operational run books.

-Mentor and train less experienced systems programmers and provide technical guidance across project and operational activities.

-Attend vendor-sponsored training, conferences, and industry events to evaluate emerging technologies and recommend strategic improvements.

-Collaborate with cybersecurity, architecture, application development, storage, and network teams to ensure secure and efficient platform operation.