Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Overview:
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:
1. 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.

2. Subsystem Support:

·       Install, configure, and support key subsystems:

·       JES2/JES3

·       TSO/E, ISPF

·       USS (Unix System Services)

·       RACF (in coordination with security teams)

·       Work closely with DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and Storage teams for integration and support.

3. Performance & Capacity Management:

·       Analyse 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.

4. Automation & Scheduling:
Develop and maintain automation using tools such as:

·       System REXX, CLIST

·       SA z/OS, NetView

·       Support job scheduling tools (e.g., CA7, Control-M where applicable).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Documentation:

·       Create and maintain technical documentation, including:

·       System configurations

·       Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

·       Disaster Recovery plans

Required Qualifications:

·       5+ years of experience in mainframe system programming (z/OS).

·       Strong hands-on knowledge of z/OS, JES2/JES3, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, USS/OMVS, SMP/E.

·       Experience with large-scale environments (multi-LPAR, Parallel Sysplex).

·       Knowledge of vendor products (Broadcom, IBM, BMC).

·       IBM certifications (preferred but not mandatory).

Preferred Experience:

·       Exposure to mainframe modernization initiatives (APIs, hybrid cloud integration).

·       Experience with z/OSMF and modern interfaces.

·       Knowledge of DevOps practices on mainframe (CI/CD pipelines).

·       Exposure to Zowe and APIs on z/OS.