Senior Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer | W2 Contract | Multiple Locations (Hybrid)

Senior Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

Location: Phoenix, AZ / Chandler, AZ / Plano, TX / Charlotte, NC / Jersey City, NJ
Work Arrangement: Hybrid 3 Days Onsite / Week
Job Type: Contract W2
Duration: Long-Term

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer to support the installation, customization, maintenance, performance, security, and availability of enterprise IBM z/OS environments.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with z/OS system programming, JES2/JES3, SMP/E, PARMLIB, PROCLIB, IPL, RACF, RMF/SMF, TSO/ISPF and SDSF, along with experience supporting critical Mainframe subsystems and enterprise applications.

Responsibilities

Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade IBM z/OS environments.
Perform z/OS version upgrades and apply PTFs, APARs, and RSUs.
Manage IPL processes, system initialization, PARMLIB, PROCLIB, and SYS1 datasets.
Configure and support JES2/JES3, TSO/E, ISPF, and USS.
Support RACF-related system security activities in coordination with security teams.
Monitor system health and performance using RMF, SMF, and SDSF.
Analyze CPU, memory, I/O, and overall system performance.
Support capacity planning and resource optimization.
Diagnose and resolve system abends, failures, and infrastructure issues.
Perform root-cause analysis for production incidents.
Collaborate with DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, Storage, and other Mainframe teams.
Develop and maintain system automation using REXX, CLIST, NetView, or SA z/OS.
Support enterprise scheduling tools such as CA7 and Control-M where applicable.
Participate in ITIL-based change and release management processes.
Prepare implementation plans, backout procedures, and validation plans.
Support weekend maintenance windows and IPL activities.
Assist with vulnerability remediation and system patching.
Coordinate with IBM and other technology vendors for problem determination and resolution.
Create and maintain technical documentation, SOPs, system configuration documents, and Disaster Recovery procedures.

Required Qualifications

7+ years of Mainframe experience with strong z/OS Systems Programming experience.
Hands-on experience with IBM z/OS installation, configuration, maintenance, and upgrades.
Strong knowledge of JES2/JES3.
Experience with SMP/E, PTFs, APARs, and RSUs.
Strong knowledge of PARMLIB, PROCLIB, and IPL processes.
Experience with RMF, SMF, and SDSF for system monitoring and performance analysis.
Experience with RACF and Mainframe security environments.
Strong knowledge of TSO/ISPF and USS.
Experience with REXX and/or CLIST.
Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
Experience working with DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and other Mainframe subsystems.
Strong documentation and communication skills.
Willingness to work onsite 3 days per week in one of the listed locations.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with NetView and SA z/OS.
Experience with CA7 or Control-M.
Experience with Sysplex and high-availability environments.
Disaster Recovery experience.
z/OSMF experience.
ServiceNow / ITIL experience.
Experience supporting large-scale enterprise Mainframe environments.

W2 Contract Only | Senior Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer | Multiple Locations (Hybrid)

Key skills

About this role