Role Name: Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Location: Hybrid in Chandler, AZ / Plano, TX / Charlotte, NC/ Jersey City, NJ.

Duration: 6-month contract to hire

The Role:

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.

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

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)

Mainframe Programmer

Key skills

About this role