Senior Mainframe Database Systems Engineer (Db2 for z/OS)

Job ID: T#6003 - Senior Mainframe Database Systems Engineer (Db2 for z/OS)

PLEASE NOTE: This is a 6 month contract to hire and needs to meet Client full-time conversion policies. Those dependent on a work permit sponsor now or anytime in the future (ie H1B, OPT, CPT, etc) do not meet Client requirements for this opening.

What Will You Do?

• Scope: Responsible for performing complex analysis and implementation of database infrastructure platforms across cloud and on-premises environments with a high degree of accuracy and speed as an individual contributor.
• Technical Execution:
• Define and implement advanced technical requirements for database infrastructure solutions using Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) best practices.
• Design and optimize database deployment processes and automation workflows for hybrid cloud environments.
• Facilitate architecture of robust database infrastructure solutions that support platform services across the technology stack.
• Work independently on both well-scoped and loosely scoped database infrastructure engineering problems in complex environments.
• Strategic Input:
• Provide technical guidance to less experienced Database Engineers and DBAs while expanding knowledge in emerging database infrastructure technologies.
• This role may manage others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Additional Job Responsibilities:
• Serve as the lead Db2 for z/OS systems programmer/engineer. You’ll be accountable for the installation, configuration, maintenance, health and availability of all Db2 subsystems across production and non-production environments.
• Plan and apply software maintenance using SMP/E, including PTFs, RSU and HIPER service, and maintenance for IBM, BMC and Broadcom tools. Sequence the work around enterprise freezes and blackout periods.
• Lead Db2 version migrations and function level activations from planning and testing through implementation and fallback.
• Own subsystem configuration and tuning:
• Db2 parameters (DSNZPARMs), buffer pools, memory and EDM pools
• Active and archive logs and the BSDS
• IRLM, WLM application environments and RRS
• IMS DBRC, HALDB, ACB management participation
• Lead subsystem-level problem determination and recovery, including restart and log or BSDS issues, storage constraints and dump analysis. Manage cases with IBM and other software vendors.
• Manage Db2 connectivity and security, including DDF/DRDA, TCP/IP, certificates and TLS, and RACF integration. Partner with z/OS security, network and storage teams.
• Participate when required in the activities related to monitoring subsystem performance and capacity using SMF data and monitoring tools
• Own subsystem-level disaster recovery and business continuity procedures, participate in DR exercises, and provide audit and SOX evidence.
• Provide technical direction and oversight to the managed service partner that executes routine Run work. Review their plans, approve changes and validate results.
• Mentor DBAs and managed service resources. Build and maintain runbooks and documentation so critical knowledge doesn’t rest with one person.
• Maintain a product currency calendar that tracks versions, end-of-support dates and dependencies across mainframe database software. Advise leadership on upgrade timing and risk.
• Drive automation of systems programming tasks using REXX, JCL and modern tooling, including AI-assisted development.
• Support distributed Db2 components that connect to the mainframe, such as Db2 Connect, Data Server Client and Db2 gateway, along with related modernization efforts.

What Will Our Ideal Candidate Have?

• Technical Expertise & Education:
• IMS systems programming experience: DB/DC, DBRC, HALDB, managed ACBs and the IMS catalog.
• Db2 data sharing, Parallel Sysplex and coupling facility experience.
• Experience with BMC AMI and Broadcom (CA) tools such as File Master, and IBM tools such as Db2 SQL Tuning Services and QMF.
• Experience with Informatica PowerExchange listeners on z/OS.
• Experience with Db2 LUW and distributed Db2 connectivity.
• 3 or more years as a technical lead, ideally including oversight of vendor or managed service teams.
• Experience planning and running DR exercises for Db2 and IMS.
• IBM Db2 for z/OS certification.
• Leadership & Influence:
• Strong communicator who translates complex database concepts into clear, actionable insights for business stakeholders. You excel at documenting work accessibly, mentoring others while remaining open to learning, and asking the right clarifying questions on requirements. Your active listening and inclusive approach creates space for all team members to contribute meaningfully.
• You demonstrate intermediate leadership skills by fostering safe learning environments where database engineers can grow and thrive. Your self-motivation drives continuous identification of improvement opportunities, and you effectively track and support team progress toward shared goals.
• Strategic & Business Acumen:
• Intermediate delivery skills including accurate timeline estimation for database tasks, steady delivery pace to achieve commitments, contribution to database architecture strategy, building for different use cases while staying solution focused avoiding over-engineering, ensuring automation, delivering complete database solutions in small batches, and identifying/negotiating important tradeoffs.
• Strong problem solver who builds database solutions for the long term, resolves new database issues, recognizes mistakes as learning opportunities, and consistently breaks down large database problems into smaller, manageable components.

What is a Must Have?

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, related STEM field, or its equivalent in work experience
• 8 or more years of hands-on Db2 for z/OS systems programming experience, including installation, maintenance and version migration.
• Strong working knowledge of SMP/E, z/OS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF/IOF and REXX.
• Demonstrated experience with subsystem-level problem determination and recovery, including working cases with IBM support.
• Experience configuring and tuning Db2 subsystems: DSNZPARMs, buffer pools, logging and memory.
• Working knowledge of RACF as it applies to Db2 and IMS.
• Willingness to work weekends, overnights and holidays on occasion for maintenance windows and production issues.
• Willingness to provide occasional advanced support to those participating in an on-call rotation.