Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer Senior

About the role

The USAA Mainframe Infrastructure team is seeking a Senior level Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer to join our team. This role is critical for managing high-volume, online transaction processing using IBM's Customer Information Control System (CICS) on mainframe z/OS operating systems.

Responsibilities

• System Installation and Maintenance: Installing, configuring, upgrading, and maintaining CICS Transaction Server and related software. Applying vendor patches, fixes, and new product releases using tools like SMP/E.
• Performance and Capacity Management: Monitoring CICS system performance, identifying bottlenecks, and tuning CICS regions to meet SLAs. Using tools such as Intellimagic, RMF, and BMC Mainview for performance analysis.
• Problem Resolution: Troubleshooting and debugging complex system and application issues, including analyzing system dumps and collaborating with application developers and software vendors for solutions.
• Developer Support: Providing technical support to application development teams, setting up and managing CICS regions, and defining necessary application resources.
• System Integration: Working with other z/OS systems programmers to integrate CICS with other mainframe subsystems, such as DB2 (database management) and MQ (messaging).
• Security and Disaster Recovery: Implementing and maintaining CICS security protocols (e.g., using RACF) and assisting in the planning, testing, and execution of disaster recovery procedures.
• Automation: Developing and implementing automation scripts (e.g., using REXX) to streamline system management and improve efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or 4 additional years of experience beyond the minimum requirement can be used in lieu of a degree.
• 6 years of infrastructure experience demonstrating depth of technical understanding within a specific discipline(s)/technology(s) to include 2 years' experience in Systems Operations environment supporting complex environment deployment and infrastructure management activities or applicable IT experience such as IT Management, Software Development, Data Engineering, and Agile Product/Release Management.
• 4 years of experience in creating, modifying, and maintaining infrastructure and individual system components.
• Advanced level of business acumen in the areas of business operations, risk management, industry practices and emerging trends.
• Knowledge and proficient understanding of designing scalable IT system infrastructures, implementing system changes, or automating service delivery and maintenance tasks.
• Demonstrated experience working with cloud technologies and tools.

Qualifications

• Extensive CICS Experience: Typically, 7-10+ years of hands-on experience as a CICS Systems Programmer in a z/OS mainframe environment. Deep knowledge of CICS Transaction Server (TS), CTG, and CPSM architecture, internals, and system exits.
• Installation and Maintenance Proficiency: Strong expertise in CICS installation, configuration, and maintenance, often including complex Independent Software Vendor (ISV) installations and upgrades.
• Scripting and Programming Languages: Proficient in JCL, REXX, and other mainframe scripting languages. Familiarity with COBOL, Assembler, and PL/I is also beneficial.
• SMP/E Proficiency: Experience with SMP/E (System Modification Program/Extended) for installing and maintaining software.
• z/OS Expertise: In-depth knowledge of z/OS operating systems, including configuration, maintenance, and tuning.
• Performance Tuning and Monitoring: Experience with CICS performance tuning and the use of monitoring tools (e.g., RMF, Intellimagic, BMC Mainview).
• z/OS Subsystems: Understanding of other z/OS subsystems such as DB2, MQ, JES2, z/OS connect, IMS and TCP/IP.
• Security: Experience with CICS security, often using RACF or equivalent tools.
• Automation and Scheduling: Familiarity with automation tools, job scheduling, and monitoring tools.
• Disaster Recovery: Experience with disaster recovery planning and testing.
• Mainframe Hardware: Understanding of mainframe hardware and architecture to optimize system performance.
• IBM Certified Specialist – CICS Transaction Server for z/OS: This certification is desired.

Skills

• Strong understanding of CICS architecture, z/OS operating systems, and related mainframe technologies.
• Proficiency in programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and REXX.
• Experience in mainframe tools and utilities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans.
• 401(k).
• Pension.
• Life insurance.
• Parental benefits.
• Adoption assistance.
• Paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours.
• Variety of wellness programs.
• Career path planning and continuing education.

Pay

$114,080-$218,030

Schedule

Flexible work environment requiring an individual to be in the office 4 days per week. This position can be based in one of the following locations: San Antonio, TX, Plano, TX, Charlotte, NC, Phoenix, AZ, or Tampa, FL.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k).
• Pension.
• Life insurance.
• Parental benefits.
• Adoption assistance.
• Paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours.
• Variety of wellness programs.
• Career path planning and continuing education.