Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer Senior
About the role
The USAA Mainframe Infrastructure team is seeking a Senior level Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer to install, configure, maintain, and tune IBM's CICS on mainframe z/OS operating systems. This role is critical for managing high-volume, online transaction processing.
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. Analyzing performance data using tools such as Intellimagic, RMF, and BMC Mainview.
Problem Resolution: Troubleshooting and debugging complex system and application issues, including analyzing system dumps and collaborating with developers and software vendors.
Developer Support: Setting up and managing CICS regions, defining necessary application resources, and providing technical support to development teams.
System Integration: Integrating CICS with other z/OS subsystems like DB2 and MQ, and working with other z/OS systems programmers.
Security and Disaster Recovery: Implementing and maintaining CICS security protocols (e.g., RACF) and assisting in disaster recovery procedures.
Automation: Developing and implementing automation scripts (e.g., REXX) to streamline system management and improve efficiency.
Requirements
Bachelor's Degree or 4 years of experience in a relevant field can be used in lieu of a degree.
6 years of infrastructure experience, including 2 years in Systems Operations supporting complex environments.
4 years of experience in creating, modifying, and maintaining infrastructure and individual system components.
Advanced business acumen in business operations, risk management, and industry practices.
Knowledge and proficiency in CICS architecture, z/OS operating systems, and related mainframe technologies.
Proficiency in programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and REXX, along with experience in mainframe tools and utilities.
Experience with SMP/E for installing and maintaining software.
In-depth knowledge of z/OS operating systems, including configuration, maintenance, and tuning.
Experience with CICS performance tuning and monitoring tools (RMF, Intellimagic, BMC Mainview).
Understanding of other z/OS subsystems such as DB2, MQ, JES2, z/OS connect, IMS, and TCP/IP.
Experience with CICS security, often using RACF or equivalent tools.
Familiarity with automation tools, job scheduling, and monitoring tools.
Experience with disaster recovery planning and testing.
Understanding of mainframe hardware and architecture to optimize system performance.
IBM Certified Specialist – CICS Transaction Server for z/OS certification is desired.
Qualifications
Extensive CICS Experience: Typically 7-10+ years of hands-on experience as a CICS Systems Programmer in a z/OS mainframe environment.
Installation and Maintenance Proficiency: Strong expertise in CICS installation, configuration, and maintenance, often including complex 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 beneficial.
SMP/E Proficiency: Experience with SMP/E 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 (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: Desired certification.
Skills
Strong understanding of CICS architecture, z/OS operating systems, and related mainframe technologies.
Proficiency in programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and REXX.
Experience with mainframe tools and utilities.
Experience with SMP/E for installing and maintaining software.
In-depth knowledge of z/OS operating systems, including configuration, maintenance, and tuning.
Experience with CICS performance tuning and monitoring tools.
Understanding of other z/OS subsystems such as DB2, MQ, JES2, z/OS connect, IMS, and TCP/IP.
Experience with CICS security, often using RACF or equivalent tools.
Familiarity with automation tools, job scheduling, and monitoring tools.
Experience with disaster recovery planning and testing.
Understanding of mainframe hardware and architecture to optimize system performance.
IBM Certified Specialist – CICS Transaction Server for z/OS: Desired certification.
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
401(k) plan.
Pension plan.
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
Best-in-class benefits including 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, and various wellness programs.
Continuing education assistance to support professional goals.
Contact
To apply for this position, please visit USAAjobs.com.