Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Responsibilities

• 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, BSDS, catalog and directory
• 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
• Manage and support DB2 Data Sharing environments (Sysplex) and Coupling Facility integration
• Workload balancing and failover management to ensure DB2 availability and resilience through DR strategies
• Analyze and resolve subsystem failures, dumps, logs, and abends
• Resolve connectivity issues affecting DB2 operations
• Perform root cause analysis and implement preventive actions
• Support interaction with batch (JCL), CICS, IMS, MQ, and distributed systems

Requirements

• 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)
• 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, S/390/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
• Knowledge of other Mainframe Subsystems (CICS, IMS, MQ)