Mainframe Engineer x 2
Apex Systems · Minneapolis–Saint Paul, WI · 2 mo ago
OTHRContract
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota (Hybrid)
About the role
An experienced IMS & DB2 Mainframe Engineer is sought to support a mainframe exit program. This role is central to understanding, stabilizing, and migrating enterprise data from IMS and DB2 on the mainframe to future-state platforms. The position requires a combination of hands-on mainframe engineering, modernization, migration, and architecture experience.
Responsibilities
- Provide expert-level support and engineering for IMS and DB2 environments on z/OS.
- Analyze and optimize database structures, access patterns, and performance.
- Support backup/recovery, data integrity, and availability of critical systems.
- Troubleshoot complex issues across IMS, DB2, application dependencies, and batch processing.
- Lead and contribute to data migration strategies from IMS and DB2 to distributed/cloud platforms.
- Develop and execute data extraction, transformation, and migration (ETL/ELT) strategies.
- Translate hierarchical (IMS) and relational (DB2) data models into modern data platforms.
- Collaborate with Application Development, Enterprise Architecture, and Data Engineering teams.
- Act as a subject matter expert for IMS/DB2 in modernization discussions.
- Assist with knowledge transfer, documentation, and dependency mapping.
Requirements
- 10+ years of hands-on experience with IMS DB (DL/I, PSBs, ACBs, transactions) and DB2 for z/OS (database design, SQL, utilities, performance tuning).
- Experience with data migration from mainframe to distributed/cloud platforms is required.
Skills
- Deep expertise in the z/OS mainframe environment, including batch processing, job control (JCL), and system utilities.
- A strong understanding of database backup/recovery processes and data lifecycle management is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with mainframe modernization or exit programs.
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and modern data platforms.
- Familiarity with data integration tools such as Informatica.
- Knowledge of mainframe security, access controls, and audit considerations.
- Knowledge of enterprise data architecture and governance practices.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).
- 401K program with company match after 12 months of tenure.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) on the HDHP plan.
- SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions.
- Corporate discount savings program and other discounts.
- On-demand training program and access to certification prep, technical and leadership courses/books/seminars after 6+ months of tenure.
- Certification discounts and association perks (e.g., CompTIA, IIBA).
- Dedicated customer service team for benefits and resources.
- Access to a certified Career Coach.