Mainframe System Programmer

About the role

This is a contract role for a Mainframe IMS System Programmer supporting IBM z/OS IMS environments in a mission-critical banking or financial services setting. The position requires onsite presence three days a week in the Phoenix, AZ area, with consideration for candidates willing to relocate.

What you will do

• Install, configure, and maintain IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems on IBM z/OS
• Perform version upgrades, maintenance, and patching to ensure system currency and stability
• Manage and maintain IMS system definitions, including DBDs, PSBs, ACB libraries, and control regions
• Configure and tune buffer pools, parameters, and system resources to optimize performance
• Monitor IMS database and transaction performance, proactively identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks
• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues by analyzing logs, dumps, abends, and database errors
• Support IMS utilities, backup/recovery processes, and disaster recovery testing
• Ensure seamless integration with z/OS, DB2, MQ, CICS, TCP/IP, and Sysplex environments
• Implement and follow ITIL/ServiceNow change management processes for all system updates
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and system configurations

What we are looking for

• 7+ years of experience with IBM z/OS operating system
• Hands-on experience with IMS DB and IMS TM administration
• Deep knowledge of DBD/PSB/ACB management, IMS control regions, and transaction processing
• Experience with buffer pool tuning and performance optimization
• Experience with IMS utilities, backup/recovery, and DR strategies
• Strong troubleshooting skills including dump analysis, log analysis, and abend resolution
• Experience integrating IMS with DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systems
• Familiarity with RACF security controls for IMS environments
• Experience with SMP/E, JCL, TSO/ISPF, and SDSF
• Understanding of Sysplex and high availability architectures
• Preferred exposure to IMS modernization or API enablement (z/OS Connect, REST integration)
• Preferred experience with monitoring tools (e.g., OMEGAMON, MainView, RMF)
• Preferred knowledge of automation tools (REXX, Ansible, z/OSMF workflows)
• Skill and experience with IMS Routines & Exit Routines

Location

Phoenix, AZ (Onsite 3 days/week); other locations include Plano, TX; Charlotte, NC; Richmond, VA; Jacksonville, FL; Pennington, NJ; and Chicago, IL.

Compensation

Contract