Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Phoenix, Arizona – full-time hybrid role (three days onsite per week).

About the role

A well-established enterprise technology organization is seeking a Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer to join its infrastructure team. The environment includes IBM z/OS, RACF, JES2/JES3, REXX, NetView, DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and enterprise automation platforms that support mission-critical business operations. This opportunity is ideal for experienced mainframe professionals who enjoy solving complex infrastructure challenges, improving system reliability, and contributing to modernization initiatives. The organization is investing in automation, performance optimization, security enhancement, and long-term platform stability. Candidates will have the opportunity to work within a large-scale enterprise environment while maintaining strong technical ownership of mission-critical systems.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain IBM z/OS operating systems
• Implement system upgrades, patches, and maintenance activities
• Monitor platform health and optimize performance
• Support security, compliance, and access management initiatives
• Create and maintain automation solutions
• Troubleshoot and resolve production incidents
• Participate in change implementation activities
• Develop and maintain operational documentation

Tech Breakdown

• 40% IBM z/OS Administration
• 25% Performance & Capacity Management
• 20% Automation & Scripting
• 15% Security, Compliance & Change Management

Daily Responsibilities

• 75% Hands-on Technical Work
• 5% Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing
• 20% Team Collaboration

Requirements

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience administering IBM z/OS environments
• Strong knowledge of JES2 and/or JES3
• Experience with TSO/E, ISPF, and USS
• RACF administration and security management experience
• Knowledge of RMF, SMF, and SDSF performance monitoring tools
• Experience performing z/OS upgrades and maintenance activities
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills
• Experience supporting enterprise change management processes
• Automation experience using REXX, CLIST, NetView, or SA z/OS

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience supporting DB2 environments
• Experience supporting CICS, IMS, or MQ
• Capacity planning and performance engineering background
• ServiceNow experience
• Disaster recovery planning and testing experience
• Exposure to mainframe modernization programs