Mainframe WebSphere MQ & z/OS Systems Programmer

Nexasphere; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Nexasphere is seeking a seasoned Mainframe WebSphere MQ & z/OS Systems Programmer to support, maintain, and upgrade enterprise-scale mainframe environments. The role emphasizes stability, security, and performance of WebSphere MQ on z/OS, with involvement in RACF, automation, storage, monitoring, and subsystem upgrades.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in complex multi-LPAR environments and has supported major financial institutions and large enterprise clients in high-availability

Qualifications

• Experience with WebSphere MQ on z/OS in large multi-LPAR environments.
• Hands-on experience with RACF/ACF2/Top Secret security configurations.
• Familiarity with automation/monitoring tools for mainframe environments (SA z/OS, CA-OPS/MVS).
• Knowledge of SMP/E maintenance and z/OS subsystems (CICS/IMS/VTAM/TCP/IP).
• Storage admin skills for DASD, DFSMS, DFSMShsm.

Responsibilities

• WebSphere MQ Administration (z/OS): support, maintain, troubleshoot MQ on z/OS.
• Plan and execute MQ upgrades (e.g., WMQ V7.x).
• Design and implement MQ health-check tools (Rexx, CLIST).
• Integrate MQ with automation tools (CA-OPS/MVS, SA z/OS).
• Configure MQ security using RACF/ACF2/Top Secret.
• Install, customize, and upgrade z/OS and subsystems.
• Perform SMP/E maintenance and manage SMP environments.
• Configure and support CICS, IMS, VTAM, TCP/IP, and other subsystems.
• Manage DASD, tape systems, DFSMS/DFSMShsm.
• Review RACF/ACF2/TSS profiles; support security/compliance.

Skills

WebSphere MQ z/OS

Mainframe Sys Programming

RACF/ACF2/Top Secret

Automation & Monitoring

CICS/IMS/VTAM

DASD/DFSMS

Tools

CA-OPS/MVS

SA z/OS

OMEGAMON

TMON

MainView

Job description

Role Overview

The Mainframe WebSphere MQ & z/OS Systems Programmer is responsible for supporting, maintaining, and upgrading enterprise-scale mainframe environments across high-availability, 24x7 operations. This role ensures stability, security, and performance of WebSphere MQ on z/OS, while also contributing to broader mainframe systems programming activities including RACF security, automation, storage, monitoring, and subsystem upgrades. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on experience in complex, multi-LPAR environments and has supported major financial institutions and large enterprise clients.

Key Responsibilities

• WebSphere MQ Administration (z/OS)
  • Support, maintain, and troubleshoot WebSphere MQ on z/OS.
  • Plan and execute MQ upgrades (e.g., WMQ V7.0.1 V7.1.0).
  • Design and implement MQ health-check tools (Rexx, CLIST).
  • Integrate MQ with automation tools such as CA-OPS/MVS and SA z/OS.
  • Configure MQ security using RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret.
• Mainframe Systems Programming (z/OS)
  • Install, customize, and upgrade z/OS and related subsystems.
  • Perform SMP/E maintenance, rebuild SMP environments, and manage toleration maintenance.
  • Configure and support CICS, IMS, VTAM, TCP/IP, and other core subsystems.
  • Manage DASD, tape systems, DFSMS, DFSMShsm, and storage utilities.
• Security & Compliance
  • Review and enhance RACF/ACF2/TSS profiles.
  • Implement mainframe security frameworks for regulated industries (banking, insurance).
  • Conduct audits and produce security reports for compliance (OCC, regulatory bodies).
• Automation & Monitoring
  • Implement and customize automation environments (SA z/OS, CA-OPS/MVS).
  • Install and configure monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, TMON, MainView).
  • Develop automation exits and scripts to improve system reliability.
• Programming & Tooling
  • Develop Rexx, Assembler, CLIST, PL/I, COBOL utilities for system automation and reporting.
  • Create JCL for backups, migrations, and maintenance tasks.
  • Build custom tools for performance tuning, forecasting, and operational reporting.
• Client Support & Delivery
  • Work directly with enterprise clients (banking, telecom, insurance).
  • Provide technical leadership, knowledge transfer, and hands-on demos.
  • Support multi-national environments with high-volume transaction workloads.