Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Software International; Canada; Remote; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology services provider is looking for a z/OS Systems Programmer for a 12-month contract supporting major financial clients remotely in Canada. The role involves providing expertise in multi-vendor complex networks, managing z/OS systems, and ensuring high customer satisfaction. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities in a dynamic environment, and will be accountable for various departmental projects.

Qualifications

• Professional knowledge related to incumbent's function/business unit and its processes.
• Strong technical skills with z/OS Systems software.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and implement solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide services in multi-vendor complex networks.
• Act as the primary point of contact for z/OS Operating Systems.
• Identify and resolve complex problems in IT products and services.

Skills

Professional knowledge related to incumbent's function/business unit

Effective communication and negotiation skills

Problem solving and analytical skills

Technical leadership and operational guidance

Accountability for department results

Mainframe z/OS support

Familiarity with SMP/E and system utilities

Understanding of problem & change management

Education

Professional certification in mainframe technology

Tools

SMP/E

ACF2

TSO

ISPF

z/OS install and support

JES2 and JES3

Job description

About the job

Software International (SI) supplies technical talent to a variety of clients ranging from Fortune 100/500/1000 companies to small and mid-sized organizations in Canada/US. We currently have a 12 month renewable contract as a z/OS Systems Programmer with our large global infrastructure client, supporting a major financial client account. This could be an indefinite long termcontract or move into a permanent role.

Type: Contract

Duration: 12 months to start + possible multiple extensions

Rate: $90 - $110/hr + C2C - depending on overall experience

Location: Remote, Canada

Job overview

z/OS Systems Programmer

Responsibilities

• Provide services in a customer, multi-vendor, multi-protocol complex network/systems environments.
• Interact with the customer, vendors and management to ensure high level of customer satisfaction.
• Act as the primary point of contact strictly for z/OS Operating Systems Q&A.
• Engage in identifying and resolving complex problems relating to product/service installation, update, configuration, operations, performance, or other aspects of information technology products and services.
• Possess an in-depth knowledge of technical solutions and management tools.
• Guide functional objectives or technologies.

Skills and qualifications

• Environment: Professional knowledge related to incumbent\'s function/business unit and its processes.
• Communication/Negotiation: Advise other professionals. Effectively utilize group dynamics. Negotiate to define approaches and goals.
• Problem solving: Recognize complex problems related to functional objectives. Analyze situations and implement solutions, or develop new system elements, procedures or processes. Creativity and judgment applied to developmental work on different projects within the business environment.
• Contribution/Leadership: Provides ongoing technical/operational guidance to lead professional work teams, conducts special projects, or manages department(s) (national or international).
• Understand department/functional mission and vision. Defines and decides objectives within specified business concept or project and may have responsibility for tools and assigned resources. Utilizes expertise to directly influence people outside department or function.
• Impact on business/scope: Accountable for department results and for activities and/or projects involving multi-functional teams. Regularly participates in overall functional program planning. Activities are subject to business measurements, impact customer satisfaction, and impact project costs or expenses.
• z/OS Systems Programmer: Primary z/OS support for IBM commercial mainframe account. Install and maintain Mainframe z/OS and related ISVs. Perform problem determination and resolution. Participate in Disaster Recovery tests and on‑call rotation. Demonstrated ability to install, customize, test and implement ISV software; knowledge of user exits; system modifications; and understanding of Assembler language. Willingness to work weekends and outside of normal business hours in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Technical skills: SMP/E and system utilities; ACF2; IO Gen; TSO, ISPF; z/OS install and support; z/OS (reworking and applying user mods, testing software); HCD; understanding of problem & change management (eESM experience is an asset); install and support program products; installing simple to complex products (tape management, job scheduling); JES2 and JES3 advanced skills; diagnostic skills: PD, IPCS, LOGREC; familiarity with 120 ISVs and 130 Lpars; understanding of sysplex concepts; familiarity with CPU keys; experience working with vendors (IBM and others) for PD and product questions; support multiple accounts.

Additional notes

• System Utilities: DFDSS, IDCAMS, IEBGENER. Extensive understanding of DFSMS from an MVS system programmer perspective.
• Services: under z/OS (reworking and applying user mods, testing software).