zOS Mainframe Systems Programmer

NTT DATA North America; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

NTT DATA is seeking an experienced z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer to join a large z/OS environment on major projects. The role involves upgrading and supporting the z/OS operating system and ISV products, primarily from IBM and CA, with hybrid work arrangement (remote + Sheffield).

You will work with engineering teams to keep systems stable, manage DASD, LPARs and security (RACF), perform DFSMShsm, FDR/ABR backups, RMF/SMF monitoring, and apply SMP/E deliveries.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in z/OS systems programming and maintenance.
• Strong Parallel Sysplex expertise and z/OS fundamentals.
• Proficient with JCL, TSO/ISPF and RACF security concepts.
• Experience with SMP/E, z/OSMF and enterprise tooling for fix management.

Responsibilities

• Upgrade, maintain and support the z/OS operating system and ISV products.
• Collaborate with Engineering teams to ensure stable, up‑to‑date systems.
• Manage hardware and logical resources across LPARs, DASD and tape.
• Configure security (RACF) and network connectivity (VTAM, TCP/IP).
• Perform DFSMShsm, FDR/ABR, FlashCopy for backups and restores.
• Analyze RMF/SMF data and monitor performance using dashboards.
• Execute OS/product upgrades with SMP/E and z/OSMF workflows.

Skills

z/OS systems programming

Parallel Sysplex

z/OS

TSO/ISPF

JCL

RACF

Assembler

REXX

SMP/E

z/OSMF

RMF/SMF

DFSMShsm

Tools

SMP/E

z/OSMF

Topaz

IBM tooling

BMC tooling

CA products

Job description

Req ID: 373179

Job Title: z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer (Hybrid: remote + Sheffield)

Overview

NTT DATA are seeking an experienced z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer to work on major projects, in one of the largest z/OS Mainframe environments globally. The role involves upgrading and supporting the z/OS operating system and ISV products, mainly from IBM and Computer Associates (CA).

Responsibilities

• Upgrading, maintaining and supporting the z/OS operating system
• Upgrading, maintaining and supporting ISV products particularly from IBM and Computer Associates (CA)
• Working closely with the other Engineering teams to ensure the systems that are built are stable, available, up to date and running as effectively and efficiently as possible
• Managing hardware and logical resources across LPARs:
  • DASD and tape allocation via HCD/HCM
  • LPAR configuration in HMC
  • Security administration using RACF or equivalent
• Ensuring data integrity and swift recovery:
  • DFSMShsm policies and recall management
  • FDR/ABR for high‑speed backups
  • FlashCopy or virtual tape replication for near‑instant restores
• Optimizing system throughput and response times:
  • RMF and SMF report analysis
  • OMEGAMON or BMC MainView dashboards
  • WLM classification and tuning
• Configuring and supporting mainframe connectivity:
  • VTAM and SNA definitions
  • TCP/IP stack on z/OS
  • OSA adapter and Coupling Facility communication
• Executing OS and product upgrades with industry‑standard utilities:
  • SMP/E for PTF, APAR, and deliverable management
  • z/OSMF workflows for streamlined maintenance
  • Broadcom (e.g., Topaz), IBM, and BMC tooling for fix management and compliance reporting

Qualifications

• Multiple years of z/OS systems programming experience
• Strong Parallel Sysplex skills
• Proficiency with z/OS, TSO/ISPF, USS, SDSF, JCL, RACF
• Experience installing and maintaining IBM and CA products
• Deep mastery of z/OS architecture, including IPL procedures, JES2/JES3 configurations, Sysplex management, SMF data collection, and parmlib customization
• Proficient in writing and debugging system‑level routines and automation:
  • Assembler for exits and control blocks
  • REXX for scripting and batch utilities
  • JCL for job submission, parameterization, and workflow control
• Analytical troubleshooting of abends, storage hangs, and performance anomalies using:
  • Dump analysis with IPCS
  • SLIP and trace tools
  • System logs and console messages
• Ensuring data integrity and swift recovery:
  • DFSMShsm policies and recall management
  • FDR/ABR for high‑speed backups
  • FlashCopy or virtual tape replication for near‑instant restores
• Knowledge of performance monitoring, networking, and mainframe connectivity
• Experience executing OS and product upgrades with industry‑standard utilities:
  • SMP/E for PTF, APAR, and deliverable management
  • z/OSMF workflows for streamlined maintenance
  • Broadcom (e.g., Topaz), IBM, and BMC tooling for fix management and compliance reporting
• Project management and hardware refresh planning, including IPL scheduling, vendor coordination, and change‑control governance
• Ability to produce clear system diagrams, runbooks, and upgrade plans while collaborating with application, storage, networking, and security teams
• Strong documentation and communication skills
• Experience in banking or large installations preferred
• Confident, independent, able to contribute from day one
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a true team player
• Availability for off‑hours support during software changes when required
• Staying current on IBM Redbooks, z/OS release notes, firmware updates, and attending vendor training or industry conferences

Work Setup

Hybrid working: remote + on client site (Sheffield)

Benefits

You will enjoy a comprehensive, locally competitive benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NTT DATA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here. For Pay Transparency information, please click here.