Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Kyndryl Solutions Private Limited; Chennai; Hybrid; INR 450,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Kyndryl is seeking a Senior Mainframe z/OS System Programmer in Chennai to lead and manage end-to-end z/OS system programming. You will work on upgrades, migrations, DR readiness, and performance optimization across large-scale mainframe environments.

You will collaborate with global teams, mentor peers, and contribute to modernization efforts while ensuring security, compliance and adherence to SLAs. This role offers a hybrid work model and exposure to cutting-edge mainframe technologies.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Mainframe z/OS system programming with hands-on installation, configuration and support.
• Hands-on expertise in SYSRES builds, applying PTFs, disaster recovery drills and updating license keys.
• Proficiency in maintenance, upgrades and compatibility checks for z/OS 3.1 and IBM z16 hardware.
• Adept at troubleshooting system failures, abends, performance issues and taking preventive actions.
• Willingness to provide 24/7 on-call support to resolve issues.
• Experience with migration projects as part of mainframe modernization.
• Ability to provide recommendations to optimize system performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage z/OS system programming initiatives.
• Design resilient and scalable mainframe infrastructure.
• Handle upgrades, migrations, and SMP/E maintenance.
• Manage core components: JES, storage, networking.
• Support CICS, DB2, IMS, and MQ subsystems.
• Drive automation, performance, and capacity optimization.
• Resolve critical incidents and perform root cause analysis.
• Ensure security, compliance, and SLA adherence.
• Support disaster recovery and monitoring integration.
• Collaborate with teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Mentor team members and drive modernization efforts.

Skills

Mainframe z/OS

System programming

Disaster recovery drills

On-call support

Migration projects

Tools

Parallel Sysplex

GDPS

IBM z16 hardware

Job description

Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Who We Are At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems that drive advantage for the world’s leading businesses. We are at the heart of progress; with proven expertise and a continuous flow of AI-powered insight, enabling smarter decisions, faster innovation, and a lasting competitive edge. For our people—Kyndryls—that means doing purposeful work that powers human progress. Join us and experience a flexible, supportive environment where your well-being is prioritized and your potential can thrive.

The Role

Your Role As a System Administrator at Kyndryl, you’ll solve complex problems and identify potential future issues across the spectrum of platforms and services. You’ll be at the forefront of new technology and modernization, working with some of our biggest clients–which means some of the biggest in the world. There’s never a typical day as a System Administrator at Kyndryl, because no two projects are alike. You’ll be managing systems data for clients and providing day-to-day solutions and security compliance. You’ll oversee a queue of assignments and work directly with technicians, prioritizing tickets to deliver the best solutions to our clients.

What You Will DO

• Lead and manage z/OS system programming initiatives
• Design resilient and scalable mainframe infrastructure
• Handle upgrades, migrations, and SMP/E maintenance
• Manage core components:JES, storage, networking
• Support CICS, DB2, IMS, and MQ subsystems
• Drive automation, performance, and capacity optimization
• Resolve critical incidents and perform root cause analysis
• Ensure security, compliance, and SLA adherence
• Support disaster recovery and monitoring integration
• Collaborate with teams, vendors, and stakeholders
• Mentor team members and drive modernization efforts

One of the benefits of Kyndryl is that we work with clients in a variety of industries, from banking to retail. Whether you want to broaden your knowledge base or narrow your scope and specialize in a specific sector, you can find your opportunity here. You’ll also get the chance to share your expertise by recommending modernization options, identifying new business opportunities, and cultivating relationships with other teams and stakeholders.

Does the work get challenging at times? Yes! But you’ll collaborate with a diverse group of talented people and gain invaluable management and organizational skills, which will come in handy as you move forward in your career.

Your future at Kyndryl

Every position at Kyndryl offers a way forward to grow your career, from Junior System Administrator to Architect. We have opportunities for Cloud Hyperscalers that you won’t find anywhere else, including hands‑on experience, learning opportunities, and the chance to certify in all four major platforms. One of the benefits of Kyndryl is that we work with clients in a variety of industries, from banking to retail. Whether you want to broaden your knowledge base or narrow your scope and specialize in a specific sector, you can find your opportunity here.

Who You Are

You’re good at what you do and possess the required experience to prove it. However, equally as important – you have a growth mindset; keen to drive your own personal and professional development. You are customer-focused – someone who prioritizes customer success in their work. And finally, you’re open and borderless – naturally inclusive in how you work with others.

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

8+ years of experience in Mainframe z/OS system programming, with extensive hands‑on expertise in z/OS installation, configuration, maintenance, and support. Skills in applying patches, managing third‑party software and ensuring system reliability. Hands‑on expertise in SYSRES builds, applying PTFs, performing disaster recovery drills and updating license keys. Proficiency in product maintenance, upgrades and compatibility checks for z/OS 3.1 and IBM z16 hardware. Adept at troubleshooting any system failures, freeze, job abends and performance issues. Willingness to provide 24/7 on‑call support to resolve any system issues. Experience of working on many migration projects as part of mainframe modernization. Should provide recommendations on optimizing system performance.

Preferred Technical and Professional Experience

Strong expertise in IBM z/OS architecture design and engineering, including knowledge of Parallel Sysplex and GDPS. Experience in mainframe modernization initiatives. Experience of supporting the IBM z16 and IBM z17 mainframe systems. Exposure to mainframe integration with Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud. Any leadership and mentoring experience will be an added plus.

Being You

The “Kyn” in Kyndryl means kinship, which represents the strong bonds we have with each other, our customers and our communities. We focus on ensuring all Kyndryls feel included and we welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in growth, and we’re excited to see what you can bring. At Kyndryl, employee feedback has told us that our number one driver of employee engagement is belonging. That sense of belonging—being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team—is fundamental to our culture and fueling great experiences for our customers. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you the ability to thrive and contribute to our culture of empathy and shared success. That’s The Kyndryl Way.

What You Can Expect

Your career with us isn’t just a job—it’s an adventure with purpose. We offer a dynamic, hybrid‑friendly culture that supports your well‑being and empowers you to grow. Our Be Well programs are thoughtfully designed to support your financial, mental, physical, and social health—because we know that when you feel your best, you do your best. From your very first day, you’ll dive into impactful work that powers the systems our customers rely on every day. You won’t just contribute—you’ll make a difference, tackling meaningful projects that sharpen your skills and fuel your growth. We’re here to champion your journey. With powerful tools to chart your career path, personalized development goals aligned with your ambitions, and continuous feedback to keep you inspired and on track, you’ll have everything you need to thrive and evolve. You’ll develop in‑demand skills to grow your career and achieve your ambitions with access to cutting‑edge learning opportunities—from certifications with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to coaching and hands‑on experiences. And through it all, you’ll be part of a culture that values empathy, restless learning, and a devotion to shared success. We want you to thrive here—and we’re committed to helping you do just that.

Experience Level Senior Level