Mainframe z/OS System Programmer Senior SME

5100 Kyndryl Solutions Private Limited; Karnataka; Hybrid; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Kyndryl India is seeking a seasoned Mainframe z/OS System Programmer Senior SME to lead installation, configuration and upgrades of IBM z/OS environments. You will manage PM/patch cycles, perform DR drills, and ensure system reliability across multiple clients with 24/7 on‑call support.

You will mentor junior programmers, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and drive modernization initiatives in complex mainframe setups.

Qualifications

• Around 15 to 20 years of mainframe experience with strong core z/OS programming skills.
• Experience applying patches and maintaining third‑party software to ensure reliability.
• Hands‑on expertise in SYSRES builds, applying PTFs, disaster recovery drills, and license key updates.
• Proficiency in z/OS maintenance, upgrades, and compatibility checks for newer versions and hardware.
• Able to troubleshoot system failures, abends, and performance issues and provide 24/7 on‑call support.

Responsibilities

• Lead installation, configuration, maintenance, and upgrades of IBM z/OS operating systems.
• Manage software maintenance activities (SMP/E, PTFs, APARs) and system migrations.
• Administer core z/OS subsystems (JES2, TSO/E, ISPF, SDSF, RACF, USS, VTAM, TCP/IP, WLM, RMF, SMF).
• Monitor and optimize system performance, availability, capacity and reliability.
• Lead incident management and coordinate with IBM and vendors for critical issues.

Skills

Mainframe z/OS

System Programmer

On-call support

Disaster recovery

Migrations

Patches & SMP/E

JES2

TCP/IP

RACF

Tools

SMP/E

PTFs

JES2

ISPF & SDSF

RMF

RDG/ GDPS

Job description

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

As a Mainframe z/OS System Programmer Senior SME 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. 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the installation, configuration, maintenance, and upgrade of IBM z/OS operating systems.
• Manage software maintenance activities, including SMP/E, PTFs, APARs, and system migrations.
• Administer core z/OS subsystems such as JES2, TSO/E, ISPF, SDSF, RACF, USS, VTAM, TCP/IP, WLM, RMF, and SMF.
• Monitor and optimize system performance, availability, capacity, and reliability.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues, job abends, and performance bottlenecks, performing root cause analysis and resolution.
• Lead critical incident management and coordinate with IBM and third-party vendors for complex technical issues.
• Drive infrastructure upgrades, change management activities, and platform modernization initiatives.
• Design, implement, and test disaster recovery and high-availability solutions, including GDPS environments.
• Manage network and security-related infrastructure components such as TCP/IP, VTAM, Communication Server, and encryption services.
• Develop and maintain operational documentation, standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to junior system programmers and support teams.

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 the 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

• Around 15 to 20 years of experience in mainframe with strong core z/OS programming skills having extensive hands‑on experience in z/OS installation, configuration and maintenance.
• 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 oncall 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

• Experience in z/OSMF administration.
• Experience in mainframe modernization initiatives.
• Experience of supporting the IBM z16 and IBM z17 mainframe systems.
• 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.

What You Can Expect

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.

We offer a dynamic, hybrid-friendly culture that supports your well-being and empowers you to grow.

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.

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.

The Kyndryl Way

At Kyndryl, we achieve progress the world depends on, with purpose. Beginning with the purpose that matters to you. Because here, you will be part of a culture designed with purpose. One that is restless, empathetic and devoted. Where we are committed to sustainable progress for our customers and supporting the communities where we work and live. All of you is what we want. And what we need.