Database Administrator

Aquent; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is assisting a leading enterprise client in Hartford, CT, recruiting a Sr Mainframe Database Systems Engineer to secure and optimize Db2 for z/OS environments across production and non-production systems.

You will steer migrations, tuning, and security integration, while mentoring DBAs and coordinating with vendors to ensure peak reliability and performance in a hybrid cloud setting.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on Db2 for z/OS systems programming.
• Strong knowledge of SMP/E, z/OS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF/IOF, and REXX.
• Experience with subsystem-level problem determination and vendor collaboration.
• Experience configuring and tuning Db2 subsystems, including DSNZPARMs, buffers, and memory.

Responsibilities

• Lead installation, configuration, and ongoing health of Db2 subsystems across production and non-production environments.
• Plan and apply maintenance (PTFs, RSU, HIPER) for IBM, BMC, and Broadcom tools.
• Manage Db2 connectivity (DDF/DRDA, TCP/IP, TLS) and security integration.
• Drive subsystem-level tuning, DR exercises, and disaster recovery procedures.
• Mentor DBAs and managed service teams; develop runbooks and documentation.

Skills

Db2 for z/OS

SMP/E knowledge

JCL

TSO/ISPF

REXX scripting

Security principles

Leadership

Vendor collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS

Tools

IBM Db2 tools

Db2 Connect/IMS tools

QMF/SQL Tuning Services

Job description

A leading enterprise organization, partnered with Aquent, is seeking visionary talent to join their team. This organization is at the forefront of leveraging robust technology to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions within a dynamic industry. They value technical excellence, strategic thinking, and a collaborative spirit, offering a challenging yet rewarding environment where your contributions directly impact critical systems and operations.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Sr Mainframe Database Systems Engineer to become a pivotal member of our client’s team! In this role, you will be instrumental in ensuring the stability, performance, and strategic evolution of critical mainframe database infrastructure. Your expertise will directly influence the backbone of the organization’s data operations, driving efficiency, innovation, and reliability across essential services. You will lead crucial initiatives, mentor team members, and shape the future of their database systems in a hybrid cloud environment, making a profound impact on foundational technology that supports enterprise-wide success.

Responsibilities

• Lead the installation, configuration, maintenance, health, and availability of all Db2 subsystems across production and non-production environments.
• Plan and apply software maintenance, including PTFs, RSU, and HIPER service, for IBM, BMC, and Broadcom tools, ensuring compliance with enterprise schedules.
• Spearhead Db2 version migrations and function level activations from planning and testing through implementation and fallback strategies.
• Own and optimize subsystem configuration and tuning, including Db2 parameters (DSNZPARMs), buffer pools, memory, EDM pools, active/archive logs, BSDS, IRLM, WLM application environments, RRS, and IMS DBRC, HALDB, and ACB management.
• Lead subsystem-level problem determination and recovery, encompassing restart procedures, log/BSDS issues, storage constraints, and dump analysis, managing interactions with software vendors.
• Manage Db2 connectivity and security, including DDF/DRDA, TCP/IP, certificates, TLS, and integration with security systems, partnering with relevant infrastructure teams.
• Contribute to monitoring subsystem performance and capacity utilizing SMF data and specialized tools.
• Own subsystem-level disaster recovery and business continuity procedures, participating in DR exercises and providing necessary audit and compliance evidence.
• Provide critical technical direction and oversight to managed service partners for routine operations, reviewing plans, approving changes, and validating results.
• Mentor Database Administrators and managed service resources, fostering knowledge growth and creating comprehensive runbooks and documentation.
• Maintain a product currency calendar, tracking versions, end-of-support dates, and dependencies for mainframe database software to advise leadership on upgrade strategies and risks.
• Drive automation of systems programming tasks using scripting languages like REXX and JCL, embracing modern tooling and AI-assisted development.
• Support distributed Db2 components that connect to the mainframe, such as Db2 Connect, Data Server Client, and Db2 gateway, as part of modernization efforts.

What You’ll Bring (Must-Have Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a related STEM field, or equivalent practical work experience.
• 8 or more years of hands‑on Db2 for z/OS systems programming experience, including expertise in installation, maintenance, and version migration.
• Strong working knowledge of SMP/E, z/OS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF/IOF, and REXX.
• Demonstrated experience with subsystem-level problem determination and recovery, including effective collaboration with vendor support.
• Proven experience in configuring and tuning Db2 subsystems, specifically DSNZPARMs, buffer pools, logging, and memory management.
• Working knowledge of security principles as they apply to Db2 and IMS environments.
• Willingness to work weekends, overnights, and holidays occasionally for maintenance windows and critical production issues.
• Ability to provide advanced support as needed to on‑call rotation participants.

What Will Set You Apart (Nice-to-Have Qualifications)

• Comprehensive IMS systems programming experience, including DB/DC, DBRC, HALDB, managed ACBs, and the IMS catalog.
• Experience with Db2 data sharing, Parallel Sysplex, and coupling facility environments.
• Familiarity with BMC AMI and Broadcom (CA) tools such as File Master, as well as IBM tools like Db2 SQL Tuning Services and QMF.
• Experience with Informatica PowerExchange listeners on z/OS.
• Knowledge of Db2 LUW and distributed Db2 connectivity.
• 3 or more years of experience as a technical lead, ideally including oversight of vendor or managed service teams.
• Practical experience planning and executing Disaster Recovery exercises for Db2 and IMS.
• IBM Db2 for z/OS certification.
• Exceptional communication skills, able to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated intermediate leadership skills, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment for engineering teams.
• Strong strategic and business acumen, with intermediate delivery skills in timeline estimation, architectural contribution, and solution-focused problem-solving.
• A proactive and persistent problem‑solver, capable of breaking down large challenges into manageable components and building robust, long‑term database solutions.