IMS system programmer

1000 Kyndryl, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Kyndryl, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Mainframe IMS System Programmer to support IBM z/OS IMS environments in a banking or financial services setting.

You will ensure stability, availability, performance, and security of IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems. Responsibilities include installing, configuring, and maintaining IMS components, upgrades, and patching; managing DBDs/PSBs/ACBs; tuning buffers; monitoring performance; and disaster recovery testing.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience with IBM z/OS operating system.
• Hands-on experience with IMS DB and IMS TM administration.
• Deep knowledge of DBD/PSB/ACB management, IMS control regions, and transaction processing.
• Experience with IMS utilities, backup/recovery, and DR strategies.
• Strong troubleshooting skills (dump/log/abend analysis).
• Experience integrating IMS with DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systems.
• Familiarity with RACF security controls for IMS environments.
• Experience with SMP/E, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF.
• Understanding of Sysplex and high availability architectures.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems on IBM z/OS.
• Perform version upgrades, maintenance, and patching for currency and stability.
• Manage IMS definitions: DBDs, PSBs, ACB libraries, and control regions.
• Tune buffers, parameters, and system resources for performance.
• Monitor IMS performance and resolve bottlenecks.
• Troubleshoot via logs, dumps, abends, and DB errors.
• Support IMS utilities, backup/recovery, and DR testing.
• Ensure integration with z/OS, DB2, MQ, CICS, TCP/IP, and Sysplex.

Skills

IMS Systems

Troubleshooting

System tuning

ITIL/ServiceNow

Security controls (RACF)

DB2/CICS/MQ integration

JCL/TSO/ISPF

Tools

IMS DB

IMS TM

z/OS

SMP/E

RMF

OMEGAMON/MainView

z/OSMF

Job description

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we design, build, manage and modernize the mission-critical technology systems that the world depends on every day. So why work at Kyndryl? We are always moving forward – always pushing ourselves to go further in our efforts to build a more equitable, inclusive world for our employees, our customers and our communities.

The Role

Mainframe IMS System Programmer: We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe IMS System Programmer to support and manage IBM z/OS IMS environments. The role is responsible for ensuring the stability, availability, performance, and security of IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems in a mission-critical banking or financial services environment.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems on IBM z/OS
• Perform version upgrades, maintenance, and patching to ensure system currency and stability
• Manage and maintain IMS system definitions, including DBDs, PSBs, ACB libraries, and control regions
• Configure and tune buffer pools, parameters, and system resources to optimize performance
• Monitor IMS database and transaction performance, proactively identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks
• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues by analyzing logs, dumps, abends, and database errors
• Support IMS utilities, backup/recovery processes, and disaster recovery testing
• Ensure seamless integration with z/OS, DB2, MQ, CICS, TCP/IP, and Sysplex environments
• Implement and follow ITIL/ServiceNow change management processes for all system updates
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and system configurations

Benefits

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.

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.

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.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience with IBM z/OS operating system
• Hands-on experience with IMS DB and IMS TM administration
• Deep knowledge of: DBD/PSB/ACB management IMS control regions and transaction processing Buffer pool tuning and performance optimization
• Experience with IMS utilities, backup/recovery, and DR strategies
• Strong troubleshooting skills (dump analysis, log analysis, abend resolution)
• Experience integrating IMS with: DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systems
• Familiarity with RACF security controls for IMS environments
• Experience with SMP/E, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF
• Understanding of Sysplex and high availability architectures

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to IMS modernization or API enablement (z/OS Connect, REST integration)
• Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., OMEGAMON, MainView, RMF)
• Knowledge of automation tools (REXX, Ansible, z/OSMF workflows)
• Experience with DB control, TCPIP, ZOS Connect, Assembler routines.
• Skill and experience with IMS Routines & Exit Routines will be a big plus.

Diversity

Being You Diversity is a whole lot more than what we look like or where we come from, it’s how we think and who we are. We welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. But we’re not doing it single-handily: Our Kyndryl Inclusion Networks are only one of many ways we create a workplace where all Kyndryls can find and provide support and advice. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you – and everyone next to you – the ability to bring your whole self to work, individually and collectively, and support the activation of our equitable culture. That’s the Kyndryl Way.

Eligibility & COVID-19 Policy

Kyndryl currently does not require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, however, if you are hired to work at a client, customer, or partner location, you may be required to show proof of vaccination to align with their respective COVID-19 vaccination policies. Those who believe they are eligible may apply for a medical or religious accommodation prior to the start of employment.

Learning and Philanthropy

Kyndryl cares about your well-being and prides itself on offering benefits that give you choice, reflect the diversity of our employees and support you and your family through the moments that matter – wherever you are in your life journey.

Our employee learning programs give you access to the best learning in the industry to receive certifications, including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Skillsoft, and many more.

Through our company-wide volunteering and giving platform, you can donate, start fundraisers, volunteer, and search over 2 million non-profit organizations.

At Kyndryl, we invest heavily in you, we want you to succeed so that together, we will all succeed.