Mainframe CICS Engineer

Ampcus, Inc; Remote; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology and business consulting firm is seeking a Mainframe CICS Engineer for a remote position in Chicago, IL. The role entails engineering, maintaining, and supporting CICS environments, performing system software maintenance, and optimizing performance. Strong knowledge of CICS, COBOL, and problem-solving skills are essential. Ideal for candidates with hands-on experience in a complex mainframe setting. Competitive compensation and flexible working arrangements are provided.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience as a CICS Systems Programmer.
• Expertise in CICS TS in a Sysplex and CICSPlex environment.
• Strong problem determination and dump analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Engineer, maintain, and support CICS regions in large Sysplex.
• Perform CICS system and software maintenance.
• Analyze CICS performance and optimize throughput.

Skills

CICS Systems Programmer

CICS TS

CICS performance tuning

CICS monitoring tools

COBOL

IBM WebSphere MQ

problem determination

dump analysis

communication skills

Tools

CICS Performance Analyzer

CICS Configuration Manager

z/OS Explorer

CICS Explorer

Job description

Overview

Ampcus Inc. is a certified global provider of a broad range of Technology and Business consulting services. We are in search of a highly motivated candidate to join our talented Team.

Job Title: Mainframe CICS Engineer

Location(s): Chicago, IL (Remote)

Role Overview

The Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer is responsible for end-to-end CICS engineering, system software maintenance, and operational support within a large, highly available mainframe environment. This role requires deep technical expertise in CICS performance, tuning, monitoring, and problem determination, along with strong collaboration skills to work with application development and operations teams. On-call support outside standard business hours is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Engineer, maintain, and support CICS regions in a large Sysplex and CICSPlex environment.
• Perform CICS system and software maintenance, including upgrades using SMP/E.
• Analyze CICS performance, tuning parameters, and resource definitions to optimize throughput and availability.
• Perform problem determination, dump analysis, and debugging for CICS-related issues.
• Monitor and analyze CICS SMF data using CICS Performance Analyzer.
• Implement and customize CICSPlex SM, including dynamic transaction routing.
• Provide operational support and on-call coverage for production CICS environments.
• Collaborate closely with application developers and operations teams.
• Support application teams with COBOL-level troubleshooting as needed.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong hands-on experience as a CICS Systems Programmer.
• Expertise in CICS TS in a Sysplex and CICSPlex environment.
• In-depth knowledge of:
  • CICS performance tuning parameters.
  • CICS resource definitions impacting performance.
  • CICS SMF record structures.
  • CICS Performance Analyzer.
• Experience with CICSPlex SM implementation and customization.
• Proficiency with CICS monitoring tools (e.g., Sysview for CICS).
• Strong problem determination and dump analysis skills.
• Working knowledge of COBOL to support application teams.
• Experience with IBM WebSphere MQ on z/OS.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desired / Nice-to-Have Skills

• Assembler, COBOL, and REXX coding.
• Knowledge of and experience with CICS Exits.
• Web application support in CICS TS v5.x and/or v6.x.
• Understanding of z/OS facilities, including:
  • APF
  • Linklist
  • VSAM
  • LPA
  • RLS
  • Coupling Facility
• Experience using CICS Configuration Manager.
• Working knowledge of z/OS Explorer and CICS Explorer.
• Understanding of CICS REST Services.
• Prior CICS application programming experience.

Ampcus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veterans or individuals with disabilities.