Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Experis Technology Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Health Savings Account

401(k) match

Weekly pay

Job summary

ManpowerGroup, recruiting for a Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer, seeks an expert to install, configure, and maintain DB2 for z/OS. You will tune performance, manage ZPARMs, buffers, and catalogs, and support Sysplex data sharing, with strong troubleshooting across teams.

The role requires 7–12+ years in mainframe, 3–5+ years in DB2 systems programming, and a hybrid work setup across US sites. Prior replication product experience is highly valued.

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years of mainframe experience.
• 3–5+ years of DB2 Systems Programming / Administration.
• Experience with IBM DB2 for z/OS and replication products (Qrep, SQLrep, CDC).
• Deep knowledge of ZPARMs and subsystem configuration; include buffer pools and catalogs.
• Proficiency in JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF; SMP/E preferred; strong troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain DB2 for z/OS subsystems and patches.
• Own subsystem configuration including ZPARMs, buffer pools, logs, BSDS, and catalogs.
• Monitor and tune system performance; optimize concurrency and I/O.
• Support data sharing, including Sysplex and Coupling Facility integration.
• Analyze outages via dumps/logs and implement preventive actions.

Skills

Mainframe experience

DB2 for z/OS

ZPARMs knowledge

JCL & TSO/ISPF

SMP/E (preferred)

DB2 performance tuning

Disaster recovery testing

Tools

Qrep

SQLrep

CDC

Job description

Our client, is seeking a Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer to join their team. As a Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer, you will be part of the [Department Name] supporting [Team Name(s)]. The ideal candidate will have strong troubleshooting skills, a drive for continuous performance improvement, and the ability to collaborate across technical teams to keep mission-critical systems running reliably.

Job Title:Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Location: Hybrid, Plano, TX, Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Pennington, NJ, Chicago, IL (3x a week on site at one of these sites)

Contract on W2

What's the Job?

• Install, configure, and maintain DB2 for z/OS subsystems, including version upgrades, patching (PTFs/APARs), and ongoing system maintenance.


• Own subsystem configuration and initialization parameters, including core DB2 components such as ZPARMs (DSNZPARM), buffer pools, logs, BSDS, and catalog/directory.


• Monitor and tune DB2 system-level performance (CPU, memory, I/O) and optimize buffer pools, locking, concurrency, and thread/connection performance.


• Support high availability and data sharing, including DB2 Data Sharing environments (Sysplex), Coupling Facility integration, workload balancing, and failover.


• Analyze and resolve subsystem failures by investigating dumps, logs, abends, and connectivity issues; perform root cause analysis and implement preventive actions.

What's Needed?

• 7–12+ years of mainframe experience.


• 3–5+ years of DB2 Systems Programming / Administration experience.


• Experience with IBM DB2 for z/OS and replication products (Qrep, SQLrep, CDC), including software installation, version upgrades, maintenance, certification testing, documentation of operational procedures, and disaster recovery testing.


• Deep knowledge of ZPARMs and subsystem configuration, plus strong understanding of buffer pools, logs, BSDS, and catalog/directory.


• Proficiency in JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, and (preferred) SMP/E; strong troubleshooting skills for system-level DB2 issues, performance, and connectivity problems.

What's in it for me?

• Work on a mission-critical DB2 environment where your expertise directly supports availability, resilience, and performance.


• Build confidence through hands-on ownership of installation, configuration, tuning, and operational troubleshooting.


• Strengthen your impact by supporting high availability, data sharing, and disaster recovery readiness.


• Collaborate with teams across batch (JCL), CICs, IMS, IMQ, and distributed systems to keep end-to-end operations smooth.


• Grow your technical depth through root cause analysis, preventive improvements, and continuous performance optimization.

Upon completion of waiting period consultants are eligible for:

• Medical and Prescription Drug Plans


• Dental Plan


• Vision Plan


• Health Savings Account


• Health Flexible Spending Account


• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account


• Supplemental Life Insurance


• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance


• Business Travel Insurance


• 401(k), Plus Match


• Weekly Pay

About ManpowerGroup, Parent Company of: Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells.

ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells – creates substantial value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2023 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 14th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.