Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Xaxis Solutions; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Xaxis Solutions in Phoenix, AZ is seeking a seasoned Mainframe DB2 Systems Administrator to manage DB2 for z/OS subsystems in an enterprise environment. You will install, configure, tune performance, and ensure high availability and security.

The role requires 7–12+ years of mainframe experience and 3–5+ years in DB2 administration, with expertise in ZPARMs, buffer pools, logs, catalogs, and DR planning. Onsite 3 days a week in Phoenix; relocation considered.

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years of mainframe experience.
• 3–5+ years in DB2 Systems Programming / Administration.
• Experience with IBM DB2 for z/OS and replication products (Qrep, SQLrep and CDC).
• Deep knowledge of ZPARMs and subsystem configuration; buffers, logs, BSDS, catalog/directory.
• Strong troubleshooting for system-level DB2 issues and performance/connectivity.
• Proficiency in JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF; SMP/E preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain DB2 for z/OS subsystems.
• Perform version upgrades, patching (PTFs/APARs), and system maintenance.
• Manage subsystem configuration and initialization parameters.
• Maintain core DB2 components: ZPARMs, buffers, logs/BSDS, catalog/directory.
• Monitor and tune system-level performance; optimize buffers and locking.
• Support DB2 Data Sharing environments; DR strategies and failover.
• Analyze dumps/logs/abends; troubleshoot connectivity; RCA.

Skills

DB2 for z/OS

ZPARMs

Buffer pools

Logs/BSDS

Catalog/Directory

JCL

TSO/ISPF

CICS

IMS

MQ

Replication (Qrep/SQLrep/CDC)

Dumps/abends troubleshooting

System performance tuning

DB2 Data Sharing/DR

Tools

SMP/E

Job description

Location: Phoenix, AZ; Plano, TX & Charlotte, NC

Exp – 10+ Mandate

The Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe DB2 Systems Administrator to manage and support DB2 for z/OS subsystems in a mission-critical enterprise environment. This role is responsible for installation, configuration, performance tuning, and overall health of DB2 subsystems, ensuring high availability, security, and optimal performance.

* This role requires employees to live in or around the Phoenix, AZ area. You will be responsible to be onsite 3 days a week. We will consider candidates who are willing to relocate to the area.

Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and maintain DB2 for z/OS subsystems
• Perform version upgrades, patching (PTFs/APARs), and system maintenance
• Manage subsystem configuration and initialization parameters
• Maintain core DB2 components:
• ZPARMs (DSNZPARM)
• Buffer pools
• Logs and BSDS
• Catalog and directory

Performance & Capacity Management

• Monitor and tune DB2 system-level performance (CPU, memory, I/O)
• Optimize:
• Buffer pools
• Locking and concurrency
• Thread and connection performance
• Support capacity planning and performance analysis using DB2 and system tools

High Availability & Data Sharing

• Manage and support:
• DB2 Data Sharing environments (Sysplex)
• Coupling Facility integration
• Workload balancing and failover
• Ensure DB2 availability and resilience through DR strategies

System Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Analyze and resolve:
• Dumps, logs, and abends
• Connectivity issues affecting DB2 operations
• Perform root cause analysis and implement preventive actions
• Support interaction with:
• Batch (JCL)
• CICS
• IMS
• MQ and distributed systems

Required Qualifications:

• 7–12+ years of mainframe experience
• 3–5+ years in DB2 Systems Programming / Administration
• Experience with IBM DB2 for z/OS and Replication products (Qrep, SQLrep and CDC) - software installation, version upgrades and maintenance, certification testing, documentation of operational procedures, disaster recovery testing
• Deep knowledge of:
• ZPARMs and subsystem configuration
• Buffer pools, logs, BSDS, catalog/directory
• Strong troubleshooting skills for:
• System-level DB2 issues
• Performance and connectivity problems
• Proficiency in:
• JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF
• SMP/E (preferred)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with:
• DB2 utilities and performance tools
• Monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, MainView)
• Knowledge of:
• DevOps tools for mainframe (Endevor, ISPW, etc.)
• Exposure to:
• Cloud integration or hybrid architectures
• Experience with:
• Large-scale DB2 upgrades or migrations
• Performance optimization initiatives
• Knowledge of:
• Modernization tools (z/OS Connect, APIs)
• Experience with software support for BMC for DB2 Tools, IBM z/OS Connect, Software AG ADABAS and Natural products
• Programming experience with REXX
• Working knowledge of SQL, JIRA, SMP/E, RACF, TCP/IP, Network certificates, Splunk
• Working knowledge of other Mainframe Subsystems (CICS, IMS, MQ)