Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

1000 Kyndryl, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Kyndryl, Inc. seeks a highly skilled Mainframe DB2 Systems Administrator to manage DB2 for z/OS subsystems in a mission-critical enterprise environment. You will install, configure, tune performance, and ensure high availability, security and optimal operation.

Onsite 3 days a week at Phoenix, AZ or other core locations, supporting DB2 Data Sharing, DR readiness, and enterprise-scale workloads. The role requires 7–12+ years of mainframe experience and deep DB2 knowledge, with strong

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, buffers, logs, BSDS and catalog/directory.
• Strong troubleshooting for system‑level DB2 issues.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain DB2 for z/OS subsystems.
• Perform upgrades, patching, and system maintenance.
• Manage subsystem configuration and initialization parameters.
• Monitor and tune DB2 performance (CPU, memory, I/O).
• Support Data Sharing environments and DR strategies.
• Troubleshoot DB2, batch, CICS IMS MQ connectivity.

Skills

Mainframe DB2

DB2 for z/OS

JCL/TSOISPF

System performance tuning

DR/BCDR planning

Tools

Qrep

SQLrep

CDC

SMP/E

OMEGAMON/MainView

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.

About 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.

Onsite 3 days a week at one of our core locations: Phoenix, AZ, Dallas/Houston, TX, Charlotte, NC, or the New Jersey area.

Responsibilities

DB2 Installation & Configuration

• 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: Subsystem failures 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)

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.

What You Can Expect With state-of-the-art resources and Fortune 100 clients, every day is an opportunity to innovate, build new capabilities, new relationships, new processes, and new value. 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.

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.

All of you is what we want. And what we need. Join us, and together, we can advance the vital systems that power human progress.