Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Kyndryl; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Kyndryl is seeking a skilled Mainframe DB2 Systems Administrator to manage DB2 for z/OS subsystems in a mission-critical enterprise environment. This role covers installation, configuration, performance tuning, and ensuring high availability and security of DB2 systems.

The onsite position requires working 3 days a week in Phoenix, AZ, collaborating with cross-functional teams and leveraging DB2 utilities, monitoring tools, and DevOps for mainframe workflows.

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, buffer pools, logs, BSDS, catalog/directory.
• Strong troubleshooting for system-level DB2 issues and connectivity problems.
• Proficiency in JCL, TSO/ISPF, 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, Buffer pools, Logs, BSDS, Catalog and directory.
• Monitor and tune DB2 system-level performance (CPU, memory, I/O).
• Optimize buffer pools, locking, concurrency, thread and connection performance.
• Manage DB2 Data Sharing environments (Sysplex) and DR strategies.
• Analyze and resolve dumps, logs, abends; support interaction with Batch, CICS, IMS, MQ.

Skills

Mainframe experience

Troubleshooting

Performance tuning

Security

DevOps for mainframe

SQL

Tools

DB2 for z/OS

JCL

TSO/ISPF

SMP/E

CICS

IMS

RACF

SPLUNK

Endevor

ISPW

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

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.

Location

We are looking for team members who can join us onsite 3 days a week at one of our core locations: Phoenix, AZ, Dallas/Houston, TX, Charlotte, NC, or the New Jersey area. If you already live nearby—or are excited about the prospect of relocating to one of these vibrant regions, we welcome your interest.

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

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)

Who You Are 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)

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• We invest heavily in you, we want you to succeed so that together, we will all succeed.

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.

Health & Safety

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.

Join Us

At Kyndryl, we achieve progress the world depends on, with purpose. Beginning with the purpose that matters to you. Because here, you will be part of a culture designed with purpose. One that is restless, empathetic and devoted. Where we are committed to sustainable progress for our customers and supporting the communities where we work and live. 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.

We’re glad you’re here.