Mainframe IMS Engineer / IMS System Programmer

BCforward; Indianapolis (IN); Remote; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Part time

Job summary

BCforward is seeking an experienced Mainframe IMS Engineer to join our team as an IMS System Programmer. The role focuses on administration and optimization of IMS DB and IMS TM in enterprise environments, including DR planning and high-availability configurations.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams across z/OS, CICS, MQ, and related technologies. The ideal candidate will have 10-18+ years of IMS infrastructure experience, strong problem-solving skills, and a track record of

Qualifications

• 10-18+ years IMS infrastructure and database engineering experience.
• Strong experience with IBM IMS DB and IMS TM administration and operations.
• Hands-on with IMS SYSGEN, DBD, PSB, ACB, DBRC, and IMS Connect.
• Strong knowledge of z/OS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, JES2, SDSF, and SMP/E.
• Experience in IMS backup, recovery, database reorganization, and performance tuning.
• Exposure to sysplex and data-sharing environments.
• Experience with upgrades, migrations, DR testing, and major incident resolution.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain IMS DB and IMS TM across development, test, DR, and production.
• Manage control regions, MPRs, BMPs, and database resources, including startup, shutdown, and restarts.
• Install, configure, customize, and maintain IMS with SMP/E, including PTFs and upgrades.
• Perform IMS SYSGEN and subsystem configuration changes; support modernization and migration.
• Manage IMS databases and related artifacts (DBD/PSB/ACB) including backups and RESTOREs.
• Monitor and tune IMS performance, including CPU, storage, and I/O.
• Design and implement backup/recovery strategies and DR exercises to meet RTO/RPO.
• Provide L2/L3 support, diagnose issues, and drive root cause analysis.

Skills

IMS DB/IMS TM

IMS SYSGEN/PSB/DBRC

z/OS stack

IMS performance tuning

Sysplex experience

IMS upgrades/migrations

10+ years IMS

Tools

SMP/E

IMS Connect

DB2 integration

REXX scripting

Job description

Job Title: Mainframe IMS Engineer / IMS System Programmer

Location: Remote

Duration: Contract - 12 months

Pay Range: $65/hr. -$76/hr. W-2

Job ID: 411415

About BCforward

BCforward is a leading global IT consulting and workforce solutions firm providing services and support to Fortune 500 and government clients. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers needs into a full-service business solutions provider. With delivery centers and offices across North America and India, we take pride in building long-term relationships and delivering excellence through innovation, collaboration, and integrity.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe IMS Engineer / IMS System Programmer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in IBM IMS Database and Transaction Manager administration, installation, maintenance, and performance engineering, and a proven ability to ensure availability, reliability, security, and recoverability for mission-critical IMS environments.

Responsibilities:

• Administer and maintain IMS DB and IMS TM across development, test, DR, and production.
• Manage control regions, MPRs, BMPs, and database resources, including startup, shutdown, and restarts.
• Install, configure, customize, and maintain IMS with SMP/E, including PTFs, fixes, and upgrades.
• Perform IMS SYSGEN and subsystem configuration changes; support modernization and migration.
• Manage IMS databases (Full Function, HALDB, Fast Path/DEDB, HIDAM, HDAM, HISAM, HSAM) and maintain DBDs, PSBs, and ACBs.
• Execute reorganization, recovery, optimization, and capacity planning activities; monitor growth and storage.
• Monitor and tune transaction and database performance, including CPU, response time, storage, and throughput.
• Design and support backup and recovery strategies, including image copies, DBRC, restart, and DR exercises to meet RTO/RPO.
• Provide L2/L3 support, diagnose subsystem and transaction issues, analyze dumps/logs/abends, and drive root cause and prevention.
• Support integration with DB2, CICS, MQ, z/OS, RACF, VTAM/TCP-IP, and IMS Connect; coordinate cross-team efforts.
• Participate in CAB reviews, releases, deployments, and ensure compliance with change governance; maintain documentation.
• Liaise with IBM and vendors; collaborate with z/OS, CICS, DB2, MQ, Storage, Security, and Application teams; provide technical guidance.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong experience with IBM IMS DB and IMS TM administration and operations.
• Hands-on with IMS SYSGEN, DBD, PSB, ACB, DBRC, and IMS Connect.
• Strong knowledge of z/OS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, JES2, SDSF, and SMP/E.
• Experience in IMS backup, recovery, database reorganization, and performance tuning.
• Exposure to sysplex and data-sharing environments.
• Experience level: 10-18+ years in IMS infrastructure and database engineering, including upgrades, migrations, DR testing, and major incident resolution.

Preferred Skills:

• IMS Parallel Sysplex and Shared Queues.
• IMS Connect and API integration; IMS monitoring and performance tools.
• Knowledge of DB2, CICS, MQ, RACF security, and REXX or automation scripting.
• ITIL and change management governance in 24x7 enterprise environments.

Why BCforward?

At BCforward, we believe in advancing lives and careers. When you join our team, you gain access to:

• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Opportunities for growth with global clients.
• A supportive, inclusive culture that values innovation and people.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and projects.

About Our Commitment

BCforward is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.