Mainframe IMS Solution Architect

Compunnel, Inc.; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology solutions firm is seeking a highly experienced Mainframe IMS Solution Architect with over 15 years of expertise in IMS systems architecture. The ideal candidate will lead IMS solution design, upgrades, and maintenance while ensuring system reliability and performance optimization. Strong programming skills in COBOL, Assembler, and REXX are essential. This role offers the opportunity to work with advanced enterprise systems in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in IMS architecture and administration.
• Strong knowledge of z/OS, SMP/E, JES2, JCL, and related utilities.
• Hands-on experience with performance tuning and disaster recovery strategies.

Responsibilities

• Install, upgrade, maintain, and customize IMS products.
• Manage and support related software products.
• Plan, test, and implement IMS software upgrades.
• Monitor IMS transaction and database performance.

Skills

IMS architecture

IMS/TM

IMS/DB

COBOL

Assembler

REXX

Troubleshooting

Performance tuning

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced Mainframe IMS Solution Architect with 15+ years of expertise in IMS systems architecture, installation, configuration, and performance optimization.

The ideal candidate will possess deep technical knowledge of IMS/TM and IMS/DB subsystems, integration with enterprise systems, and advanced troubleshooting skills.

This role involves leading IMS solution design, upgrades, and maintenance while ensuring system reliability, scalability, and compliance with best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, upgrade, maintain, and customize IMS products, including applying usermods.
• Manage and support related software products.
• Configure CICS and establish subsystem connectivity.
• Plan, test, and implement IMS software upgrades, RSUs, and feature enhancements.
• Design and maintain IMS/TM and IMS/DB subsystems, message processing regions, and Sysplex integration.
• Define and maintain IMS databases using DBDs and PSBs; execute DL/I utilities.
• Develop IMS applications in COBOL, write exits in Assembler, and automate tasks using REXX.
• Install, configure, and patch IMS regions; manage control blocks; deploy via SMP/E or z/OSMF; manage SYSGEN and connectivity for MQ, CICS, and DB2.
• Monitor IMS transaction and database performance; optimize buffer pools, logging, and threading.
• Diagnose transaction failures, database lock contention, and communication errors using trace tools and dumps.
• Implement IMS restart strategies and integrate with DFSMShsm for log retention and recovery.
• Connect IMS with CICS, DB2, MQ, and web services using IMS Connect or GATEWAY.
• Create runbooks, architecture diagrams, and change‑control records; coordinate with developers and operations teams.
• Stay current with IBM Redbooks, IMS enhancements, and industry best practices.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in IMS architecture and administration.
• Expertise in IMS/TM, IMS/DB, and integration with enterprise systems.
• Strong knowledge of z/OS, SMP/E, JES2, JCL, and related utilities.
• Proficiency in COBOL, Assembler, and REXX programming.
• Hands‑on experience with performance tuning, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Familiarity with MQ, CICS, DB2, and LU6.2/NJE connectivity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with microservices integration and middleware.
• Familiarity with automation tools and scripting for mainframe environments.