Mainframe IMS System Programmer

Pomeroy; Chandler (AZ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Pomeroy seeks a seasoned Mainframe IMS System Programmer to manage IBM z/OS IMS environments for a critical banking/financial services client. You will ensure IMS DB/IMS TM stability, performance, and security while maintaining system definitions and DR readiness.

Role involves on-site presence 3 days per week and potential relocation to the area. Strong expertise in IMS, z/OS, and related tooling is required to support complex enterprise workloads.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience with IBM z/OS operating system.
• Hands-on experience with IMS DB and IMS TM administration.
• Deep knowledge of DBD/PSB/ACB management.
• IMS control regions and transaction processing.
• Buffer pool tuning and performance optimization.
• Experience with IMS utilities, backup/recovery, and DR strategies.
• Strong troubleshooting skills (dump analysis, log analysis, abend resolution).
• Experience integrating IMS with DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systems.
• Familiarity with RACF security controls for IMS environments.
• Experience with SMP/E, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF.
• Understanding of Sysplex and high availability architectures.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems on IBM z/OS.
• Perform version upgrades, maintenance, and patching to ensure currency and stability.
• Maintain IMS system definitions, including DBDs, PSBs, ACB libraries, and control regions.
• Configure and tune buffer pools, parameters, and system resources for performance.
• Monitor IMS database and transaction performance; identify and resolve bottlenecks.
• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues by analyzing logs, dumps, abends, and errors.
• Support IMS utilities, backup/recovery processes, and disaster recovery testing.
• Ensure seamless integration with z/OS, DB2, MQ, CICS, TCP/IP, and Sysplex.
• Implement ITIL/ServiceNow change management for all updates.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and system configurations.

Skills

IBM z/OS

IMS DB administration

IMS TM administration

DBD/PSB/ACB management

Sysplex and high availability

JCL

TSO/ISPF

SDSF

RACF security controls

ITIL/ServiceNow change management

Performance tuning

Tools

SMP/E

DB2

CICS

MQ

z/OSMF

RMF

OMEGAMON

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe IMS System Programmer to support and manage IBM z/OS IMS environments. The role is responsible for ensuring the stability, availability, performance, and security of IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems in a mission-critical banking or financial services environment.

This role requires employees to live in or around the following areas

• Phoenix, AZ
• Charlotte, NC
• Pennington, NJ
• Chicago, IL

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 IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems on IBM z/OS
• Perform version upgrades, maintenance, and patching to ensure system currency and stability
• Manage and maintain IMS system definitions, including DBDs, PSBs, ACB libraries, and control regions
• Configure and tune buffer pools, parameters, and system resources to optimize performance
• Monitor IMS database and transaction performance, proactively identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks
• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues by analyzing logs, dumps, abends, and database errors
• Support IMS utilities, backup/recovery processes, and disaster recovery testing
• Ensure seamless integration with z/OS, DB2, MQ, CICS, TCP/IP, and Sysplex environments
• Implement and follow ITIL/ServiceNow change management processes for all system updates
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and system configurations

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience with IBM z/OS operating system
• Hands-on experience with IMS DB and IMS TM administration
• Deep knowledge of:
• DBD/PSB/ACB management
• IMS control regions and transaction processing
• Buffer pool tuning and performance optimization
• Experience with IMS utilities, backup/recovery, and DR strategies
• Strong troubleshooting skills (dump analysis, log analysis, abend resolution)
• Experience integrating IMS with:
• DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systems
• Familiarity with RACF security controls for IMS environments
• Experience with SMP/E, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF
• Understanding of Sysplex and high availability architectures

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to IMS modernization or API enablement (z/OS Connect, REST integration)
• Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., OMEGAMON, MainView, RMF)
• Knowledge of automation tools (REXX, Ansible, z/OSMF workflows)
• Experience with DB control, TCPIP, ZOS Connect, Assembler routines.
• Skill and experience with IMS Routines & Exit Routines will be a big plus.