Mainframe IMS System Programmer

XAXIS Solutions Inc.; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

XAXIS Solutions Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Mainframe IMS System Programmer to support IBM z/OS IMS environments in a banking/financial services setting.

You will ensure stability, availability, performance, and security of IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems. Responsibilities include installing and configuring IMS DB/IMS TM on z/OS, performing upgrades and patches, tuning buffer pools, managing DBD/PSB/ACB definitions, monitoring performance, and integrating IMS with DB2, MQ, CICS and Sysplex.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience with IBM z/OS operating system.
• Hands-on IMS DB and IMS TM administration.
• Knowledge of DBD/PSB/ACB management.
• Familiarity with IMS control regions and transaction processing.
• Buffer pool tuning and performance optimization.
• Experience with IMS utilities, backup/recovery, and DR strategies.
• Strong troubleshooting: dump/log/abend analysis.
• 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 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 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

Skills

IBM z/OS

IMS DB & IMS TM admin

DBD/PSB/ACB management

IMS control regions

Buffer pool tuning

Troubleshooting (dump/log/abend)

DB2, CICS, MQ integration

RACF security controls

SMP/E, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF

Sysplex & HA architectures

ITIL/ServiceNow change management

Tools

OMEGAMON

MainView

RMF

REXX

z/OSMF workflows

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.

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.