Mainframe IMS System Programmer

METRIX IT SOLUTIONS INC; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology solutions provider seeks a Mainframe IMS System Programmer in Plano, Texas. The role involves installation, configuration, and maintenance of IMS subsystems, ensuring system performance and conducting upgrades. Candidates should have a strong background in IMS programming and z/OS, with skills in performance tuning and disaster recovery planning. Excellent communication and teamwork are essential, as the position requires collaboration with global teams and a 24x7 on-call rotation.

Qualifications

• Proficient in IMS database management and operations.
• Strong knowledge of z/OS and its components.
• Experience with IMS disaster recovery planning.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain IMS subsystems.
• Monitor IMS system performance and tune parameters.
• Provide Level 3 support for IMS incidents.

Skills

Database recovery control

IMS connectivity setup

Performance tuning

REXX scripting

Problem-solving

Education

Experience in IMS system programming

Tools

OMEGAMON

Mainview

SMP/E

Job description

Position: Mainframe IMS System Programmer

Duration: 12 months

Mainframe IMS DB System Programmer

Typical Requirements (Technical)

• Database recovery control (RECON datasets)
• DBRC, ACBGEN, PSBGEN, DBDGEN operations
• Managing IMS logs, OLDS/SLDS
• IMS connectivity setup
• Applying IMS maintenance with SMP/E
• Monitoring IMS performance

Gap in Profiles Received: Very few profiles are received, and those lack basic IMS system programming foundation, including:

• RECON management
• IMS subsystem maintenance
• DBRC operations

Role Description

• Install, configure, and maintain IMS (DB and TM) subsystems, tools, and associated products (e.g., IMS Connect, IMS Tools, ODBM, BMPs).
• Perform system upgrades, maintenance (APARs/PTFs), and migrations to newer IMS versions.
• Manage SMP/E environments for maintenance and software installation.
• Ensure compatibility between IMS, z/OS, DB2, CICS, and related products.

Performance & Capacity Management

• Monitor IMS system performance and tune parameters for optimal throughput and response times.
• Conduct capacity planning and growth analysis to ensure scalability and reliability.
• Utilize tools like OMEGAMON, Mainview, or RMF for performance tracking and problem diagnosis.

System Support & Troubleshooting

• Provide Level 3 technical support for IMS incidents and system abends.
• Diagnose and resolve IMS database recovery, log, and buffer issues.
• Collaborate with IBM support (PMRs, cases) for complex issues and patches.

Database Administration Support

• Support IMS DBA and application teams with DBD, PSB, and ACBGEN processes.
• Maintain IMS catalog and RECON datasets; ensure proper backup/recovery strategy.
• Manage IMS utilities such as DFSURGU0, DFSURWF0, and HALDB tools.

Automation & Integration

• Develop and maintain automation scripts using REXX, CLIST, or JCL for operational efficiency.
• Integrate IMS with monitoring tools, scheduling systems, and middleware (MQ, Connect).
• Support modernization initiatives such as IMS Open Database or REST API integration.

Disaster Recovery & Compliance

• Participate in DR planning, testing, and documentation of IMS recovery procedures.
• Ensure adherence to change management, audit, and compliance standards.
• Maintain detailed system configuration and maintenance documentation.
• Provide mentorship to junior system programmers and cross-train peers.
• Work closely with database administrators, application developers, and infrastructure teams.

Other skills

• Experience with IMS integration to distributed systems (IMS Connect, JDBC, ODBM).
• Familiarity with z/OSMF, z/OS Connect EE, or API enablement initiatives.
• Knowledge of mainframe storage management (DFSMS, VSAM).
• Strong problem-solving, debugging, and performance analysis skills.

The IMS System Programmer is responsible for the installation, customization, maintenance, and support of IBM’s Information Management System (IMS) environment on the z/OS mainframe platform. The role ensures high availability, performance, and security of IMS subsystems, coordinates system upgrades, and provides technical expertise for application teams using IMS databases and transaction managers.

Excellent analytical and documentation skills.

Ability to work in a 24x7 on-call rotation environment.

Strong communication and teamwork abilities across global teams.