Mainframe Programmer

Business Needs Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Business Needs Inc. in Phoenix is seeking a skilled Mainframe z/OS System Programmer to install, configure, and optimize IBM z/OS and related system software in a mission-critical environment.

You will monitor performance with RMF/SMF, perform upgrades, handle IPLs, manage PARMLIB, PROCLIB, SYS1 datasets, and collaborate with DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ and storage teams to ensure security and availability.

Qualifications

• Experience with IBM z/OS and related subsystems.
• Knowledge of system performance tuning and capacity planning.
• Familiarity with IBM RMF/SMF monitoring tools.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/OS operating systems and subsystems.
• Perform system upgrades, migrations, and apply maintenance (PTFs, APARs, RSUs).
• Manage IPL processes, PARMLIB/PROCLIB, and SYS1 datasets.
• Monitor health and performance using RMF/SMF and tune resources.
• Develop and maintain automation using System REXX, CLIS; support job scheduling.
• Support RACF security configurations and security standards compliance.
• Execute changes through ITIL processes and prepare validation steps.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.

Job description

The Mainframe z/OS System Programmer is responsible for the installation, customization, maintenance, and optimization of IBM z/OS operating systems and associated system software. This role ensures the stability, performance, security, and availability of mission-critical mainframe environments, supporting large-scale enterprise applications.

Responsibilities

System Administration & Maintenance

• :Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/OS operating systems
• .Perform system upgrades, migrations (e.g., z/OS version upgrades), and apply maintenance (PTFs, APARs, RSUs)
• .Manage IPL processes, system initialization, and configuration (PARMLIB, PROCLIB, SYS1 datasets)
• .Monitor system health and performance using tools such as RMF, SMF, SDSF

Subsystem Support

• :Install, configure, and support key subsystems
• :JES2/JES
• 3TSO/E, ISP
• FUSS (Unix System Services
• )RACF (in coordination with security teams
• )Work closely with DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and Storage teams for integration and support

Performance & Capacity Management

• :Analyze system performance metrics and implement tuning improvements
• .Support capacity planning and resource optimization (CPU, memory, I/O)
• .Evaluate hardware upgrades (e.g., CPU/MIPS growth, z-series enhancements)

• :Diagnose and resolve system-related issues, including system abends and failures
• .Perform root cause analysis for outages and major incidents
• .Work with IBM and vendors on problem determination and fixes

Automation & Scheduling

• :Develop and maintain automation using tools such as
• :System REXX, CLIS
• wSupport job scheduling tools (e.g., CA7, Control-M where applicable)

Security & Compliance

• :Support system-level security configurations aligned with RACF policies
• .Ensure compliance with audit, regulatory, and enterprise security standards
• .Assist in vulnerability remediation and patching activities

Change & Release Management

• :Execute changes through ITIL-based processes (ServiceNow or equivalent)
• .Prepare implementation plans, backout procedures, and validation steps
• .Support weekend maintenance windows and IPL activities

Documentation

• :Create and maintain technical documentation, including