Mainframe Programmer

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

Job summary

A technology solutions provider based in Texas is seeking a skilled Mainframe IMS DB System Programmer to manage and support IBM's Information Management System (IMS) environment. The ideal candidate will be responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining IMS subsystems while ensuring high performance and availability. They will also conduct system upgrades, provide technical support, and develop automation scripts for operational efficiency. A solid background in IMS and z/OS is required for this role, along with strong problem-solving skills and experience with performance tuning.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in IMS system programming.
• Familiarity with z/OS and DB2 environments.
• Experience in providing Level 3 IMS technical support.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Database recovery control

IMS logs management

IMS connectivity setup

Performance tuning

Automation scripting

Problem-solving skills

Education

Experience with IMS and z/OS

Tools

SMP/E

OMEGAMON

Mainview

Job description

Job Role: Mainframe IMS DB System Programmer

Description:

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

Below is the original job description shared -

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.