Mainframe Systems Programmer

TEKsystems; Raleigh (NC); Remote; USD 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

TEKsystems in the United States is seeking a Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer to support IBM Z environments, with a deep focus on Db2 for z/OS, IMS, and z/VM. The role involves customer-facing implementation and analytics, delivering performance improvements and guidance on best practices.

This contract position offers 100% remote work, with duties centered on installing, tuning, and optimizing Db2 subsystems, analyzing performance data, and leading technical discussions to solve complex

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Mainframe Systems Programming experience.
• Deep expertise with Db2 for z/OS and IMS performance tuning.
• Experience supporting z/VM environments and performance data collection.
• Strong customer-facing communication and troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and support Db2 for z/OS environments.
• Stand up new Db2 subsystems for customer implementations.
• Tune Db2 for high-volume insert workloads and optimize buffer pools.
• Analyze performance data and SMF/IMS/z/VM records for analytics.
• Lead technical discussions and guide customers on architecture decisions.

Skills

Db2 for z/OS systems programming

Db2 performance tuning

IMS architecture/logs/data mapping

z/VM performance monitoring

Job description

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer (100% Remote)

Remote (U.S. Eastern & Central Time Zones)

100% Remote

Top 4 Required Skills

• Db2 for z/OS Systems Programming
• Db2 Performance Tuning & High-Volume Insert Optimization
• IMS Architecture, Logs & Data Mapping
• z/VM Performance Monitoring & Analytics

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer to support the implementation, optimization, and ongoing enhancement of performance and analytics solutions within IBM Z environments. This is not an application development role. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Db2 for z/OS , along with experience supporting IMS and z/VM environments, and will be comfortable working directly with customers to implement solutions and provide technical guidance.

This position is best suited for a Senior mainframe professional who enjoys a combination of systems programming, performance engineering, customer consulting, environment implementation, and analytics.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and support Db2 for z/OS environments.
• Stand up new Db2 subsystems and environments for customer implementations.
• Tune Db2 environments supporting high-volume, insert-heavy workloads.
• Optimize performance through buffer pool management, lock escalation analysis, partitioning strategies, and throughput improvements.
• Configure security, authorization IDs, and access controls.
• Support IMS data collection environments and troubleshoot transaction and performance data issues.
• Analyze IMS logs, record types, and mappings for reporting and analytics purposes.
• Support z/VM performance monitoring environments utilizing z/VM Performance Toolkit and related technologies.
• Analyze and map SMF, IMS, and z/VM performance records.
• Design database structures, schemas, and reporting solutions for performance analytics.
• Partner directly with customers on implementation activities, architecture decisions, and best practices.
• Lead technical discussions and troubleshoot complex system and performance issues.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of Mainframe Systems Programming experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with Db2 for z/OS systems programming.
• Experience standing up new Db2 subsystems and environments.
• Expertise in Db2 performance tuning, security, and authorization management.
• Experience tuning Db2 for high-volume insert workloads within partitioned table spaces.
• Strong understanding of lock escalation, buffer pools, and workload optimization.
• Experience with IMS architecture, logs, record types, and data mapping.
• Experience supporting z/VM environments and performance data collection.
• Knowledge of SMF records and performance analytics.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer-facing communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with IBM Z Performance and Capacity Analytics (IZPCA).
• Experience with 21CS Optima or similar performance management solutions.
• Capacity planning and performance reporting experience.
• IBM Expert Labs or customer implementation consulting experience.
• Knowledge of enterprise security and mainframe access management.

Ideal Background

We're looking for a Senior technical professional who has moved beyond traditional administration and enjoys helping customers deploy, optimize, and troubleshoot complex IBM Z environments. Candidates with experience in Db2 systems programming, performance engineering, customer consulting, and analytics will be especially successful in this role.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Raleigh, NC.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Raleigh, NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

About TEKsystems

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems And TEKsystems Global Services

Were a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. Were a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. Were strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. Were building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.