Mainframe Systems Programmer – CICS/MQ

MainframeMaster; Pennsylvania; Remote; USD 79,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

Highmark Health is seeking a Mainframe Systems Programmer specializing in CICS/MQ to join the Mainframe Systems Support team. The role focuses on maintaining a highly available IBM z/OS environment within a parallel sysplex, including CICS, MQ, JES2, JCL and related subsystems.

Responsibilities include install/upgrade, health monitoring, problem diagnosis, disaster recovery exercises, and automation scripting.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience analyzing, designing, coding, testing and implementing technical solutions with minimal defects.
• 3 years of technical problem solving and cross-team collaboration experience.
• 3 years of basic computer science concepts and principles, operating systems and development languages.

Responsibilities

• Install, upgrade, and manage CICS/MQ environments in test and production LPARs.
• Monitor health of CICS/MQ environments and troubleshoot root causes.
• Support z/OS environment using SMP/E, ISPF/SDSF, USS, JES2, JCL, and IBM/third-party utilities.
• Maintain sysplexed environment for CICS/MQ and participate in disaster recovery exercises.
• Build alerting and automation scripts; use performance metrics to drive improvements.
• Research and assess new technologies for deployment and change readiness.

Skills

CICS

MQ

ISPF

SDSF

JES2

JCL

RACF

TSO

SMP/E

Assembler

REXX

Z/OS concepts

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering or relevant experience

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

ISPF

SDSF

JES2

SMP/E

JCL

Assembler

REXX

Job description

# Mainframe Systems Programmer – CICS/MQHighmark HealthFull-timePA, Working at Home - PennsylvaniaUSD 79,300 - 127,1000 viewsPosted October 8, 2026## Job DescriptionJOB SUMMARY\\*\\*Must be a US Citizen \\*\\*This position is a member of the Mainframe Systems Support team and will primarily be accountable for ensuring a highly available mainframe system. This results-oriented job requires a solid understanding of mainframe sub-subsystems in a large scale **parallel sysplex** IBM zEnterprise environment.ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES- Install, upgrade, and manage **CICS**/MQ environments in all test and production LPARs- Monitor the health of the **CICS**/MQ environments and help troubleshoot issues to determine root cause- Support the IBM Z Mainframe z/OS environment using SMP/E, **ISPF**/**SDSF**. **USS**, **JES2**, **JCL**, and IBM/third-party utilities- Provide stable and secure mainframe sub-system support- Maintain the sysplexed environment for **CICS**/MQ- Participate in disaster recovery exercises- Install and maintain third party software products related to **CICS**/MQ- Build alerting and automation scripts- Use performance reports/metrics to identify process/availability improvement opportunities- Research and assess new technology for potential deployment- Conduct troubleshooting and problem analysis- Conduct change inspections; determine associated risks and readiness for implementation- Available to work a flexible work schedule that would include infrastructure releases and on-call rotation## Requirements & SkillsEXPERIENCERequired- 3 years of experience in one or many of the following tasks: analyzing, designing, coding, testing and implementing technical solutions, as well as providing general production support, meeting defined scope, target dates and budgets with minimal or no defects- 3 years of technical problem solving, solution implementation, team/project collaboration experience- 3 years of basic computer science concepts and principles, common operating systems, development languages/scriptingPreferred- Experience in mainframe systems programmer with a focus on one or more of the following:- z/OS concepts and utilities- **RACF**- **TSO**- Plex Configurations- **JES2**- SMP/e- **JCL**- **Assembler**- **REXX** programmingSKILLS- Demonstrated ability to achieve stretch goals in a highly innovative and fast-paced environment- Adaptability: Ability to take on diverse tasks and projects, adapting to the evolving needs of the organization- Analytical Thinking: Analytical skills with a focus on detail and accuracy- Interest and ability to learn other technologies as needed- Technical Proficiency: Comfortable with a range of data tools and technologies, with a willingness to learn new skills as needed- Track record in designing, implementing, and/or supporting large-scale technical solutions- Sense of ownership, urgency, and drive- Demonstrated passion for user experience and improving usability- Team Collaboration: A team player who can work effectively in cross-functional environments- Can demonstrate an approach to product installation and problem diagnostics- Understand the concepts behind backup and recovery- Can navigate through vender portals for maintenance updates and problem resolution- Can work with customer and co workers for root cause issues- Demonstrate capability to drive innovation with efficiency and deliver improved solutions for the customer- Understands the core responsibilities of a mainframe systems programmerEDUCATIONRequired- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering or relevant experience and/or education as determined by the company in lieu of bachelor's degree.Preferred- Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering or related field.LICENSES or CERTIFICATIONSRequired- NonePreferred- NoneLanguage (Other than English):NoneTravel Requirement:0% - 25%## How to ApplyApply directly through the application link above