Mainframe Systems Programmer - EHRA

Department of Information Technology; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

The N.C. Department of Information Technology is hiring a Division Chief Deputy SCIO titled Operating Systems Software Programmer II (NS) to install, configure, and maintain enterprise mainframe software on z/OS, in accordance with state standards and vendor guidelines.

This EHRA exempt position may offer hybrid remote work under state policy, but requires weekly onsite presence and involves planning software upgrades, administering RACF security, monitoring performance, and providing technical

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT field with four years of related experience.
• Associate degree with five years of related experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain enterprise mainframe software on z/OS.
• Plan and coordinate software upgrades with vendors and teams.
• Administer RACF and mainframe security features.
• Monitor and optimize system software performance and advise on tuning.
• Diagnose and resolve complex issues with root-cause analysis.
• Prepare technical documentation and change summaries for stakeholders.

Skills

RACF administration

z/OS performance tuning

Mainframe security

TCP/IP networking

System configuration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT field

Associate degree in computer science or IT field

Tools

DB2

CICS

IMS

MQ Series

Unix System Services

IZPCA

Cognos

SAS

Job description

Agency Department of Information Technology Division Chief Deputy SCIO Job Classification Title Operating Systems Software Progrmer II (NS) Position Number 60087474 Grade DT10

The N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) serves as the Technology Center for the State of NC. Services that NCDIT provides reach a client base of state and local government agencies, as well as schools, colleges and universities. NCDIT’s mission is to enable trusted business-driven solutions that meet the needs of North Carolinians. NCDIT provides technology services to state agencies and is charged with closing the digital divide by expanding availability of broadband services and promoting the adoption of affordable, high-speed internet.

Description of Work

Salary Range: $87,617 - $131,426

The position is designated Statutory Exempt (EHRA) and is exempt from the State Human Resources Act.

This position may be eligible for hybrid remote work in accordance with state policy and the agency’s remote work program but does require weekly onsite work.

This is a REPOST. Previous applicants Must Reapply to be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Installing, configuring, and maintaining enterprise mainframe software products on z/OS in accordance with State standards, vendor guidelines, and established naming conventions
• Planning, scheduling, and coordinating software upgrades and system changes with vendors, systems programmers, application teams, and NC Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) customers to ensure compatibility and minimize production impact
• Implementing and administering mainframe security by configuring RACF (Resources Access Control Facility) rules, product‑specific security features, and related access interfaces in partnership with security and application teams
• Monitoring and optimizing system software performance using specialized tools, applying tuning recommendations to improve efficiency and reliability, and advising clients on application adjustments when appropriate
• Diagnosing and resolving complex system and application issues by investigating problem reports, collaborating with vendors on root‑cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions to restore service
• Preparing and maintaining technical documentation, including system guides, change summaries, and technical bulletins, to clearly communicate updates, impacts, and required actions to NCDIT stakeholders

About the Division

The Operations and Systems Software Programmer reports to a manager within Mainframe Hosting of the Service Delivery Division of NCDIT. The Service Delivery Division provides the delivery and management of IT solutions based on customer requirements within a 24x7x365 operational environment. The solutions provided by Mainframe Hosting include: Distributed and Mainframe Systems, Middleware, Network Security, Storage and Data Protection as well as Data Center Operations.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

The following Management Preferences are not required, but applicants that possess these skills are preferred:

• Experience in IBM z/OS and related subsystems such as DB2, CICS, IMS, HOD, MQ Series, and RACF, along with familiarity in Unix System Services, third‑party vendor tools in the mainframe ecosystem, and storage management
• Experience ensuring proper protection of an installation’s data and resources, including identifying and securing mainframe resources, defining and managing user access, and implementing and maintaining security policies and procedures
• Strong background in RACF administration, mainframe TCP/IP networking, z/OS performance tuning, and overall system configuration, with additional skills in IBM Z Performance and Capacity Analytics(IZPCA), Cognos, or SAS considered a plus

This position requires a fingerprint-based background search. Hires must agree to a fingerprint-based background search prior to being hired.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or an IT related field or a closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of progressive experience in systems software programming OR Associate degree in computer science or an IT related field or a closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution and five years of progressive experience in systems software programming; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.