Mainframe ZOS System Programmer

Doist; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Doist is seeking a Mainframe ZOS System Programmer to join our Phoenix, AZ team on-site three days a week. The role involves installing, configuring, and maintaining IBM z/OS systems, performing upgrades and MIPS growth considerations, and ensuring security alignment with RACF policies.

You will collaborate with DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and Storage teams, monitor performance with RMF/SMF/SDSF, and develop automation using REXX/CLIST and NetView. Weekend IPLs may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience administering IBM z/OS environments.
• Ability to perform system upgrades, migrations and PTF/APAR/RSU maintenance.
• Knowledge of IPL, PARMLIB, PROCLIB and SYS1 datasets.
• Familiarity with RMF/SMF/SDSF for monitoring and tuning.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/OS operating systems.
• Perform system upgrades, migrations, and apply maintenance (PTFs, APARs, RSUs).
• Manage IPL processes, initialization and configuration of SYS1 datasets.
• Monitor system health with RMF, SMF, SDSF.
• Install and support JES2/JES3, TSO/E, ISPF USS, RACF with security teams.
• Coordinate with DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and Storage teams.

Skills

z/OS administration

System tuning

Incident & problem analysis

ITIL processes

Automation scripting

Security (RACF)

Mainframe tooling RMF/SMF/SDSF

Tools

RMF

SMF

SDSF

JES2/JES3

TSO/E

ISPF

RACF

NetView

CA7

Control-M

Job description

Job Title: Mainframe ZOS System Programmer

Location: Phoenix, AZ

• * This role requires employees to live in or around the Phoenix, AZ area. You will be responsible to be onsite 3 days a week. We will consider candidates who are willing to relocate to the area.
• 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/JES3 TSO/E, ISPF USS (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).
• Problem Management & Troubleshooting: 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, CLIST SA z/OS, NetView Support 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: System configurations Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Disaster Recovery plans