Mainframe ZOS System Programmer

Kyndryl; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 79,920 - 152,160; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Kyndryl is hiring a Mainframe z/OS System Programmer to install, customize, maintain, and optimize IBM z/OS and related software. You will ensure stability, performance, security, and availability of large-scale mainframe environments for mission‑critical applications.

The role requires onsite presence in the Phoenix, AZ area, with 3 days per week onsite and willingness to relocate. Collaboration with DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and Storage teams is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mainframe system programming (z/OS).
• Hands-on knowledge of z/OS, JES2/JES3, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, USS/OMVS, SMP/E.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/OS operating systems.
• Perform system upgrades, migrations and apply maintenance (PTFs, APARs, RSUs).
• Manage IPL processes and configuration (PARMLIB, PROCLIB, SYS1 datasets).
• Monitor system health and performance with RMF, SMF, SDSF.

Skills

z/OS

JES2/JES3

TSO/ISPF

SDSF

USS/OMVS

SMP/E

RMF

SMF

CA7

Control-M

z/OSMF

Tools

RMF

SMF

SDSF

CA7

Control-M

z/OSMF

Job description

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we design, build, manage and modernize the mission‑critical technology systems that the world depends on every day. We are always moving forward – always pushing ourselves to go further in our efforts to build a more equitable, inclusive world for our employees, our customers and our communities.

The Role

The Mainframe z/OS System Programmer is responsible for the installation, customization, maintenance, and optimization of IBM z/OS operating systems and associated system software. This role ensures the stability, performance, security, and availability of mission‑critical mainframe environments, supporting large‑scale enterprise applications.

• This role requires employees to live in or around the Phoenix, AZ area. You will be responsible for being 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), and Disaster Recovery plans.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mainframe system programming (z/OS).
• Strong hands‑on knowledge of z/OS, JES2/JES3, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, USS/OMVS, SMP/E.
• Experience with large‑scale environments (multi‑LPAR, Parallel Sysplex).
• Knowledge of vendor products (Broadcom, IBM, BMC).
• IBM certifications (preferred but not mandatory).

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to mainframe modernization initiatives (APIs, hybrid cloud integration).
• Experience with z/OSMF and modern interfaces.
• Knowledge of DevOps practices on mainframe (CI/CD pipelines).
• Exposure to Zowe and APIs on z/OS.

Compensation & Benefits

The compensation range in the US is $79,920 to $152,160 based on a full‑time schedule. Actual compensation may vary depending on geography, job‑related skills, and experience. The position will be eligible for Kyndryl's discretionary annual bonus program and a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage, disability, retirement benefits, paid leave and paid time off.

COVID‑19 Vaccination

Kyndryl currently does not require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19, however, if you are hired to work at a client, customer, or partner location, you may be required to show proof of vaccination to align with their respective COVID‑19 vaccination policies. Eligible applicants may apply for a medical or religious accommodation prior to the start of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.