Principal CICS Systems Engineer

SPECTRAFORCE; Remote; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology services firm is seeking a candidate for a mainframe systems support role, requiring extensive experience in CICS Systems Support and technical leadership. The ideal candidate will oversee critical infrastructure, provide mentorship, and manage projects within the mainframe environment. A Bachelor's Degree is required along with expertise in tools like JCL and SMP/E. The position offers competitive benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans.

Benefits

Paid time off (PTO)

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Student loan assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Fitness reimbursement

Concierge services

Qualifications

• 5+ years of expertise in CICS Systems Support, including System Dumps, Interfaces, and Internal CICS Operations.
• 7+ years of technical leadership experience with the ability to manage and mentor a team.
• Expertise in key mainframe tools and programming languages such as Assembler, COBOL, and Java.

Responsibilities

• Oversee CICS transaction servers and ensure stability and performance for critical applications.
• Provide technical leadership and resolve complex technical issues.
• Lead high-visibility projects and communicate updates to leadership.

Skills

CICS Systems Support

Technical Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

JCL

SMP/E

REXX

VSAM

Job description

Location

Preferred local to Westlake, TX || Merrimack, NH || Raleigh-Durham, NC || Smithfield RI || Marlborough-Boston, MA || Jersey City, NJ || Salt Lake City, UT || Denver, CO || New York, NY || Albuquerque, NM || Covington KY || Jacksonville FL

REMOTE

Preferred industries or clients

Financial Institutions or Insurance institutions and/or credit card companies / All Financial Institutions operate off a Mainframe System.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Team is supporting Mainframe Systems .
• This candidate ensures reliable, high-performance mainframe infrastructure for critical business applications, while leading a team to enhance system resilience, streamline processes, and drive continuous improvement across CICS and data management operations.

In this role, the day-to-day responsibilities would include:

• System Maintenance & Support: Overseeing CICS transaction servers, VSAM data replication, and disaster recovery on z/OS platforms, ensuring stability and performance for critical business applications.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Providing guidance and support to team members, resolving complex technical issues, and offering strategic direction on infrastructure design and implementation.
• Project Management & Communication: Leading high-visibility projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and regularly updating leadership on project statuses, technical solutions, and improvements.

Must Have -

• 5+ years of Expertise in CICS Systems Support, including: System Dumps, Interfaces, and Internal CICS Operations
• 7+ years of technical leadership experience with the ability to manage and mentor a team, drive complex projects, and communicate solutions to multiple leadership levels.
• Expertise with key mainframe tools and languages, including JCL, SMP/E, REXX, VSAM, and diagnostic tools (e.g., IPCS/Dump reading, CAFC, Abend Aid, Intertest), as well as familiarity with programming languages like Assembler, COBOL, and Java.

Define Experience

Programming Languages & Tools

They use languages like Assembler, COBOL, and REXX, alongside tools and utilities specific to mainframe systems, including: z/OS, JCL (Job Control Language), SMP/E for software management

How many years of experience?

To be presented, must have at least 3+ years of experience.

Degree or certs required?

Bachelor's Degree required, no required certs.

What environment/technical ecosystem does your team work in/ is this project in?

Mainframe Infrastructure – The team operates within a mainframe ecosystem, managing z/OS platforms and providing technical support and maintenance for CICS Transaction Servers and VSAM data replication.

Is this work related to a new application build, migration or maintenance

Maintenance.

Pluses

Is there any flexibility around these must haves to be plusses?

To be presented, a candidate must have at least 3+ years of experience with CICS.

Are there any other qualifications that would be nice to have?

Familiarity with installing an RSU, “Recommended Services Update” This is regular maintenance for CICS programming.

Current Landscape: IPCS and SMP/E

Where are the current candidates lacking?

Previous candidates have lacked the 5+ years of experience with CICS and only have application program experience. This is strictly system programming.

What has been the biggest challenge getting this position filled?

It is a niche skill-set, candidates have either lacked the years of experience or not been local to the 5 cities above.

• First round 1 hour with HM
• 2nd round, 1 hour, panel interview with the team (3 team members)

Benefits and PTO Package + 25% Bonus:

• Client offers a variety of benefits, including paid time off (PTO), health insurance, and retirement:
• Client offers several weeks of PTO, including paid holidays and sick time.
• Client offers medical insurance, health savings accounts (HSAs), and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Retirement. Client offers a 401(k) plan with company match, as well as profit sharing.
• Client also offers student loan assistance, tuition reimbursement, fitness reimbursement, free online fitness classes, nutrition coaching, career coaching, concierge services, and parental leave.