Senior z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer

Tixy; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Tixy is seeking a highly experienced Senior z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer in the United States to maintain and enhance complex z/OS environments and collaborate with infrastructure and application teams. The role focuses on system programming, ISV software installations, and operating system upgrades, delivering reliable mainframe solutions.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in z/OS, SMP/E expertise, and hands-on experience with IBM and Broadcom software, z/OSMF workflows, JCL, and

Qualifications

• 12+ years as a Mainframe System Programmer with z/OS and ISV products.
• Strong expertise in SMP/E and Non-SMP/E installation of ISV products.
• Hands-on experience installing, configuring, maintaining, and upgrading IBM and Broadcom software products.
• Strong knowledge of z/OS system commands, utilities, and automation tools.
• Hands-on experience with z/OS V2.5 or later and z/OSMF workflow execution.
• Experience with IODF and HCD for adding and configuring new devices.
• Strong knowledge of JCL and IBM utilities, including: IEBGENER, IEBCOPY, AMASPZAP, DFSMS.
• Hands-on knowledge of ISPF/TSO; basic REXX and CLIST.
• Understanding of z/OS system configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to plan and execute system upgrades, maintenance activities, and decommissioning projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard system programming activities including configuration, installation, maintenance, and software upgrades in the mainframe environment.
• Perform SMP/E and non-SMP/E installations of ISV and vendor software products.
• Execute z/OS operating system upgrades and RSU maintenance using z/OSMF workflows.
• Architect, install, configure, and maintain highly complex z/OS environments and third-party software.
• Support software standardization initiatives and implementation of new features.
• Collaborate with storage, performance, capacity, security, networking, and operations teams from a z/OS systems perspective.
• Work closely with Mainframe System Programmers across multiple technical tracks to enhance and modernize the mainframe environment.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues and assist team members with technical problem resolution and decision-making.
• Identify and implement system and process improvements within the z/OS environment.
• Partner with application support teams and internal stakeholders to facilitate business initiatives.
• Develop detailed project plans for upgrades, maintenance, and decommissioning activities, including task ownership and timelines.
• Formulate technical roadmaps and identify all prerequisites required for successful project completion.
• Communicate project status, timelines, risks, and dependencies with delivery teams and customers.

Skills

z/OS

SMP/E

z/OSMF

JCL

IBM utilities

Broadcom tools

RSU maintenance

ISV installations

System programming

Automation tools

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer with 12+ years of professional experience in z/OS and ISV environments. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on expertise in system programming, IBM and Broadcom software installation and upgrades, SMP/E, z/OSMF workflows, JCL, IBM utilities, and mainframe system management.

This role will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing complex z/OS environments, supporting software standardization, performing operating system upgrades, and collaborating with infrastructure and application teams to deliver reliable and efficient mainframe solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Perform standard system programming activities including configuration, installation, maintenance, and software upgrades in the mainframe environment.

Perform SMP/E and non-SMP/E installations of ISV and vendor software products.

Execute z/OS operating system upgrades and RSU maintenance using z/OSMF workflows.

Architect, install, configure, and maintain highly complex z/OS environments and third-party software.

Support software standardization initiatives and implementation of new features.

Collaborate with storage, performance, capacity, security, networking, and operations teams from a z/OS systems perspective.

Work closely with Mainframe System Programmers across multiple technical tracks to enhance and modernize the mainframe environment.

Troubleshoot complex system issues and assist team members with technical problem resolution and decision-making.

Identify and implement system and process improvements within the z/OS environment.

Partner with application support teams and internal stakeholders to facilitate business initiatives.

Develop detailed project plans for upgrades, maintenance, and decommissioning activities, including task ownership and timelines.

Formulate technical roadmaps and identify all prerequisites required for successful project completion.

Communicate project status, timelines, risks, and dependencies with delivery teams and customers.

Required Technical Skills

12+ years of experience as a Mainframe System Programmer working with z/OS and ISV products.

Strong expertise in SMP/E and Non-SMP/E installation of ISV products.

Hands-on experience installing, configuring, maintaining, and upgrading IBM and Broadcom software products.

Strong knowledge of z/OS system commands, utilities, and automation tools.

Hands-on experience with z/OS V2.5 or later and z/OSMF workflow execution.

Experience with IODF and HCD for adding and configuring new devices.

Strong knowledge of JCL and IBM utilities, including:

IEBGENER

IEBCOPY

AMASPZAP

DFSMS

Hands-on knowledge of ISPF/TSO.

Basic knowledge of REXX and CLIST.

Understanding of z/OS system configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Ability to plan and execute system upgrades, maintenance activities, and decommissioning projects.

Preferred / Good-to-Have Skills

Experience with Sysplex environments.

Knowledge of configuration management.

Experience with mainframe automation and system management tools.

Experience coordinating complex infrastructure projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.