Senior z/OS System Programmer

BCforward; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 83,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

BCforward is seeking a z/OS Systems Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in z/OS platform engineering, JES2 administration, SMP/E maintenance, and z/OS UNIX System Services, and a proven ability to design, automate, and operate mainframe infrastructure aligned with enterprise standards.

Responsibilities include designing, engineering, and maintaining z/OS platform tools, providing SME guidance to teams, and developing automation to improve reliability and

Qualifications

• Strong experience configuring, maintaining, and supporting z/OS including SMP/E maintenance and PTFs.
• Proficiency with z/OS UNIX System Services, JS/U, file systems, scripting.
• JES2 configuration, job classes, initiators, spool tuning, and workload controls.
• Experience with TSO/ISPF for system programming and operations tasks.
• Automation and tooling development using REXX and BAL/Assembler.

Responsibilities

• Design, engineer, and maintain z/OS platform tools and services aligned with architecture and security policies.
• Provide SME guidance on z/OS infrastructure to cross‑functional teams.
• Translate requirements into z/OS designs, blueprints, standards, and runbooks.
• Develop automation and tooling to reduce manual tasks and improve reliability.
• Create reusable templates for builds, configuration, deployment, and operations.
• Evaluate third‑party mainframe software for enterprise adoption and compliance.
• Identify opportunities to improve performance, resiliency, and operations through modernization.
• Contribute to product evaluations by defining functional and non‑functional requirements.
• Support risk, change, and problem management in a regulated, high‑availability environment.
• Provide mentoring and leadership to junior staff.

Skills

z/OS platform engineering

JES2 administration

SMP/E maintenance

z/OS UNIX System Services

TSO/ISPF

REXX programming

BAL/Assembler

IPCS

RMF diagnostics

HMC

Tools

REXX

BAL/Assembler

HMC

Job description

Manager open to candidates in other locations:

Plano, TX / Charlotte, NC / Pennington, NJ / Jersey City, NJ

Duration:

Contract - 11 months

Pay Range:

$70.23/hr (W2)

Job ID:

407697

About BCforward

BCforward is a leading global IT consulting and workforce solutions firm providing services and support to Fortune 500 and government clients. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers needs into a full-service business solutions provider. With delivery centers and offices across North America and India, we take pride in building long-term relationships and delivering excellence through innovation, collaboration, and integrity.

Job Description

We are seeking a z/OS Systems Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in z/OS platform engineering, JES2 administration, SMP/E maintenance, and z/OS UNIX System Services and a proven ability to design, automate, and operate mainframe infrastructure aligned with enterprise standards.

Responsibilities:

• Design, engineer, and maintain z/OS platform tools and services in alignment with architecture, governance, and security policies.
• Provide subject-matter expertise in z/OS infrastructure and deliver technical consultation and best practices to application, infrastructure, and engineering teams.
• Translate business and operational requirements into z/OS technical designs, deployment blueprints, standards, and runbooks.
• Develop and enhance automation, scripts, and tooling to eliminate manual tasks and improve reliability and efficiency.
• Create reusable templates and playbooks for standardized builds, configuration, deployment, and operations.
• Evaluate and validate third-party mainframe software and tools for enterprise adoption and compliance.
• Identify opportunities to improve performance, resiliency, and operational processes through modernization.
• Contribute to product and solution evaluations by defining functional and non-functional technical requirements.
• Support risk management, change management, and problem resolution in a regulated, high-availability environment.
• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and leadership to junior staff and promote a collaborative team culture.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong experience configuring, maintaining, and supporting z/OS, including release installation, maintenance, and management of PTFs, APARs, and USERMODs with SMP/E.
• Proficiency in developing and maintaining system utilities, exits, and automation using REXX and BAL/Assembler.
• Administration of z/OS UNIX System Services, including file systems, permissions, scripting, and zFS configuration and support.
• Hands-on experience configuring and supporting JES2, including job classes, initiators, spool tuning, and workload controls.
• Strong working knowledge of TSO/ISPF for system programming and operational tasks.
• Experience managing LPARs and processor resources using the Hardware Management Console (HMC).
• Ability to diagnose and resolve system-level issues, including abends, dumps, hardware errors, and performance problems using IPCS, EREP, and RMF.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience defining and maintaining complex server, storage, and network configurations using Hardware Configuration Definition (HCD).
• Familiarity with enterprise evaluation of mainframe products and solution fit-for-purpose assessments.

Additional Information

• Candidates should include current location and intent on the resume. Indicate if 18 months tenure is not available.
• GLIDER ID verification is required.
• Supplier process requires resume and candidate name with JP ID sent to SR PC for approval before posting submission.

Why BCforward?

At BCforward, we believe in advancing lives and careers. When you join our team, you gain access to:

• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Opportunities for growth with global clients.
• A supportive, inclusive culture that values innovation and people.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and projects.

About Our Commitment

BCforward is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.