Sr. Systems Programmer

Sammons Financial Group; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 76,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

ESOP

401(k)

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Sammons Financial Group seeks a Sr. Systems Programmer to lead administration and optimization of IBM Z-Series mainframe systems. You will manage OS, core software, and hardware, and mentor teams while coordinating with vendors to resolve complex issues.

Ideal candidates have 5–8 years of tech experience with 3–5 years in system programming, and hands-on knowledge of z/OS, CICS, DB2, and related tools. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in MIS/IT or related field.
• 5–8 years of technical/programming experience with 3–5 years in system programming.
• Mainframe experience is required.
• Familiarity with REXX, JCL, Assembler and COBOL.
• Familiarity with IBM mainframe products: z/OS, CICS, DB2, WebSphere MQ.
• Experience with TCP/IP, DFSMS/HSM, HCD/IOCP, SMP/E, Unix System Services, AMI Ops, RACF or CA-1.
• Ability to manage complex projects, communicate effectively, and lead initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and oversee mainframe operation and stability.
• Analyze, design, implement, and own OS and system software solutions.
• Evaluate, install, configure, and tune IBM Z-Series hardware and z/OS software.
• Manage vendor escalations and lead disaster recovery planning and testing.
• Provide technical direction and mentoring to programming teams.
• Ensure security configurations and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Mainframe admin

Technical leadership

Vendor coordination

OS & software tuning

Performance & capacity analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in MIS/IT

Tools

REXX

JCL

Assembler

COBOL

z/OS

CICS

DB2

WebSphere MQ

Job description

What You Can Expect In This Role

We are seeking a skilled and driven Sr. Systems Programmer with demonstrated expertise in IBM Z-Series mainframe systems, including both hardware and OS management. This critical role will lead the administration, optimization, and support of mainframe infrastructure that drives our core business operations.

What You'll Do In This Role

• Mainframe system management
  • Plan, organize, and oversee the operation and stability of mainframe hardware, operating systems, and core software.
  • Independently analyze, design, implement, and own new or existing OS and system software solutions.
• Hardware and OS expertise
  • Evaluate, install, configure, and tune IBM Z-Series hardware and z/OS along with related software (e.g., CICS, DB2, WebSphere MQ).
  • Ensure peak performance and reliability of all mainframe components.
• Administration and Vendor Coordination
  • Manage escalations with vendors to solve complex hardware and software issues.
  • Lead disaster recovery planning and testing for assigned systems.
• Technical Leadership and Mentoring
  • Provide advanced technical direction and mentorship to programming teams.
  • Develop and enforce internal operations standards and best practices.
• Security and Compliance
  • Own system and application security configurations ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Conduct performance and capacity analyses to recommend and implement improvements.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Information Technology or related IT field Preferred
• 5-8 years' technical/programming experience required with 3-5 years of system programming experience Preferred
• Previous mainframe experience Required
• Familiarity with system level software products including REXX, JCL, Assembler and COBOL preferred
• Familiarity with IBM mainframe products including z/OS, CICS, DB2 and WebSphere MQ preferred
• Familiarity with software products such as TCP/IP, DFSMS/HSM, HCD/IOCP, SMP/E, Unix System Services, AMI Ops, RACF or CA-1
• Ability to complete complex projects within an established time frame
• Ability to effectively communicate (both oral and written) with customers
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives, make independent decisions, and deliver sustained operational improvements

Other Requirements

• Criminal background check required.

Salary Range Information

USD $76,158.00 - USD $158,663.00 /Yr. Range includes data points from multiple labor markets. Specific range is dependent on the labor market where the incumbent will be hired to perform the position. Starting salary is dependent on candidate qualifications and experience. For a narrower salary range specific to your labor market, please inquire.

What you can expect when you join Sammons Financial Group

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA & FSA options, and term life insurance.
• Competitive compensation with a performance-based incentive program tied to clear goals and individual and/or company success.
• Invest in your future with our 100% company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), plus automatic enrollment in our 401(k).
• Work–life balance that means something. Friday afternoons off year-round, generous paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Commit to your growth with paid development time, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities across industry, individual, and leadership programs.
• Make an impact beyond the workplace through volunteer time off, and our company nonprofit matching gift program, supporting the causes that matter most to you.
• An ownership culture that inspires; join a connected, values-driven workplace where employees take accountability, support one another, and are empowered to do their best work—together shaping our future shared success.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future or those needing work authorization for this role (This includes, but is not limited to students on F1-OPT, F1-CPT, J-1, etc.).

Additional Information

Sammons Financial Group Is An Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

ADA Sammons Financial Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application or hiring process, including navigating our website or applying for a position, please contact [e-mail] or call 800-728-2987.

E-Verify Sammons Financial Group participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Policy for External Search Firms and Agencies Sammons Financial Group maintains an internal Talent Acquisition function and does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting vendors. Please review our Recruitment Agency Policy for additional information here.