DB2 Systems Programmer (Mainframe z/OS)

Job Title: DB2 Systems Programmer (Mainframe z/OS)

Location: Chennai, Bangalore, Noida

Experience: 5-8 years

Work mode: Hybrid

Job Summary:

The DB2 Systems Programmer is responsible for installation, maintenance, and upgrade of IBM DB2 for z/OS subsystems, ensuring optimal performance, availability, and stability. Works with DB2 DBAs, z/OS Systems Programmers, and development teams.

Key Responsibilities:

DB2 Subsystem Management:

• Plan and execute DB2 subsystem installations, upgrades, migrations (e.g., DB2 12 to DB2 13).
• Apply DB2 maintenance (PTFs, APARs, SPEs) using SMP/E.
• Configure and maintain DB2 PARMLIB, DSNZPARM.
• Perform DB2 subsystem restarts (IPLs, Quiesce/Start).

DB2 Tool and Utility Support:

• Install, configure, upgrade, maintain DB2 utilities (REORG, RUNSTATS, COPY, LOAD, UNLOAD).
• Support ISV tools for DB2 (BMC, Broadcom/CA, IBM Admin Tool, IBM Data Studio).
• Troubleshoot DB2 utilities and ISV tools.

Performance Monitoring and Tuning:

• Monitor subsystem health and performance (Omegamon, DB2 PM, SMF, RMF).
• Analyze performance data, recommend tuning improvements.
• Assist DBAs and application teams in SQL optimization.

Problem Diagnosis and Resolution:

• Provide expert-level support for DB2 incidents.
• Analyze dumps, logs, traces; resolve issues.
• Collaborate with IBM support and ISV vendors.
• Participate in 24/7 on-call support.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Work with DB2 DBAs for requirements and guidance.
• Collaborate with z/OS Systems Programmers on shared resources.
• Liaise with application teams for DB2 changes and deployments.
• Coordinate with operations for maintenance and incidents.

Automation and Scripting:

• Develop and maintain JCL, REXX, CLISTs, and other scripts.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:

• Assist in planning, testing, execution of DR procedures.
• Ensure high availability and recoverability.

Documentation and Best Practices:

• Create and maintain documentation for installations, configurations, procedures.
• Follow ITIL best practices for change, incident, problem management.

Security and Compliance:

• Implement DB2 security best practices (RACF/ACF2/Top Secret).
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulations.

Required Skills and Experience:

• 5-8 years as Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer.
• Hands-on with DB2 for z/OS (installation, configuration, maintenance, migration).
• Proficient in JCL, TSO/ISPF, SMP/E.
• Experience with DB2 utilities (COPY, RECOVER, REORG, RUNSTATS, LOAD, UNLOAD).
• Knowledge of DB2 ISV tools (BMC, Broadcom/CA, IBM Admin Tool, Omegamon).
• Understanding of DB2 architecture, data sharing, buffer pool, logging.
• Performance monitoring, tuning, problem diagnosis.
• Ability to read DB2 dumps for problem determination.
• Proficiency in REXX, CLISTs, or other scripting.
• Familiarity with z/OS fundamentals (JES2/JES3, SMS, VSAM).
• Analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with Parallel Sysplex and DB2 Data Sharing.
• Knowledge of IBM MQ, IMS, or CICS connectivity.
• Experience with DB2 DDF and remote connectivity.
• DB2 for z/OS certifications.