Join our team where your expertise as a Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer makes a real impact! Comprehensive responsibility breakdown, skills matrix, and soft skills for a Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer specializing in hardware refresh, product upgrades, and software lifecycle management using advanced tools like SMP/E, z/OSMF, Broadcom, IBM, and BMC utilities. With hands-on experience in hardware refresh projects and a passion for delivering service excellence, you'll be at the forefront of keeping systems running smoothly and efficiently.
Years Of Experience Required
+15 yrs.
Responsibilities
- Operating System Knowledge:
- Deep mastery of z/OS architecture, including IPL procedures, JES2/JES3 configurations, Sysplex management, SMF data collection, and parmlib customization.
- Programming Skills:
- Proficient in writing and debugging system-level routines and automation:
- Assembler for exits and control blocks.
- REXX for scripting and batch utilities.
- JCL for job submission, parameterization, and workflow control.
- System Administration:
- Managing hardware and logical resources across LPARs:
- DASD and tape allocation via HCD/HCM.
- LPAR configuration in HMC.
- Security administration using RACF or equivalent.
- Problem-Solving Skills:
- Analytical troubleshooting of abends, storage hangs, and performance anomalies using:
- Dump analysis with IPCS.
- SLIP and trace tools.
- System logs and console messages.
- Backup and Recovery:
- Ensuring data integrity and swift recovery with:
- DFSMShsm policies and recall management.
- FDR/ABR for high-speed backups.
- FlashCopy or virtual tape replication for near-instant restores.
- Performance Monitoring:
- Optimizing system throughput and response times utilizing:
- RMF and SMF report analysis.
- OMEGAMON or BMC MainView dashboards.
- WLM classification and tuning.
- Networking Knowledge:
- Configuring and supporting mainframe connectivity:
- VTAM and SNA definitions.
- TCP/IP stack on z/OS.
- OSA adapter and Coupling Facility communication.
- Documentation and Communication:
- Producing clear system diagrams, runbooks, and upgrade plans while collaborating with application teams, storage, networking, and security groups.
- Continuous Learning:
- Staying current on IBM Redbooks, z/OS release notes, firmware updates, and attending vendor training (IBM, Broadcom, BMC) or industry conferences.
- Software Maintenance & Upgrade Tools:
- Executing OS and product upgrades with industry-standard utilities:
- SMP/E for PTF, APAR, and deliverable management.
- z/OSMF workflows for streamlined maintenance.
- Broadcom (e.g., Topaz), IBM, and BMC tooling for fix management and compliance reporting.
- Project Management & Hardware Refresh:
- Planning and leading hardware refreshes, feature activations, and migrations with minimal downtime, including IPL scheduling, vendor coordination, and change-control governance.
- Skills Matrix:
- Focus: Hardware Refresh, Product Upgrades, SMP/E, z/OSMF, Broadcom, IBM & BMC Tooling.
Soft Skills
- Communication & Collaboration:
- Clear documentation of system changes, configurations, and procedures.
- Cross-functional teamwork with developers, DBAs, and network engineers.
- Stakeholder engagement to explain technical issues in business terms.
- Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving:
- Root cause analysis for system outages and performance issues.
- Pattern recognition across logs, dumps, and metrics.
- Decision-making under pressure, especially during incident response.
- Adaptability & Continuous Learning:
- Staying current with z/OS updates, SMP/E practices, and IBM tools.
- Embracing modernization trends like Zowe, z/OSMF, and hybrid cloud integration.
- Learning new scripting languages (REXX, CLIST) and automation tools.
- Patience & Resilience:
- Handling legacy systems with limited documentation.
- Managing long upgrade cycles and complex migrations.
- Remaining calm during critical system failures or audits.
- Attention to Detail:
- Precision in JCL scripting, IPL procedures, and system configurations.
- Vigilance in security settings, RACF profiles, and access controls.
- Thoroughness in change management and rollback planning.
- Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing:
- Training junior staff on mainframe fundamentals.
- Creating internal guides and cheat sheets for recurring tasks.
- Participating in user groups like IBM SHARE or local meetups.
Benefits
- Health Insurance, Accident Insurance.
- The salary will be determined based on several factors, including, but not limited to, location, relevant education, qualifications, experience, technical skills, and business needs.
Additional Responsibilities
- Participate in OP monthly team meetings and participate in team-building efforts.
- Contribute to OP technical discussions, peer reviews, etc.
- Contribute content and collaborate via the OP-Wiki/Knowledge Base.
- Provide status reports to OP Account Management as requested.
About Us
OP is a technology consulting and solutions company, offering advisory and managed services, innovative platforms, and staffing solutions across a wide range of fields — including AI, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, and beyond. Our most valuable asset is our people: dynamic, creative thinkers who are passionate about doing quality work. As a member of the OP team, you will have access to industry-leading consulting practices, strategies & and technologies, innovative training & education. An ideal OP team member is a technology leader with a proven track record of technical excellence and a strong focus on process and methodology.
