Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

Years of experience required:

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.

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.