Software Engineer - Mainframe

Job Description:

Job Responsibilities:

• COBOL Development & Optimization: Design, develop, test, and maintain complex COBOL programs, ensuring code efficiency, maintainability, and scalability, especially when dealing with large datasets and intricate business logic.
• JCL Management & Troubleshooting: Create, enhance, and troubleshoot intricate JCL job streams, including the use of PROCs, conditional execution, and advanced error handling. Develop robust restart and recovery strategies to ensure data integrity and minimize reprocessing in case of job failures.
• DB2 Database Interaction & Tuning: Develop and optimize SQL queries for DB2 on z/OS, focusing on performance, concurrency, and data integrity. Utilize DB2 tools (EXPLAIN, RUNSTATS) and implement effective indexing strategies to resolve performance bottlenecks.
• z/OS System Utilization: Leverage essential z/OS utilities (e.g., IDCAMS, IEBGENER, DFSORT, IEFBR14) for data management, file manipulation, and system tasks. Monitor z/OS system performance and troubleshoot issues using tools like SDSF and RMF.
• Complex Problem Solving: Diagnose, analyze, and resolve multi-component production issues spanning COBOL applications, JCL processes, and DB2 database interactions. Apply a systematic approach to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Modernization & Integration: Participate in initiatives to modernize existing COBOL applications and integrate mainframe systems with distributed technologies (e.g., REST APIs, messaging queues, cloud platforms). Address challenges related to data conversion, security, and transaction context.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provide technical guidance, code reviews, and mentorship to junior mainframe developers. Share knowledge, best practices, and contribute to the overall technical growth of the team.
• Documentation : Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including program specifications, JCL procedures, and operational guides.
• Collaboration: Work closely with business analysts, project managers, operations teams, and other development teams to deliver robust and reliable mainframe solutions.
  

Job Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar technical discipline, or equivalent work experience.

Experience:

• At least five years of progressive experience in mainframe software engineering

• Expert-level proficiency in COBOL programming, including advanced features, data structures, and performance optimization techniques

• Experience with embedded SQL in COBOL programs; Strong proficiency in SQL for DB2 on Z/OS, including complex query writing and optimization.

• In-depth knowledge of Job Control Language (JCL)

• Practical experience with essential Z/OS utilities and commands

• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex, multi-component technical issues across the mainframe stack

• Excellence verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly

• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and experience mentoring or guiding junior engineers

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with mainframe modernization initiatives (e.g., exposing COBOL via APIs, integrating with distributed systems via MQ or z/OS Connect EE).
• Familiarity with mainframe source control systems (e.g., Endevor).
• Experience with mainframe debugging tools (e.g., IBM Debug Tool, Fault Analyzer, File Manager).
• Knowledge of other mainframe technologies such as CICS, VSAM, MQ Series, CA7, CA11.
• Experience in an Agile development environment.

Work Requirements:

• Desk work, sedentary.

This description outlines the general nature and scope of work typically performed in this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, work requirements, etc. It may vary slightly based on business or geographic needs and is subject to being reviewed and updated periodically.

• Experience with mainframe modernization initiatives (e.g., exposing COBOL via APIs, integrating with distributed systems via MQ or z/OS Connect EE).
• Familiarity with mainframe source control systems (e.g., Endevor).
• Experience with mainframe debugging tools (e.g., IBM Debug Tool, Fault Analyzer, File Manager).
• Knowledge of other mainframe technologies such as CICS, VSAM, MQ Series, CA7, CA11.
• Experience in an Agile development environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• COBOL Development & Optimization: Design, develop, test, and maintain complex COBOL programs, ensuring code efficiency, maintainability, and scalability, especially when dealing with large datasets and intricate business logic.
• JCL Management & Troubleshooting: Create, enhance, and troubleshoot intricate JCL job streams, including the use of PROCs, conditional execution, and advanced error handling. Develop robust restart and recovery strategies to ensure data integrity and minimize reprocessing in case of job failures.
• DB2 Database Interaction & Tuning: Develop and optimize SQL queries for DB2 on z/OS, focusing on performance, concurrency, and data integrity. Utilize DB2 tools (EXPLAIN, RUNSTATS) and implement effective indexing strategies to resolve performance bottlenecks.
• z/OS System Utilization: Leverage essential z/OS utilities (e.g., IDCAMS, IEBGENER, DFSORT, IEFBR14) for data management, file manipulation, and system tasks. Monitor z/OS system performance and troubleshoot issues using tools like SDSF and RMF.
• Complex Problem Solving: Diagnose, analyze, and resolve multi-component production issues spanning COBOL applications, JCL processes, and DB2 database interactions. Apply a systematic approach to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Modernization & Integration: Participate in initiatives to modernize existing COBOL applications and integrate mainframe systems with distributed technologies (e.g., REST APIs, messaging queues, cloud platforms). Address challenges related to data conversion, security, and transaction context.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provide technical guidance, code reviews, and mentorship to junior mainframe developers. Share knowledge, best practices, and contribute to the overall technical growth of the team.
• Documentation : Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including program specifications, JCL procedures, and operational guides.