Mainframe z/OS Programmer

Mainframe z/OS Programmer

BCforward is currently seeking a highly motivated Mainframe z/OS Programmer for an opportunity- 100% Remote

Position Title: Mainframe z/OS Programmer

Location: 100% Remote

Anticipated Start Date: 04/14/2025

Please note this is the target date and it is subject to change. BCforward will send official notice ahead of a confirmed start date.

Expected Duration: 12 months contract with strong possibility of extension

Job Type: [FULL TIME (>%3D40 HRS WEEKLY) [CONTRACT], [REMOTE]

Please note that actual compensation may vary within this range due to factors such as location, experience, and job responsibilities, and does not encompass additional non-standard compensation (e.g., benefits, paid time off, per diem, etc.).

Job Description:

• A Mainframe z/OS System Programmer is responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and optimization of the z/OS operating system and its associated components.
• This role requires a deep understanding of mainframe environments, as well as the ability to ensure system reliability, security, and performance.
• The z/OS system programmer will work closely with system administrators, application developers, and other technical teams to ensure that mainframe systems operate efficiently, securely, and are capable of supporting the organization's critical applications."

Key Responsibilities:

1. z/OS Installation and Configuration:

• Install, configure, and maintain the z/OS operating system on mainframe systems, including handling major version upgrades and patching.
• Perform system configuration tasks, such as setting up JES (Job Entry Subsystem), SMP/E (System Modification Program/Extended), and system parameters.
• Coordinate system upgrades and apply patches, fixes, and maintenance to the operating system.

2. System Performance Monitoring and Tuning:

• Monitor system performance using tools such as RMF, SMF, and Omegamon to ensure optimal operation.
• Perform tuning and optimization of z/OS components such as CPU, memory, I/O, and disk subsystems to maximize system performance.
• Analyze and address performance bottlenecks, such as I/O wait times, CPU resource usage, and system contention.

3. System Security and Access Control:

• Implement and manage z/OS security controls, including setting up RACF (Resource Access Control Facility) for user authentication and authorization.
• Configure security policies to ensure the system meets the organization's security standards and compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
• Maintain the system logs and monitor security events to detect and mitigate security threats.

4. System Backup, Recovery, and Disaster Recovery:

• Design and implement system backup and recovery strategies, ensuring data protection and minimizing system downtime in case of failures.
• Work with disaster recovery teams to develop and test z/OS-specific DR plans, ensuring critical system availability during disaster recovery scenarios.
• Manage HSM (Hierarchical Storage Management) and DFSMS for backup and data management.

5. Job Scheduling and Automation:

• Configure and maintain job scheduling systems like JES2 and JES3, ensuring that critical tasks run on time.
• Automate system tasks and processes using Rexx, JCL (Job Control Language), or z/OS automation tools to improve operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to job scheduling and batch processing.

6. System Maintenance and Patching:

• Apply system patches, upgrades, and service updates to z/OS and its subsystems (e.g., DB2, CICS, MQ) to ensure security and compliance.
• Ensure that patches and updates do not disrupt production systems, coordinating with teams to minimize downtime during system maintenance.
• Conduct regular system health checks to verify the integrity of the operating system and its components.

7. Troubleshooting and Incident Management:

• Resolve system problems, including hardware failures, software bugs, and performance issues.
• Work with other technical teams (e.g., hardware engineers, application developers) to troubleshoot and resolve complex system issues.
• Provide on-call support for system incidents, including critical system outages or performance degradation.

8. Documentation and Knowledge Sharing:

• Maintain detailed documentation for system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps.
• Develop and update system runbooks, ensuring that they are accessible to other team members for reference during operations and incident resolution.
• Share best practices and knowledge with other IT teams, contributing to a collaborative environment.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

z/OS Expertise:

• Extensive experience with the z/OS operating system, including installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance.
• Knowledge of core z/OS components like JES, SMF, RMF, DFSMS, and RACF.

Performance Monitoring and Tuning:

• Experience in performance monitoring and tuning of z/OS systems, including CPU, memory, storage, and I/O subsystems.
• Familiarity with performance tools such as RMF, SMF, Omegamon, and Tivoli OMEGAMON.

Security Management:

• Experience with RACF for user authentication and access control in z/OS.
• Strong understanding of system security policies and best practices in a mainframe environment.

Backup and Recovery:

• Knowledge of backup and recovery technologies, including HSM, DFSMS, and z/OS-specific disaster recovery practices.
• Experience in developing and testing disaster recovery plans.

Job Scheduling and Automation:

• Proficiency with JCL and job scheduling systems such as JES2 or JES3.
• Familiarity with automation tools such as REXX or z/OS automation utilities.

Troubleshooting and Incident Resolution:

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for resolving system and hardware issues.
• Experience in identifying, diagnosing, and resolving complex z/OS-related problems.

Scripting and Programming:

• Knowledge of REXX, JCL, or other programming/scripting languages for automation and system management tasks.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with additional mainframe applications such as DB2, CICS, IMS, and MQ.
• Familiarity with mainframe virtualization technologies like z/VM or zKVM.
• Certification in IBM z/OS system programming or related technologies.
• Knowledge of z/OS UNIX (USS) environments and integration.

Career Path:

• A Mainframe z/OS System Programmer can progress to senior roles such as Mainframe Systems Architect, Infrastructure Manager, or Enterprise Architect.
• They may also transition into leadership roles that oversee the overall mainframe infrastructure

Benefits:

BCforward offers all eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to major medical, HSA, dental, vision, employer-provided group life, voluntary life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and 401k.

Keywords:

Mainframe, z/OS

About BCforward:

Founded in 1998 on the idea that industry leaders needed a professional service, and workforce management expert, to fuel the development and execution of core business and technology strategies, BCforward is a Black-owned firm providing unique solutions supporting value capture and digital product delivery needs for organizations around the world. Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN with an Offshore Development Center in Hyderabad, India, BCforward' s 6,000 consultants support more than 225 clients globally.

BCforward champions the power of human potential to help companies transform, accelerate, and scale. Guided by our core values of People-Centric, Optimism, Excellence, Diversity, and Accountability, our professionals have helped our clients achieve their strategic goals for more than 25 years. Our strong culture and clear values have enabled BCforward to become a market leader and best in class place to work.

BCforward 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, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

To learn more about how BCforward collects and uses personal information as part of the recruiting process, view our Privacy Notice and CCPA Addendum. As part of the recruitment process, we may ask for you to disclose and provide us with various categories of personal information, including identifiers, professional information, commercial information, education information, and other related information. BCforward will only use this information to complete the recruitment process.

This posting is not an offer of employment. All applicants applying for positions in the United States must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The submission of intentionally false or fraudulent information in response to this posting may render the applicant ineligible for the position. Any subsequent offer of employment will be considered employment at-will regardless of the anticipated assignment duration.

Interested candidates please send resume in Word format Please reference job code 237439 when responding to this ad.

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