Mainframe Database Analyst

Mainframe Database Analyst

Location: Atlanta, GA

Position type: W2 Contract

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Database Analyst or Database Systems Programmer with at least 9 years of experience working with z/DB2. The ideal candidate will bring in-depth expertise in mainframe database technologies including z/DB2, IMS DB/DC, and/or ADABAS. This role is critical in overseeing and optimizing database systems, managing software upgrades, supporting application development, and ensuring performance and compliance with business and technical standards.

Key Responsibilities

Database Administration & Maintenance

• Manage IBM DB2 databases on the z/OS mainframe platform.
• Create and maintain database objects (tables, indexes, tablespaces).
• Perform data loading, unloading, and reorganization using DB2 utilities.
• Develop and implement database backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies.
  
  

Performance Monitoring & Optimization

• Monitor and analyze database performance to identify and resolve bottlenecks.
• Tune databases and optimize queries for maximum system efficiency.
• Use tools like RUNSTATS to maintain accurate statistics for query optimization.
  
  

Collaboration & Consultation

• Work closely with application development teams to support technology projects and system enhancements.
• Provide expert consultation on database architecture and performance.
• Collaborate on schema design and implementation.
  
  

Software & System Management

• Oversee external DBA and systems programming teams during software installation and support.
• Manage change, incident, and service level processes.
• Coordinate with vendors for software upgrades and ensure smooth transitions.
• Monitor system health to ensure high availability and proactively resolve issues.
  
  

Risk Management & Compliance

• Communicate potential risks to management and develop mitigation strategies.
• Support compliance efforts including SOX audit participation and reporting.
• Ensure adherence to data security and regulatory standards.
  
  

Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

• Lead or participate in disaster recovery planning and testing.
• Ensure database systems can recover effectively from system failures.
  
  

Technology Strategy & Lifecycle Management

• Keep up to date with advancements in database and mainframe technologies.
• Evaluate and plan for deprecated feature retirement and lifecycle upgrades.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 9 years of experience with z/DB2, IMS DB/DC, and/or ADABAS.
• Proficient in IBM Infosphere Data Replication (IIDR) or similar replication tools.
• Strong knowledge of zConnect Enterprise Edition (zCEE) API framework.
• Deep expertise in DB2 administration on z/OS.
• Strong SQL skills; expertise in partitioning, indexing, performance tuning, and data sharing.
• Experience with mainframe operating systems and Job Control Language (JCL).
• Understanding of data security best practices and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex database issues.
• Experience in backup/recovery procedures and disaster recovery planning.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with service level, incident, and change management processes.
• Experience working with external vendors and managing software lifecycle upgrades.
• Relevant certifications in DB2 or related technologies.