Mainframe Support Analyst

Role - Mainframe Support Analyst

Location : San Bernardino, CA (onsite)

Years of experience required: 10

Role Summary

The Mainframe Support Analyst will provide L2/L3 technical support for IBM z/OS mainframe applications, ensuring stability, performance, and timely resolution of incidents across non-production and production environments. The role is critical for batch operations, DB2 support, deployment activities, and root-cause analysis, particularly in large retail and supply-chain transformation programs.

Key Responsibilities

Mainframe Application & Production Support (L2/L3)

· Provide end-to-end support for mainframe applications running on IBM z/OS.

· Analyze and resolve incidents related to JCL abends, DB2 errors, data issues, and code defects.

· Perform root-cause analysis by reviewing COBOL, DB2 programs, and batch execution logs.

· Support production and non-production environments, ensuring SLA adherence.

Batch Processing & Deployment

· Build and maintain batch jobs by copying and parameterizing JCLs across environments.

· Schedule, automate, and monitor end-to-end batch cycles.

· Resolve batch failures and performance issues.

· Support code promotion and deployment activities across test and production environments.

· Manage dataset setup, environment parameterization, and deployment prerequisites.

DB2 DBA & Data Support

· Perform DB2 L2/L3 support activities including:

o Creation, alteration, and maintenance of DB2 objects.

o Plan and package creation, binding, and rebinding.

o DB2 utilities such as UNLOAD, LOAD, RUNSTATS, and REORG.

· Coordinate with RACF/security teams to ensure proper DB2 access and controls.

· Perform DB2 backups, restores, and image copy management to support testing needs.

CICS, MQ & File Transfers

· Support CICS applications by navigating screens and analyzing logs.

· Understand and troubleshoot MQ message flows and integrations.

· Manage Connect: Direct file transfers between systems and support batch file movements.

Automation & Continuous Improvement

· Analyze and enhance existing REXX scripts for automation.

· Identify opportunities to automate repetitive support tasks (batch scheduling, deployments, retrofits).

· Support environment retrofits such as DB2 structural changes, static data updates, and package rebinds.

Required Skills & Experience

· Mainframe Technologies: IBM z/OS, COBOL, JCL

· Databases: DB2 (L2/L3 support, utilities, performance tuning basics)

· Middleware: CICS, IBM MQ (working knowledge)

· Batch & Scheduling: CA-7 / ESP or equivalent schedulers

· Automation: REXX scripting

· Security: RACF (working knowledge)

· Experience: 5–10 years in Mainframe Application Support / Operations

· Domain: Retail / Supply Chain experience is strongly preferred

Nice to Have

· Experience supporting large retail transformation or supply-chain modernization programs

· Exposure to mainframe modernization or automation initiatives

· Strong documentation and SOP creation skills