What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer position at OP?
Join a team where your expertise as a z/OS System Administrator makes a real impact! In this critical role, you’ll help maintain and optimize a robust Mainframe environment, leveraging deep technical knowledge of z/OS systems. With hands-on experience in hardware refresh projects and a passion for delivering service excellence, you'll be at the forefront of keeping systems running smoothly and efficiently.
Years of experience required: 15 years.
Responsibilities
At OP, we help you harness the power of technology for maximum impact. A technology consulting and solutions company, we offer advisory and managed services, innovative platforms, and staffing solutions across a wide range of fields including AI, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, and beyond. For nearly two decades, we’ve been challenging the status quo of the consulting industry serving up fresh, ingenious thinking through a radically lean structure. Together, this strategy delivers unprecedented performance at an unparalleled pace for faster results that propel your business forward.
Years of experience required: 15 years.
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.
- 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.
- 401(k).
- Dental Insurance.
- Health insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity, equality, inclusion, and respect for people.
- The salary will be determined based on several factors, including, but not limited to, location, relevant education, qualifications, experience, technical skills, and business needs.
- Participate in OP monthly team meetings and participate in team-building efforts.
- Contribute to OP technical discussions, peer reviews, etc.
- Contribute content and collaborate via the OP-Wiki/Knowledge Base.
- Provide status reports to OP Account Management as requested.
At OP, we help you harness the power of technology for maximum impact. A technology consulting and solutions company, we offer advisory and managed services, innovative platforms, and staffing solutions across a wide range of fields including AI, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, and beyond. For nearly two decades, we’ve been challenging the status quo of the consulting industry serving up fresh, ingenious thinking through a radically lean structure. Together, this strategy delivers unprecedented performance at an unparalleled pace for faster results that propel your business forward.
