Job Title: DB2 / IMS Systems Programmer (z Systems Db2 Infrastructure Software Engineer)
Role Overview
The DB2/IMS Systems Programmer (z Systems Db2 Software Engineer) serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) responsible for the installation, configuration, lifecycle management, performance optimization, and disaster recovery of Db2 infrastructure in large-scale z Systems environments.
This role requires deep expertise in SMP/E-driven software management, Db2 Data Sharing (SysPlex/DB2Plex), performance tuning, and enterprise monitoring across complex multi-LPAR, multi-SysPlex environments.
Key Responsibilities
Db2 Software Installation & Lifecycle Management
- Install, configure, maintain, and remove Db2 system software using SMP/E.
- Manage full Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) from planning through end-of-life.
- Apply vendor maintenance including:
- HIPER fixes
- APARs
- PTFs (pre/co-requisite, cumulative)
- Technical Refreshes
- Service Packs
- Download and deploy Db2 system software across Tech, Test/Dev, and Production environments.
- Follow enterprise Change Management processes ensuring proper validation and application testing.
Db2 Infrastructure & Architecture
- Configure and support Db2 Subsystems within LPAR IPL processes.
- Define and manage Db2 Storage Groups.
- Implement and tune Buffer Pools and other system-level performance features.
- Design and maintain Db2 Data Sharing environments (DB2 SysPlex / DB2Plex).
- Support multiple Parallel SysPlex configurations and large-scale production environments.
- Optimize usage of General Processors and zIIP processors.
Logging, Recovery & Disaster Recovery
- Manage Db2 logging infrastructure and system recovery processes.
- Support Disaster Recovery solutions including GDPS.
- Execute recovery procedures in DR environments.
- Validate post-recovery system integrity and performance.
Monitoring & Performance Management
- Utilize enterprise monitoring tools:
- Omegamon
- MXG
- Splunk
- Analyze system metrics and proactively identify performance patterns.
- Research root causes and implement long-term stability improvements.
- Monitor and analyze multiple subsystems to recommend optimization strategies.
Automation & Modernization
- Automate installation and administrative processes using z/OSMF workflows.
- Leverage AI tools to analyze operational data and recommend solutions.
- Use M365 Copilot AI to summarize meetings and draft communications.
- Stay current on AI applications relevant to system programming roles.
Collaboration & Incident Management
- Participate in 24x7 on-call rotation.
- Support Incident “War Room” scenarios and assist in root cause determination.
- Partner with application teams, operations, and vendors.
- Open and manage vendor support cases including documentation packaging and follow-ups.
- Generate technical documentation for Operations and Help Desk teams.
Required Experience & QualificationsCore Experience
- 15+ years of hands-on experience in:
- SMP/E configuration and maintenance
- Db2 logging and recovery
- Db2 Storage Groups
- Db2 Data Sharing (SysPlex/DB2Plex)
- LPAR integration and IPL processes
- Performance tuning (Buffer Pools & system components)
- 10+ years of mainframe systems experience in large-scale environments:
- 90,000+ MIPs
- Multiple LPARs
- Multiple SysPlex environments
- CICSPlex and DB2Plex
- Multiple physical z Systems machines
z/OS & Systems Programming Skills
- Proficient with:
- TSO / ISPF
- JCL creation and modification
- z/OS console commands
- Dataset allocation (PDS/PDSE, VSAM)
- zFS and UNIX System Services
- Practical SMP/E knowledge.
- Experience working across z/OS, Linux, and Windows platforms.
- Familiarity with Configuration Manager (preferred).
Monitoring & Tooling
- Fully proficient with enterprise monitoring tools.
- Experience with BMC AMI suite.
- Familiarity with performance analytics and reporting tools.
Soft Skills & Professional Competencies
- Strong analytical skills; ability to:
- Break complex topics into actionable insights
- Identify cause-and-effect relationships
- Assess large volumes of data for relevance
- Ability to streamline quality processes.
- Strong customer-impact awareness when designing solutions.
- Capable of working under heightened pressure with executive visibility.
- Ability to work independently and mentor team members.
- Commitment to accountability and high-performance standards.
Software Expertisez Systems Db2 System Software
- BMC AMI
- Abend-AID for Db2
- File-AID for Db2
- File-AID for Data Solutions
- DASD Manager Plus for Db2
- High-Speed Apply Engine
- IBM SMP/E
- Extended Buffer Manager for Db2
- Db2 Assist
- LOADPLUS for Db2
- REORG PLUS for Db2
- Data Replication for Db2 for z/OS
- Db2 Accessories Suite for z/OS
- High Performance Unload
- Db2 Log Analysis Tool
- Db2 Utilities Suite
Non-z Systems Awareness
- Qlink Replication (awareness required)
Key Competencies
- Db2 Systems Administration (z/OS)
- SMP/E Maintenance & Software Deployment
- Parallel SysPlex & Data Sharing
- Disaster Recovery (GDPS)
- Performance Tuning & Buffer Pool Optimization
- Automation via z/OSMF
- Enterprise Monitoring & Analytics
- Vendor & Incident Management
- AI-enabled Operational Optimization
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: ₹457,786.51 - ₹1,728,016.10 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Noida