z/OS System Programmer (DB2 & CICS Specialist)

Job Responsibilities

• Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain DB2 for z/OS including daily DBA tasks and utilities; ensure availability and performance in DB2 Data Sharing environments.
• Install, upgrade, and administer CICS/TS for z/OS, including managing and optimizing CICSPlex System Manager.
• Perform installation, customization, and upgrades of system software products on z/OS, such as OMEGAMON, DB2 Admin Tools, and related utilities.
• Manage system maintenance using SMP/E, including receiving, applying, and verifying Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs).
• Monitor and tune system and application performance, working closely with system administrators to optimize hardware and software configurations.
• Provide expert-level technical support for DB2, CICS, and application issues, guiding application developers and operators in problem resolution.
• Diagnose and resolve complex problems under time and resource constraints, including reviewing and correcting COBOL programs and JCL jobs when necessary.
• Lead and deliver System z projects from planning through implementation, ensuring timely and successful outcomes.
• Implement strategies to enhance system availability, resilience, and reliability.
• Collaborate effectively with management, vendors, peers, and end-users to communicate solutions, risks, and recommendations.
• Research, evaluate, and implement new technologies, tools, and methodologies to improve system performance and efficiency.
• Schedule, coordinate, and control workloads and activities to align with changing business requirements.

Qualifications & Education Requirements

• Education :
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering , or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Technical Expertise :
• Proven hands-on experience with DB2 for z/OS installation, upgrades, and administration (including DB2 Data Sharing ).
• Strong knowledge and hands-on administration of CICS/TS for z/OS and CICSPlex System Manager .
• Experience with installation and maintenance of z/OS system software (e.g., OMEGAMON, DB2 Admin Tools , and related utilities).
• In-depth experience using SMP/E for applying and managing PTFs and software maintenance.
• Proficiency in performance monitoring, tuning, and optimization of z/OS systems, DB2, and CICS.
• Strong COBOL programming and analysis skills, with ability to review and correct JCL and source code.
• Professional Skills :
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex technical issues under time and resource constraints.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, implement, and deliver System z projects on schedule.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with management, peers, vendors, and end-users.
• Ability to prioritize workloads and adapt to changing business needs.
• Preferred :
• IBM certifications in DB2 for z/OS , CICS/TS , or z/OS System Programming .
• Experience with high-availability solutions and implementing best practices for system availability and resilience .

Core Competencies

• Mainframe Systems Expertise – Deep knowledge of IBM z/OS architecture, DB2, and CICS/TS environments.
• DB2 Administration – Installation, upgrade, data sharing, utilities, and performance optimization.
• CICS/TS & CICSPlex – Administration, configuration, workload management, and troubleshooting.
• System Software Management – Installation and maintenance of OMEGAMON, DB2 Admin Tools, and other z/OS products.
• SMP/E Proficiency – Applying, receiving, and managing Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs).
• Performance Tuning – Monitoring and optimizing system, database, and transaction performance.
• Problem Solving & Troubleshooting – Diagnosing complex technical issues and providing timely resolutions.
• Programming Skills – Strong COBOL programming and JCL analysis for debugging and optimization.
• Project Delivery – Planning, scheduling, and implementing large-scale System z projects.
• Availability & Resilience – Implementing strategies to improve system uptime and reliability.
• Collaboration & Communication – Working effectively with developers, operators, management, and vendors.
• Analytical & Research Skills – Ability to analyze problems, evaluate solutions, and adopt new technologies.