Job Description
The Mainframe Systems Programmer – CICS/MQ supports the availability, stability, performance, and reliability of the organization's IBM zEnterprise mainframe environment. This role provides technical administration and production support for CICS and MQ across test and production environments within a large-scale Parallel Sysplex environment.
The ideal candidate has strong mainframe systems programming and troubleshooting experience and is comfortable supporting critical production environments, implementing system changes, and collaborating with application and infrastructure teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES
CICS/MQ & Mainframe Support
• Install, upgrade, configure, and maintain CICS/MQ environments across test and production LPARs.
• Monitor CICS/MQ health and performance and troubleshoot issues to identify root causes.
• Support the z/OS environment using SMP/E, ISPF/SDSF, USS, JES2, JCL, and IBM/third-party utilities.
• Maintain highly available and stable CICS/MQ environments within a Parallel Sysplex.
• Install and maintain third-party software supporting CICS/MQ.
Performance & Continuous Improvement
• Develop automation and alerting scripts to improve system monitoring and operational efficiency.
• Analyze performance reports and metrics to identify opportunities to improve availability, performance, and reliability.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and solutions for potential implementation.
Production Support
• Conduct technical troubleshooting, problem analysis, and root-cause resolution.
• Participate in disaster recovery exercises, infrastructure releases, and a rotating on-call schedule.
• Review proposed changes, assess risks, and support implementation readiness.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or related field; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• 3 years of experience supporting, implementing, or maintaining enterprise technical solutions.
• 3 years of technical troubleshooting and problem-solving experience.
• Experience supporting IBM z/OS mainframe environments.
• Experience with CICS and/or MQ.
• Experience with JCL, JES2, ISPF/SDSF, and SMP/E.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
Preferred
• Experience supporting Parallel Sysplex environments.
• Experience with CICS and MQ in an enterprise mainframe environment.
• Experience with RACF, TSO, USS, REXX, or Assembler.
• Working knowledge of COBOL and mainframe application environments.
• Experience with disaster recovery and third-party mainframe software.
• Experience with ServiceNow or other IT service management tools.
Technical Skills
• Mainframe: z/OS, CICS, MQ, Parallel Sysplex, JES2
• Utilities: SMP/E, JCL, ISPF/SDSF, TSO, USS
• Programming & Automation: REXX, COBOL, Assembler
• Operations: Production Support, Troubleshooting, Performance Monitoring, Disaster Recovery, Change Management
• Professional: Analytical Thinking, Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, Adaptability
REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY:
• This position is fully remote; however, candidates must permanently reside in the United States to be eligible.
• All work must be conducted within the continental U.S.
• Applicants outside of the U.S. cannot be considered for this position.
• No C2C, sponsorship, or relocation available for this role.
HIRING PROCESS GUIDELINES
To maintain the integrity and security of our hiring process, candidates are expected to participate authentically and without the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT or similar platforms) during interviews, assessments, or any other part of the selection process.
For a fair and secure experience, please note the following:
• Cameras must remain on during all virtual interviews.
• The use of AI tools by candidates is not permitted at any stage of the interview process.
• All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which may include verification of identification.
The ideal candidate has strong mainframe systems programming and troubleshooting experience and is comfortable supporting critical production environments, implementing system changes, and collaborating with application and infrastructure teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES
CICS/MQ & Mainframe Support
• Install, upgrade, configure, and maintain CICS/MQ environments across test and production LPARs.
• Monitor CICS/MQ health and performance and troubleshoot issues to identify root causes.
• Support the z/OS environment using SMP/E, ISPF/SDSF, USS, JES2, JCL, and IBM/third-party utilities.
• Maintain highly available and stable CICS/MQ environments within a Parallel Sysplex.
• Install and maintain third-party software supporting CICS/MQ.
Performance & Continuous Improvement
• Develop automation and alerting scripts to improve system monitoring and operational efficiency.
• Analyze performance reports and metrics to identify opportunities to improve availability, performance, and reliability.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and solutions for potential implementation.
Production Support
• Conduct technical troubleshooting, problem analysis, and root-cause resolution.
• Participate in disaster recovery exercises, infrastructure releases, and a rotating on-call schedule.
• Review proposed changes, assess risks, and support implementation readiness.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or related field; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• 3 years of experience supporting, implementing, or maintaining enterprise technical solutions.
• 3 years of technical troubleshooting and problem-solving experience.
• Experience supporting IBM z/OS mainframe environments.
• Experience with CICS and/or MQ.
• Experience with JCL, JES2, ISPF/SDSF, and SMP/E.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
Preferred
• Experience supporting Parallel Sysplex environments.
• Experience with CICS and MQ in an enterprise mainframe environment.
• Experience with RACF, TSO, USS, REXX, or Assembler.
• Working knowledge of COBOL and mainframe application environments.
• Experience with disaster recovery and third-party mainframe software.
• Experience with ServiceNow or other IT service management tools.
Technical Skills
• Mainframe: z/OS, CICS, MQ, Parallel Sysplex, JES2
• Utilities: SMP/E, JCL, ISPF/SDSF, TSO, USS
• Programming & Automation: REXX, COBOL, Assembler
• Operations: Production Support, Troubleshooting, Performance Monitoring, Disaster Recovery, Change Management
• Professional: Analytical Thinking, Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, Adaptability
REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY:
• This position is fully remote; however, candidates must permanently reside in the United States to be eligible.
• All work must be conducted within the continental U.S.
• Applicants outside of the U.S. cannot be considered for this position.
• No C2C, sponsorship, or relocation available for this role.
HIRING PROCESS GUIDELINES
To maintain the integrity and security of our hiring process, candidates are expected to participate authentically and without the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT or similar platforms) during interviews, assessments, or any other part of the selection process.
For a fair and secure experience, please note the following:
• Cameras must remain on during all virtual interviews.
• The use of AI tools by candidates is not permitted at any stage of the interview process.
• All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which may include verification of identification.
Additional Details
Experience: 5-10 years