Mainframe System Programmer

Description

Client has a vacancy for a part-time consultant to manage critical upgrades and ongoing maintenance of core mainframe components.

• These efforts will focus particularly on DB2 and CICS, which are vital to the reliability and performance of citywide applications.
• We are seeking a highly skilled, self-motivated professional with extensive hands-on experience in IBM systems and program products.
• The selected consultant must be able to immediately contribute by applying deep technical expertise and practical knowledge to strengthen, maintain, and enhance our mainframe environment.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring system reliability, availability, and serviceability
• Providing project management and technical leadership for installations and upgrades
• Diagnosing and resolving complex issues
• Performing performance monitoring and tuning
• Asset lifecycle management
• Maintaining accurate and version-controlled documentation
• Offering advisory-level guidance to ensure operational stability and efficiency
• Delivering specialized expertise in a targeted, part-time capacity

Primary responsibilities include:

• Oversee installation, maintenance, and upgrades of mainframe subsystems
• Monitor system performance, capacity, and utilization, proactively addressing bottlenecks
• Lead planning and execution of mainframe upgrade projects
• Maintain accurate asset inventory of mainframe software licenses, versions, and configurations
• Track end-of-life, end-of-support, and renewal timelines for critical components
• Ensure compliance with vendor licensing and audit requirements
• Maintain system documentation
• Provide knowledge transfer, training, and mentorship to internal staff to strengthen in-house expertise
• Act as a technical advisor for mainframe-related initiatives

Experience / Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience working with z/OS, JES2, SMP/E, TSO, IOCP/HCD, basic IBM utilities (IDCAMS, IEFBR14, etc.), program product installations, working knowledge of the IBM virtual tape system, and Unix System Services
• Working knowledge of DB2, CICS, IMS
• Experience in using monitoring tools such as OMEGAMON
• Working with an enterprise-wide, large-scale implementation
• Excellent communication skills (Oral and written), interpersonal, and organizational skills are required
• The candidate must have experience with mainframe CPU installs as a systems programmer Consultant

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree or 10+ years of experience in a relevant technical field is required