Sr. Mainframe Database Systems Engineer (DB2 for z/OS)

Temp-to-Perm

Contract Duration: 6 Months

Location: Hartford, CT (HYBRID) (3-4 days in office)

Ideal Candidate: A technically strong, self-driven DB2 Systems Programmer who can independently own DB2 infrastructure, lead installations and migrations, resolve complex technical issues and provide guidance to other technical resources.

Position Overview

• We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Mainframe DB2 Systems Engineer to lead DB2 for z/OS systems programming, infrastructure maintenance, configuration, upgrades and technical modernization initiatives.
• This is a senior individual contributor position focused on systems programming and platform ownership rather than traditional DBA activities. The individual will serve as a technical lead, providing Level 3 support, mentoring DBAs and driving critical database infrastructure initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead DB2 for z/OS installation, configuration, maintenance, upgrades and subsystem management.
• Plan and execute DB2 version migrations, function-level activations and software maintenance using SMP/E.
• Configure and tune DB2 subsystems, including DSNZPARMs, buffer pools, logging and memory.
• Troubleshoot complex subsystem issues, perform recovery and coordinate with IBM support.
• Manage DB2 connectivity, security and integrations with z/OS, RACF, storage and networking teams.
• Support IMS-related database infrastructure and participate in disaster recovery activities.
• Lead technical upgrades, transformation initiatives and platform modernization.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to DBAs and managed service teams.
• Drive automation using JCL, REXX and modern tooling.

Required Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience as a DB2 for z/OS Systems Programmer / Systems Engineer.
• Demonstrated experience with DB2 installation, configuration, maintenance and end-to-end version migrations.
• Strong knowledge of SMP/E, z/OS, JCL, TSO/ISPF and SDSF/IOF.
• Experience with DB2 subsystem configuration, performance tuning and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of DSNZPARMs, buffer pools, logging, memory management and RACF.
• Experience with subsystem-level problem determination, recovery and IBM vendor support.
• Strong technical ownership, independent problem-solving and mentoring capabilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, STEM or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• IMS systems programming experience.
• DB2 Data Sharing, Parallel Sysplex and Coupling Facility experience.
• Exposure to BMC AMI, Broadcom (CA) and IBM DB2 tools.
• Experience with DB2 LUW, Db2 Connect and distributed connectivity.
• Disaster recovery planning and execution experience.
• Relevant IBM DB2 certification.

What Makes This Opportunity Attractive?

• Senior technical ownership of company's mainframe DB2 environment.
• Opportunity to lead major DB2 upgrades and transformation initiatives.
• Work closely with experienced infrastructure and database teams.