Mainframe Systems Programmer

Role Summary
This position is responsible for engineering, maintaining, and supporting middleware technologies within IBM z/OS environments. The role focuses on ensuring the stability, security, and overall performance of enterprise applications that rely on mainframe middleware tools such as CICS, IMS, MQ, DB2, and WebSphere. Working closely with infrastructure teams, application developers, and operational support, this individual helps deliver reliable, scalable mainframe services and contributes to ongoing modernization and innovation initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Middleware Engineering & Support
Deploy, configure, and support middleware platforms including CICS, IMS TM/DB, IBM MQ, WebSphere Application Server, Connect:Direct, FTP/SFTP, z/OS Connect, and other related technologies.
Assist with application rollouts, testing cycles, and integration activities across distributed and mainframe environments.
Monitor system performance and availability using tools such as OMEGAMON, SYSVIEW, CICS PA, c/Prof, and other monitoring solutions.
Diagnose and resolve advanced middleware issues; coordinate with vendors or external partners when necessary.
Automate routine processes, recovery steps, and operational tasks to improve resiliency and efficiency.
Maintain operational procedures, technical runbooks, and architecture documentation.
Mainframe Systems Programming
Provide support for z/OS components tied to middleware operation, including SMP/E, JCL, REXX, PARMLIB, and PROCLIB.
Support maintenance activities such as patching, upgrades, and IPL planning.
Contribute to performance tuning and capacity planning efforts.
Ensure system configurations and documentation remain current and follow established standards.
Operations, Governance & Team Collaboration
Participate in an on-call rotation for middleware and system-related support.
Collaborate with application teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize end-to-end performance.
Engage in disaster recovery preparation, testing, and execution.
Mentor junior team members and contribute to knowledge sharing within the group.
Utilize platforms like ServiceNow and Jira to manage work, prioritize tasks, and support Agile delivery models.
Follow internal risk, compliance, and control requirements, raising concerns when needed.
Perform additional duties aligned with the needs of the team.
Required Qualifications
7+ years of combined education and/or professional experience relevant to the role.
Ability to interpret technical documents and understand complex system concepts.
Strong foundation in IBM z/OS and core mainframe systems programming.
Practical experience working with at least one major middleware platform such as CICS, MQ, IMS, or WebSphere.
Proficiency with SMP/E, JCL, REXX, CLIST, and commonly used automation tools.
Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work in large-scale enterprise environments.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with Sysplex environments, z/OSMF, or other high-availability frameworks.
Familiarity with mainframe networking technologies (TCPIP, VTAM, Comm Server, certificate management).
Knowledge of service management and Agile tools such as ServiceNow and Jira.
Exposure to DevOps practices, automation pipelines, or modernization initiatives for mainframe ecosystems.
Understanding of hybrid cloud or mainframe-to-cloud integration concepts.
Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or related discipline.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Buffalo, NY.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $34.61 - $57.68/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Feb 20, 2026.
>About TEKsystems:
We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.