Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Attention: Applicants HAVE to be local to Washington DC.

Role Overview

The Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, customization, and support of DB2 environments across multiple data centers. This position requires extensive hands-on expertise with z/OS, SMP/E, DB2, and supporting products, as well as strong collaboration with application, infrastructure, and data-center teams. The role includes contributing to strategic technical initiatives, leading projects, and ensuring high availability, disaster recovery readiness, and performance across the enterprise DB2 environment.

Key Responsibilities

DB2 Installation, Upgrades, and Maintenance

• Install, upgrade, and apply maintenance/PTFs for DB2 using SMP/E or z/OSMF.
• Manage and customize DB2 subsystems, including migration planning and fallback strategies.
• Navigate and operate z/OS environments including TSO, ISPF, JCL, IBM utilities, and z/OS infrastructure components.

BMC Tools & Utilities

• Install and customize BMC DB2 Utilities and BMC MainView products.
• Maintain integration and ensure optimal monitoring and performance tuning through BMC MainView.

Performance, Tuning & Support

• Work closely with Application DBAs to analyze and troubleshoot performance issues, SQL tuning needs, and workload management interactions.
• Provide technical guidance to application teams, operations, and data-center personnel.

Enterprise DB2 Environment Planning

• Develop and implement standards, naming conventions, and operational procedures for a multi data-center DB2 environment.
• Support disaster recovery (DR) strategies, high availability configurations, data-center relocation activities, and Sysplex optimization.
• Ensure DB2 integration with WLM, coupling facility structures, and system resource management.

Additional Platform & Tools Knowledge (Preferred)

• Hands-on experience installing DB2 V13 using z/OSMF (strong plus).
• Familiarity with CICS v5.6 or later.
• Experience with Oracle, SQL, z/VM, Linux, MVS systems (desired).
• Working knowledge of Sysplex management and IBM monitoring tools.

Leadership & Communication

• Lead technology initiatives and data-center projects requiring multi-team coordination.
• Produce and present implementation plans, integration plans, test plans, and training materials.
• Provide clear documentation and present technical details to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Required Skills & Experience

Minimum Education & Certifications

• Bachelor s degree in Information Technology or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Relevant vendor training or product certifications preferred (IBM, BMC, etc.).