IMS Data Consultant (Remote)

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking an IMS Data Consultant. This role is fully remote.

Summary:
We are seeking an IMS Data Consultant with deep experience in IMS Mainframe data structures and hands-on expertise using Company InfoSphere Data Replication (IIDR), specifically the Change Data Capture (CDC) Replication Engine for Kafka. This role is critical in enabling real-time streaming architectures, supporting application modernization, analytics pipelines, and data warehousing solutions.

Key Responsibilities:
* Design, implement, and support real-time data replication pipelines from Company IMS Mainframe systems to Kafka topics using Company CDC (IIDR)
* Configure and optimize CDC subsystems for high-throughput, low-latency replication from IMS to downstream consumers
* Work with cross-functional teams to integrate replicated data into modern streaming, analytics, and event-driven platforms
* Collaborate with mainframe teams to interpret IMS data structures (segments, PSBs, DBDs) and ensure consistent data mapping
* Build monitoring, alerting, and logging around replication processes for observability and data integrity
* Troubleshoot and resolve CDC-related issues (latency, dropped transactions, schema changes, etc.)
* Support version upgrades, performance tuning, and CDC patching efforts as needed

Why This Role Matters:
This is a high-impact role that sits at the intersection of legacy enterprise systems and modern data architectures. You'll be enabling strategic initiatives like application decoupling, data democratization, and cloud adoption by unlocking mainframe data for real-time consumption.

REQUIREMENTS:
* 5+ years of experience in Data Engineering, with significant exposure to mainframe data systems
* Hands-on experience with IBM InfoSphere Data Replication (IIDR), specifically: Company CDC Replication Engine for IMS; Company CDC Replication Engine for Kafka
* Experience with real-time/near-real-time data integration use cases in enterprise environments
* Strong expertise with Company IMS Mainframe-deep understanding of IMS hierarchical data models, COBOL copybooks, and VSAM
* Strong understanding of data lineage, consistency, and transactional replication from mainframe systems
* Familiarity with Kafka consumers (Spark Streaming, Flink, Kafka Streams, etc.) and integration patterns
* Proficient in configuring Kafka topics, schemas, partitions, and ensuring high availability

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with Confluent Platform or Kafka in a cloud-native (AWS/Google Cloud Platform/Azure) environment
* Familiarity with Company DataStage, Manta, or CP4D
* Knowledge of COBOL or ability to interpret COBOL copybooks for data mapping purposes
* Prior exposure to regulated industries (e.g., finance, telecom, government)

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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