Job Title: Mainframe DB2 Admin

Duration: Long Term
Work Type: Remote for now (Onsite later)
Client Location: Charlotte, NC
Pay Rate: Open on W2 & C2C

Job Summary:
The Mainframe DB2 Systems Engineer will be responsible for supporting, modernizing, and transforming legacy mainframe environments. This role focuses heavily on IDMS to DB2/CICS migration initiatives, COBOL application support, and ensuring DB2 system performance, stability, and scalability. The candidate will work closely with infrastructure, application, and business teams to support enterprise modernization efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

Mainframe Systems & Database Management
Administer, support, and optimize DB2 for z/OS environments ensuring high availability, performance, and data integrity
Perform DB2 maintenance activities including REORG, RUNSTATS, COPY, RECOVER, space management, and performance tuning
Manage and support CICS regions including configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, and recovery
Support COBOL/DB2/CICS applications in production and non-production environments

IDMS to DB2 / CICS Modernization
Lead and support IDMS to DB2/CICS migration projects including schema conversion, data mapping, and application remediation
Analyze legacy IDMS data structures and convert them into DB2-compliant designs
Work with development teams to modify COBOL programs, queries, and transactions to align with DB2/CICS standards
Provide technical guidance and best practices for legacy modernization initiatives

Application & Production Support
Provide L2/L3 support for enterprise mainframe applications
Troubleshoot DB2, CICS, and application-related performance issues including deadlocks, abends, and resource constraints
Support batch and online processing including JCL, job scheduling, restart, and recovery procedures
Participate in change management, release deployments, and production cutover activities

Performance, Stability & Optimization
Monitor system performance and proactively identify bottlenecks across DB2, CICS, and application layers
Perform space reclamation, database cleanup, and optimization activities
Support modernization efforts focused on improving scalability, resilience, and operational efficiency

Security, Compliance & Governance
Ensure DB2 and CICS environments comply with security and audit standards
Coordinate with security teams for RACF permissions and secure data handling practices
Maintain operational documentation, runbooks, and technical standards

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
Work closely with developers, infrastructure teams, vendors, and business stakeholders
Support modernization roadmaps, planning, risk assessment, and execution activities
Mentor junior team members and provide technical knowledge transfer

Required Skills & Experience:

Technical Skills
Strong hands-on experience with DB2 for z/OS
Deep expertise in COBOL programming
Strong knowledge of CICS architecture and operations
Experience working in IDMS environments and IDMS to DB2 migration projects
Proficiency in JCL, VSAM, batch processing, and SMF
IMS knowledge is a plus
Experience in performance tuning and capacity management

Experience
10+ years of experience in Mainframe systems and database support
Proven experience supporting mission-critical enterprise applications
Hands-on involvement in legacy modernization and transformation programs