Mainframe DB2 Admin

The Mainframe DB2 Systems Engineer is responsible for the support, modernization, and transformation of legacy mainframe environments, with a strong focus on IDMS to DB2/CICS migrations, COBOL application support, and DB2 system performance and stability. The role partners closely with application, infrastructure, and business teams to ensure secure, scalable, and high‑performing mainframe platforms while enabling legacy modernization initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

🔹 Mainframe Systems & Database Management

· Administer, support, and optimize DB2 (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, problem determination, and recovery.

· Support COBOL/DB2/CICS-based applications in production and non‑production environments.

🔹 IDMS to DB2 / CICS Modernization

· Lead and support IDMS to DB2/CICS migration initiatives, including data model mapping, schema conversion, and application remediation.

· Analyze legacy IDMS data structures and application dependencies, converting them to DB2‑compliant designs.

· Work with application teams to modify COBOL programs, queries, and transactions to align with DB2/CICS standards.

· Provide technical guidance and best practices for legacy modernization and platform rationalization.

🔹 Application & Production Support

· Provide L2/L3 production support for mainframe applications, including root cause analysis and problem resolution.

· Troubleshoot application, CICS, and DB2 performance issues, including deadlocks, abends, and resource constraints.

· Support batch and online processing, including JCL, job scheduling, and restart/recovery procedures.

· Participate in change management, release deployments, and production cutover activities.

🔹 Performance, Stability & Optimization

· Monitor system health and proactively identify performance bottlenecks across DB2, CICS, and application layers.

· Execute space reclamation, database cleanup, and optimization activities to improve system efficiency.

· Support modernization efforts aimed at improving performance, scalability, and operational resilience.

🔹 Security, Compliance & Governance

· Ensure DB2 and CICS environments adhere to security, compliance, and audit requirements.

· Collaborate with security teams on access controls, RACF permissions, and secure data handling practices.

· Maintain documentation, operational runbooks, and technical standards.

🔹 Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

· Work closely with application developers, infrastructure teams, vendor partners, and business stakeholders.

· Support modernization roadmaps and provide technical inputs for planning, risk assessment, and execution.

· Mentor junior resources and provide knowledge transfer on mainframe systems and modernization practices.

Required Skills & Experience

✅ Technical Skills

· Strong hands‑on experience with DB2 for z/OS

· Deep knowledge of COBOL programming

· Solid expertise in CICS architecture and operations

· Experience with IDMS environments and IDMS‑to‑DB2 migration projects

· Proficiency in JCL, VSAM, IMS (optional), SMF, and batch processing

· Experience with 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 or technology transformation programs