Mainframe Programmer ( REMOTE)

Job Description:

Client is seeking an experienced Mainframe Programmer to support the a federal financial

agency. This role involves managing large-scale mainframe storage systems, ensuring disaster

recovery readiness, and performing system programming and hardware upgrades.

Key Responsibilities:

- Manage 16TB of z/OS disk storage and EMC DLm tape data, including DASD backups,

monitoring, allocation, and dataset management.

- Administer storage software and tools, such as CA 1, CA Vantage, CA Vtape, FDR/ABR,

FATS/FATAR, and EMC Mainframe Enabler Suite, and maintain z/OS (v2.2 & v2.4).

- Lead mainframe storage hardware upgrades (e.g., DLm2500, Data Domain 6400, VMAX

to PMAX migrations).

- Oversee Disaster Recovery processes, including testing, documentation, and live

recovery operations per FDIC and audit requirements.

- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical

documentation for storage and disaster recovery operations.

- Provide on-call support for mainframe storage operations and issue resolution.

Qualifications:

- Strong expertise in z/OS mainframe storage management (DASD, EMC DLm, DFSMS).

- Experience with storage hardware/software upgrades and migrations.

- Proven capabilities in disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution.

- Proficiency in storage tools: CA 1, CA Vantage, FDR/ABR, EMC Mainframe Enabler Suite,

etc.

- 5-7 years of relevant experience; bachelor’s degree preferred.

- Strong documentation skills and ability to work independently.

- Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

1. Expertise in System Managed Storage (SMS):

Expertise with IBM’s System Managed Storage (SMS) concepts, policies, and best

practices.

Proven experience designing, implementing, and maintaining SMS configurations

to optimize storage allocation and utilization.

Expertise with datasets, storage groups, and class assignments within mainframe

environments.

2. Automation Skills in Mainframe Systems:

Proficiency in automating operational processes within mainframe

environments, leveraging tools such as IBM System Automation, REXX, CLIST, or

equivalent.

Experience developing and maintaining scripts to improve efficiency, reduce

manual effort, and enhance system reliability.

Familiarity with implementing Job Scheduling tools and batch automation

processes.

3. Disaster Recovery (DR) Strategies and Planning:

Demonstrated history of developing, testing, and executing Mainframe Disaster

Recovery (DR) strategies to ensure minimal downtime and data integrity.

Experience with recovery solutions, including developing backup and restore

procedures for critical applications and data.

Knowledge of mainframe resilience and recovery tools, including GDPS

(Geographically Dispersed Parallel Sysplex) or similar frameworks.

4. Performance Monitoring and Enhancement Expertise:

Strong experience in monitoring, diagnosing, and tuning mainframe systems for

optimal performance.

Proficiency in using performance monitoring tools such as RMF (Resource

Measurement Facility), OMEGAMON, or similar technologies.

Ability to identify bottlenecks, analyze capacity, and implement solutions to

ensure systems perform within SLA requirements.

5. Technical Documentation Skills:

Skilled in creating and maintaining comprehensive technical documentation,

including system diagrams, process workflows, operational guides, and incident

logs.

Ability to effectively convey complex concepts to diverse technical and non-

technical audiences.

6. Additional Preferences:

Familiarity with additional mainframe technologies such as CICS, DB2, COBOL,

JCL, and virtual storage access methods (VSAM).

Experience working in regulated industries or high-availability IT environments.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams and

effectively manage competing priorities.