Senior z/OS Systems Programmer - Mainframe Storage Specialist

Overview

On Site
$75 - $90
Contract - W2
Contract - 1 Year(s)

Skills

Business Continuity Planning
Disaster Recovery
IBM Mainframe Utility Programs
RACF
JCL
z/OS

Job Details

Position Overview

  • Client is seeking an experienced Senior z/OS Systems Programmer with extensive expertise in mainframe storage technologies. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for IBM z/OS mainframe storage environments, including DFSMShsm, Virtual Tape Libraries (VTL), Direct Access Storage Devices (DASD), replication, and Disaster Recovery (DR) storage procedures.
  • The role is critical to ensuring the resilience, availability, security, and compliance of the State s enterprise mainframe infrastructure. The successful candidate will work with IBM, HPE, and internal IT teams to design, implement, monitor, and recover enterprise storage systems that support the Client s mission-critical applications.

Key Responsibilities
Serve as lead storage specialist for IBM z/OS environments, ensuring availability and integrity of storage subsystems.
Administer and maintain DFSMShsm (HSM) storage management, including backup, migration, recall, and recovery functions.
Manage DASD allocation, performance tuning, and space management using SMS and non-SMS techniques.
Oversee Virtual Tape Library (VTL) environments, including IBM TS7700 and other enterprise tape virtualization solutions.
Support and refine replication strategies for business continuity and Disaster Recovery (DR) restoration procedures, ensuring compliance with SOC2, IRS Pub 1075, and state policies.
Collaborate with vendors (IBM, HPE, etc.) on hardware upgrades, firmware updates, and configuration changes.
Troubleshoot and resolve storage-related issues across test, development, and production LPARs.
Document storage standards, runbooks, DR procedures, and audit compliance reports.
Mentor junior system programmers and provide technical leadership on storage-related projects.

Required Qualifications
10+ years of progressive experience as a z/OS Systems Programmer with a focus on enterprise storage.
Expert knowledge of DFSMShsm, SMS, IDCAMS, ICKDSF, ICF catalogs, and DFSMS utilities.
Hands-on experience with IBM TS7700 Virtual Tape Systems, VTS replication, and tape management procedures.
Advanced skills in DASD storage administration (HPE XP8, IBM DS8K, or equivalent enterprise DASD subsystems).
Proven expertise in replication technologies and Disaster Recovery restoration for large-scale mainframe environments.
Strong knowledge of JCL, REXX, CLIST, and automation tools for storage operations.
Familiarity with RACF security policies and ICSF encryption at rest for compliance.
Experience working with vendors (IBM, HPE, Kyndryl) to manage hardware lifecycle and support escalations.
Strong problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience with z/OS 3.1 and IBM z16 platforms.
Prior involvement in large-scale storage migrations or upgrades (XP8 controller upgrades, TS7700 replication projects, etc.).
Experience in training, mentoring, and knowledge transfer within enterprise IT teams.

Education

  • Bachelor s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • IBM or vendor certifications in mainframe storage technologies are a plus.

could lead to permanent full time position

no sponsorship at this time

must be willing to work as a w2 consultant

will be required to complete a background check

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