Sr Mainframe Database Systems Engineer (IBM Db2)

Temp-to-Perm

Sr Mainframe Database Systems Engineer

What Will You Do?

Scope:

• Responsible for performing complex analysis and implementation of database infrastructure platforms across cloud and on-premises environments with a high degree of accuracy and speed as an individual contributor.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead Db2 for z/OS systems programmer/engineer.  You’ll be accountable for the installation, configuration, maintenance, health and availability of all Db2 subsystems across production and non-production environments.
• Plan and apply software maintenance using SMP/E, including PTFs, RSU and HIPER service, and maintenance for IBM, BMC and Broadcom tools. Sequence the work around enterprise freezes and blackout periods.
• Lead Db2 version migrations and function level activations from planning and testing through implementation and fallback.

Own subsystem configuration and tuning:

• Db2 parameters (DSNZPARMs), buffer pools, memory and EDM pools
• Active and archive logs and the BSDS
• IRLM, WLM application environments and RRS
• IMS DBRC, HALDB, ACB management participation
• Lead subsystem-level problem determination and recovery, including restart and log or BSDS issues, storage constraints and dump analysis. Manage cases with IBM and other software vendors.
• Manage Db2 connectivity and security, including DDF/DRDA, TCP/IP, certificates and TLS, and RACF integration. Partner with z/OS security, network and storage teams.
• Participate when required in the activities related to monitoring subsystem performance and capacity using SMF data and monitoring tools
• Own subsystem-level disaster recovery and business continuity procedures, participate in DR exercises, and provide audit and SOX evidence.
• Provide technical direction and oversight to the managed service partner that executes routine Run work. Review their plans, approve changes and validate results.
• Mentor DBAs and managed service resources. Build and maintain runbooks and documentation so critical knowledge doesn’t rest with one person.
• Maintain a product currency calendar that tracks versions, end-of-support dates and dependencies across mainframe database software. Advise leadership on upgrade timing and risk.
• Drive automation of systems programming tasks using REXX, JCL and modern tooling, including AI-assisted development.
• Support distributed Db2 components that connect to the mainframe, such as Db2 Connect, Data Server Client and Db2 gateway, along with related modernization efforts.

What Will Our Ideal Candidate Have?

Technical Expertise & Education:

• IMS systems programming experience: DB/DC, DBRC, HALDB, managed ACBs and the IMS catalog.
• Db2 data sharing, Parallel Sysplex and coupling facility experience.
• Experience with BMC AMI and Broadcom (CA) tools such as File Master, and IBM tools such as Db2 SQL Tuning Services and QMF.
• Experience with Informatica PowerExchange listeners on z/OS.
• Experience with Db2 LUW and distributed Db2 connectivity.
• 3 or more years as a technical lead, ideally including oversight of vendor or managed service teams.
• Experience planning and running DR exercises for Db2 and IMS.
• IBM Db2 for z/OS certification.

Leadership & Influence:

• Strong communicator who translates complex database concepts into clear, actionable insights for business stakeholders.
• You excel at documenting work accessibly, mentoring others while remaining open to learning, and asking the right clarifying questions on requirements.

What is a Must Have?

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, related STEM field, or its equivalent in work experience
• hands-on Db2 for z/OS systems programming experience, including installation, maintenance and version migration.
• Strong working knowledge of SMP/E, z/OS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF/IOF and REXX.
• Demonstrated experience with subsystem-level problem determination and recovery, including working cases with IBM support.
• Experience configuring and tuning Db2 subsystems: DSNZPARMs, buffer pools, logging and memory.
• Working knowledge of RACF as it applies to Db2 and IMS.