(AZ) Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce's client in Chandler, AZ is seeking a highly skilled Mainframe z/OS System Programmer to support and manage enterprise IBM z/OS environments. This role focuses on core system programming, platform stability, and performance optimization across mission-critical mainframe systems. The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on experience with z/OS internals and a strong understanding of system-level operations, along with exposure to modernization initiatives and evolving mainframe technologies.

What You'll Do:
* Install, configure, and maintain z/OS operating system environments
* Perform system upgrades, patching (PTFs), and maintenance using SMP/E
* Support and manage Parallel Sysplex environments and related components
* Monitor and optimize system performance using tools such as RMF, SMF, or equivalent
* Perform capacity planning, system tuning, and resource management
* Support hardware and platform migrations, including LPAR configurations and system transitions
* Troubleshoot and resolve complex system-level issues, abends, and performance bottlenecks
* Collaborate with subsystem teams (DB2, IMS, CICS, MQ) to ensure system integration and stability
* Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and high availability initiatives
* Maintain system documentation, procedures, and configuration standards
* Participate in modernization initiatives, including automation, monitoring, and integration with newer technologies

Manage and support core system components including:
* JES2
* PARMLIB/PROCLIB configurations
* System initialization and IPL processes

What Makes This Role a Great Fit:
* You enjoy working at the core system and platform level
* You are highly hands-on with mainframe infrastructure and system internals
* You thrive in environments where stability, performance, and reliability are critical
* You are interested in evolving mainframe environments through automation and modernization

REQUIREMENTS:
* 7+ years of experience working in IBM mainframe (z/OS) environments
* Experience working in Parallel Sysplex environments
* Experience with performance monitoring and tuning tools (RMF, SMF, etc.)
* Experience supporting high-availability, enterprise production environments

Strong hands-on experience with:
* z/OS system programming
* System installation, configuration, and maintenance
* SMP/E, PTFs, and system upgrades
* JES2 and system-level components

Strong understanding of:
* z/OS architecture and internals
* JCL and system utilities

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with hardware/platform migrations and system upgrades
* Exposure to automation and scripting (REXX, Python, Shell)
* Experience with monitoring and observability tools
* Familiarity with DB2, IMS, CICS, or MQ integration
* Experience working in large-scale, enterprise or financial services environments

Exposure to mainframe modernization efforts, such as:
* API enablement (e.g., z/OS Connect)
* DevOps or CI/CD pipeline integration
* Hybrid cloud environments

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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