We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe DB2 Systems Administrator to manage and support DB2 for z/OS subsystems in a mission-critical enterprise environment. This role is responsible for installation, configuration, performance tuning, and overall health of DB2 subsystems, ensuring high availability, security, and optimal performance.
* This role requires employees to live in or around the Phoenix, AZ area. You will be responsible to be onsite 3 days a week. We will consider candidates who are willing to relocate to the area.
Responsibilities:
DB2 Installation & Configuration
· Install, configure, and maintain DB2 for z/OS subsystems
· Perform version upgrades, patching (PTFs/APARs), and system maintenance
· Manage subsystem configuration and initialization parameters
· Maintain core DB2 components:
o ZPARMs (DSNZPARM)
o Buffer pools
o Logs and BSDS
o Catalog and directory
Performance & Capacity Management
· Monitor and tune DB2 system-level performance (CPU, memory, I/O)
· Optimize:
o Buffer pools
o Locking and concurrency
o Thread and connection performance
· Support capacity planning and performance analysis using DB2 and system tools
High Availability & Data Sharing
· Manage and support:
o DB2 Data Sharing environments (Sysplex)
o Coupling Facility integration
o Workload balancing and failover
· Ensure DB2 availability and resilience through DR strategies
System Maintenance & Troubleshooting
· Analyze and resolve:
o Subsystem failures
o Dumps, logs, and abends
o Connectivity issues affecting DB2 operations
· Perform root cause analysis and implement preventive actions
· Support interaction with:
o Batch (JCL)
o CICS
o IMS
o MQ and distributed systems
Required Qualifications:
· 7–12+ years of mainframe experience
· 3–5+ years in DB2 Systems Programming / Administration
· Experience with IBM DB2 for z/OS and Replication products (Qrep, SQLrep and CDC) - software installation, version upgrades and maintenance, certification testing, documentation of operational procedures, disaster recovery testing
· Deep knowledge of:
o ZPARMs and subsystem configuration
o Buffer pools, logs, BSDS, catalog/directory
· Strong troubleshooting skills for:
o System-level DB2 issues
o Performance and connectivity problems
· Proficiency in:
o JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF
o SMP/E (preferred)
Preferred Qualifications:
· Familiarity with:
o DB2 utilities and performance tools
o Monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, MainView)
· Knowledge of:
o DevOps tools for mainframe (Endevor, ISPW, etc.)
· Exposure to:
o Cloud integration or hybrid architectures
· Experience with:
o Large-scale DB2 upgrades or migrations
o Performance optimization initiatives
· Knowledge of:
o Modernization tools (z/OS Connect, APIs)
· Experience with software support for BMC for DB2 Tools, IBM z/OS Connect, Software AG ADABAS and Natural products
· Programming experience with REXX
· Working knowledge of SQL, JIRA, SMP/E, RACF, TCP/IP, Network certificates, Splunk
· Working knowledge of other Mainframe Subsystems (CICS, IMS, MQ)