Mainframe Z/OS with IBM DB2

Job Details:

Job Title: Mainframe Z/OS and IBM DB2

Duration: Long-Term Contract

Location: Atlanta, GA 30354 || Onsite

Job Description:

• 8 years of experience in mainframe database technologies, particularly z/Db2, IMS DB/DC, and/or ADABAS.
• Candidate will oversee database systems, optimize performance, manage upgrades, and support application teams in implementing new technologies that align with business goals.

Key Responsibilities:
Database Administration & Maintenance

• Manage and maintain IBM DB2 databases on the z/OS mainframe platform.
• Create and manage database objects, including tables, indexes, and table spaces.
• Perform data operations such as loading, unloading, and reorganizing using DB2 utilities.
• Implement database backup and recovery strategies to ensure data availability and disaster recovery readiness.

Performance Monitoring & Optimization

• Monitor database performance metrics to identify and resolve bottlenecks.
• Perform database tuning to optimize query performance and maintain system efficiency.
• Use tools such as RUNSTATS to maintain accurate database statistics for query optimization.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Communicate effectively with application teams regarding infrastructure projects and roadmaps.
• Serve as a consultant to application teams and business users on new technologies and system enhancements.
• Collaborate with developers to design and implement database schema changes.

Software & System Management

• Oversee external DBA teams and system programmers during database software installation and support.
• Facilitate service-level management, including change management, incident management, and problem resolution.
• Implement software upgrades to enhance applications and ensure timely deployment of new features.
• Collaborate with external vendor teams to ensure smooth system conversions during software updates.
• Proactively monitor database platforms for high availability and resolve root causes of issues.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Keep management informed of database risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Participate in audit reviews, including quarterly SOX audits, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

• Participate in disaster recovery planning and testing to ensure database resilience.

Technology Strategy & Lifecycle Management

• Stay current on advancements in database technologies and lifecycle management.
• Plan for deprecated features and implement mitigation strategies.

Required Skills & Knowledge:

• Minimum 8 years of experience with z/Db2, IMS DB/DC, and/or ADABAS.
• Expertise in IBM DB2 database administration on z/OS mainframe platforms.
• Strong experience with replication software such as IIDR – IBM Infosphere Data Replication Suite.
• Knowledge of zConnect Enterprise Edition (zCEE) API framework.
• In-depth understanding of SQL, DB2 partitioning, indexing, data sharing, and performance tuning.
• Hands-on experience with mainframe operating system concepts and Job Control Language (JCL).
• Familiarity with data security best practices and compliance regulations.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for complex database issues.
• Experience managing database backups, recovery procedures, and disaster recovery planning.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with IBM DB2, IMS DB/DC, and ADABAS database products.
• Knowledge of service level management, change management, and incident resolution.
• Experience working with external vendors and managing software upgrades.

Education & Certification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Relevant certifications in DB2 or related database technologies are a plus.

Work Environment

• Full-time role with on-call support responsibilities for managing database platforms and applications.
• Collaboration with internal and external teams to ensure high performance and availability of database systems.