VSE Systems Programmer (Mainframe)

• 12 months contract ( extendible and option for hire )
• REMOTE always. No travel

VSE Systems Programmer

We are seeking an experienced VSE Systems Programmer to support a highly customized IBM mainframe environment. This role is responsible for maintaining the stability, performance, and availability of the client’s VSE systems through day-to-day systems programming, administration, and production support.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with IBM VSE operating systems, including system installation, maintenance, performance tuning, problem determination, and implementation of software updates and fixes. Responsibilities include monitoring system health, troubleshooting operating system and infrastructure issues, supporting batch processing, managing system resources, and ensuring overall system reliability in a complex, customized environment.

This individual will also provide technical support for a client currently migrating workloads from VSE to z/OS. The contractor will work closely with infrastructure, application, and project teams to support migration activities, resolve technical issues, and help ensure business continuity throughout the transition. Experience with z/OS systems programming concepts, migration planning, JCL, storage management, IBM utilities, and mainframe performance monitoring tools is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience supporting IBM VSE environments in a systems programming capacity.
• Working knowledge of z/OS administration and migration projects.
• Experience with JCL, batch processing, system utilities, and performance tuning.
• Familiarity with IBM mainframe software installation, maintenance, and problem determination.
• Ability to support highly customized enterprise environments with minimal supervision.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and documentation skills.

Operating Systems & Mainframe Platforms

• IBM z/VSE
• IBM z/OS (preferred, especially for migration support)
• IBM Z (System z) hardware

Systems Programming

• VSE system installation, maintenance, and upgrades
• IPLs and system initialization
• System performance monitoring and tuning
• Storage and DASD management
• Capacity planning

Languages & Utilities

• JCL (Job Control Language)
• REXX (Strong skills)
• Assembler (Strong skills)
• COBOL (working knowledge is helpful)
• CICS administration and support
• VSE/POWER

Storage & Backup

• Flashcopy
• DR-_D
• Ca-faver
• BIM- EPIC

Networking & Communications

• VTAM
• CSI TCP/IP for z/VSE
• SNA (if the environment still utilizes it)

Security

• Top Secret
• User administration and security administration

Monitoring & Automation

• VPS
• CA Explorer
• CICS Explorer

Migration Experience

This is probably the most valuable qualification beyond VSE itself:

• VSE to z/OS migration projects
• Application and workload migration
• Data migration
• Cutover planning
• Testing and validation
• Disaster recovery planning

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Broadcom (CA) mainframe tools
• BMC mainframe utilities
• IBM z/VM (if virtualization is used)
• Change management tools (Condor, BIM-Edit)
• Source control solutions used in mainframe environments