Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer - Phoenix , AZ - Hybrid - Long term Contract

Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer
Location:   Phoenix , AZ, charlotte , NC & Plano, TX
Duration:  Long Term

Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer:

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.

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)