Senior Mainframe DB2 & IMS System Programmer
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe DB2 & IMS System Programmer with 12+ years of professional experience working in IBM z/OS and ISV environments. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on expertise in DB2 and IMS database management, subsystem installation and upgrades, SMP/E and Non-SMP/E installations, IBM and Broadcom software products, performance tuning, security, automation, disaster recovery, and production support.
The candidate will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing enterprise DB2 and IMS environments, performing software upgrades and maintenance, monitoring database health, supporting application teams, and ensuring operational resilience and business continuity.
Key Responsibilities
- Install new DB2 and IMS versions and apply required maintenance and upgrades.
- Configure DB2 and IMS subsystem parameters to optimize system and database performance.
- Utilize DB2 and IMS tools to monitor database health, subsystem performance, and application objects.
- Implement DB2 and IMS security controls and collaborate with DBAs to manage application access.
- Perform SQL and database object audits to ensure compliance with enterprise standards.
- Coordinate with application and system teams to implement database enhancements.
- Lead service restoration and troubleshooting for issues related to DB2, IMS, and associated software products.
- Drive continuous improvement in operational resilience, disaster recovery, and business continuity, using measurable KPIs.
- Automate repetitive tasks and operational processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention.
- Maintain baseline operations for DB2 test and production environments, proactively identifying and resolving issues.
- Participate in disaster recovery exercises to support enterprise system recovery and business continuity.
- Support production incidents, problem management, and root-cause analysis.
- Collaborate with application teams, DBAs, system programmers, infrastructure teams, and other stakeholders.
- Maintain technical documentation, operational procedures, standards, and system configuration documentation.
Required Technical Skills
- 12+ years of professional experience as a Mainframe System Programmer in z/OS and ISV environments.
- Expertise in SMP/E and Non-SMP/E installation of ISV products.
- Strong experience with IBM and Broadcom software product installation and upgrades.
- Expert knowledge of DB2 and IMS database management and utilities.
- Hands-on experience with DB2 V12 or later.
- Hands-on experience with IMS V15.5 or later.
- Strong knowledge of DB2 and IMS subsystem configuration and administration.
- Experience with DB2 and IMS performance monitoring and tuning.
- Experience implementing and maintaining database security controls.
- Strong troubleshooting and production support experience.
- Experience with automation of mainframe database administration and operational processes.
- Knowledge of disaster recovery, business continuity, and system recovery processes.
DB2 & IMS Expertise
The candidate should have hands-on experience with:
- DB2 subsystem installation, configuration, maintenance, and upgrades.
- IMS subsystem installation, configuration, maintenance, and upgrades.
- DB2 and IMS utilities and system management tools.
- DB2/IMS performance monitoring and optimization.
- Database object management and auditing.
- Security and application access management.
- Production and test environment baseline management.
- Database recovery and disaster recovery activities.
- Troubleshooting complex DB2 and IMS production issues.
Automation & Operational Excellence
- Identify opportunities to automate repetitive DB2/IMS operational activities.
- Develop and maintain automation solutions to reduce manual intervention.
- Establish operational standards and improve system reliability.
- Monitor and measure operational KPIs.
- Proactively identify potential issues before they impact production.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the mainframe environment.
Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
- Participate in enterprise disaster recovery exercises.
- Support DB2 and IMS recovery procedures and validation activities.
- Ensure database environments meet business continuity and recovery requirements.
- Assist with recovery planning, testing, documentation, and remediation.
- Drive improvements in operational resilience and recovery readiness.
Preferred Skills
- Experience working in large-scale 24x7 enterprise mainframe environments.
- Experience with complex DB2/IMS production environments.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to coordinate with multiple technical teams and stakeholders.
- Experience leading technical troubleshooting and service-restoration activities.
- Strong understanding of enterprise security, audit, compliance, and operational standards.
Never miss an opportunity! Create an alert based on the job you applied for.