z/OS Systems Programmer

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Job description

Summary of Responsibilities:

Serves as part of a technical team that researches, analyzes, defines, designs, tests, checks and plans activities related to and application of mainframe technologies and processes. Monitors changes in the mainframe technologies practice and assists with the transition to applicable new technologies. Works with application development teams to foster better utilization of tools and resolve any performance related issues that arise. Supports enterprise projects that require mainframe technologies. This role requires solid hardware and software troubleshooting skills within complex systems.

Position Responsibilities:

• Monitors new developments in z/OS and z/VM mainframe operating systems software/hardware marketplace. Identifies new products with potential benefit to W&SFG and conducts in-depth research and analysis of these products. Demonstrates the applicability of tools in real-world applications.
• Monitors emerging technology trends as it relates to the mainframe computing environment and investigates the overall impact to W&SFG and recommends adoption of new technologies/methodologies when appropriate.
• Assists other systems programmers in becoming productive with new tools and techniques, through formal training, one-on-one mentoring and problem-solving assistance.
• Serves as part of a support team for enterprise projects, completing tasks and resolving complex technical problems in an effort to meet project deliverables.
• Helps develop and or modify standards/guidelines that pertain to responsible software products
• Engages in research, definition, configuration, testing, checkout and debugging of new systems software, new technologies and/or major systems' improvements; frequently handles or directs projects, from research to implementation.
• Implements vendor supplied systems software products and major modifications with consideration for the elements of time, cost, controls and flexibility. Assures systems software products are configured and implemented to most effectivly utilize computing resources
• Provides technical and operational problem analysis.
• Evaluates and determines feasibility of proposed projects and evaluates new systems software products in terms of costs, resources required, systems compatibility, etc. and makes recommendations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Selection Criteria:

• Systems programming experience in a mainframe environment. This role involves installation, configuration, tuning and ongoing maintenance of operating systems and ISV products.
• SAF level security experience as it relates to multi region CICS environment desireable, preferably ACF2 experience.
• MQ experience at the application or systems level is a plus.
• IMS experience at the application or systems level is a plus.
• Experience in Assembler and COBOL a plus. This position will require that the applicant be able to assist applications teams at the programming level, not just the system software level.
• Usage and understanding of ChangeMan or comparable source code management software, its structure and how it integrates within a CICS application development environment is a plus.
• Understanding of z/OS and z/VM operating systems.
• Undersating of VTAM and TCP/IP networking concepts.
• Experience with z/Architecture Mainframe hardware z13, z14, z15.
• XRC (Global Mirror) / PPRC (Metro Mirror) setup, configuration and tuning.
• z/OS installation, configuration and administration.
• z/VM installation, configuration and administration is a plus.
• IODF/IOCDS/IOCP setup and configuration using HCD/HCM.
• z/OS System Automation using IBM or ISV products ex: CA OPS/MVS.
• Knowledge in REXX, Utilities, Exit Routines.
• JES2, JES3, DFSMS, zOSMF.
• Mainframe Security - ACF2 or RACF.
• Experience with IBM/ISV Utilities, Tools ex: OMEGAMON/MAINVIEW, CA OPS/MVS, CA/ESP, CA/Sysview
• Experience with Disk Storage products IBM DS8000, HDS.
• Experience with Tape Storage products IBM VTS and Tape Libraries.
• Experience in storage management and tools - DFHSM, FDR, TDMF, CA1, RMM, TSM, NetBackup.
• Knowledge in VSAM file structure performance and ICF Catalog Management.
• Experience in disaster recovery planning and conducting DR drills.
• Mainframe Capacity Planning & Performance Tuning using SMF/RMF/CMF, SAS and MXG.
• Configure WLM policies for optimal system performance.
• Experience in MIPS Optimization and Software rationalization.
• Perform job schedule management and print management.
• Capture and analyze dumps and traces, LOGREC records.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate on infrastruture and technical projects.
• Demonstrated adaptability to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, ambiguity and rapid change.
• Demonstrated experience setting goals and successfully implementing and achieving goals. As required seek to improve business and technical processes.
• Demonstrated experience effectively handling / partnering with customers and providing excellent service.
• Proven strong analytical skills, including demonstrated experience identifying and quantifying problems and providing effective resolutions. Good decision-making skills when dealing with multiple alternatives is required.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively within a team. Encourage and motivate co-workers in difficult situations.
• Must be able to work under multiple deadlines and minimal supervision. Ability to successfully organize and effectively complete assigned project work.
• Possesses and displays excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey information to internal and external customers in a clear, focused and concise manner.
• Takes ownership / responsibility for problems and proactively seeks solutions and shares those solutions with the team.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or commensurate selection criteria experience.

Computer skills and knowledge of hardware & software required:

• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Proven skills in working in all aspects of a mainframe/communications environment.

Certifications & licenses (i.e. Series 6 & 63, CPA, etc.):

• None required.

Position Demands:

• Willingness to work overtime and adjusted work hours as required by department management and to handle problems via off-hour calls as required, including returning to work if necessary.