Phoenix, AZ / Chandler, AZ / Plano, TX / Charlotte, NC / Jersey City, NJ(Hybrid)
The Role:
We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe IMS System Programmer to support and manage IBM z/OS IMS environments. The role is responsible for ensuring the stability, availability, performance, and security of IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems in a mission-critical banking or financial services environment.
* This role requires employees to live in or around the Phoenix, AZ area. You will be responsible to be onsite 3 days a week. We will consider candidates who are willing to relocate to the area.
Responsibilities:
- Install, configure, and maintain IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems on IBM z/OS
- Perform version upgrades, maintenance, and patching to ensure system currency and stability
- Manage and maintain IMS system definitions, including DBDs, PSBs, ACB libraries, and control regions
- Configure and tune buffer pools, parameters, and system resources to optimize performance
- Monitor IMS database and transaction performance, proactively identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks
- Troubleshoot and resolve system issues by analyzing logs, dumps, abends, and database errors
- Support IMS utilities, backup/recovery processes, and disaster recovery testing
- Ensure seamless integration with z/OS, DB2, MQ, CICS, TCP/IP, and Sysplex environments
- Implement and follow ITIL/ServiceNow change management processes for all system updates
- Maintain accurate technical documentation and system configurations
Required Qualifications:
- 7+ years of experience with IBM z/OS operating system
- Hands-on experience with IMS DB and IMS TM administration
- IMS control regions and transaction processing
- Buffer pool tuning and performance optimization
- Experience with IMS utilities, backup/recovery, and DR strategies
- Strong troubleshooting skills (dump analysis, log analysis, abend resolution)
- Experience integrating IMS with:
- DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systems
- Familiarity with RACF security controls for IMS environments
- Experience with SMP/E, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF
- Understanding of Sysplex and high availability architectures
Preferred Experience:
- Exposure to IMS modernization or API enablement (z/OS Connect, REST integration)
- Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., OMEGAMON, MainView, RMF)
- Knowledge of automation tools (REXX, Ansible, z/OSMF workflows)
- Experience with DB control, TCPIP, ZOS Connect, Assembler routines.
- Skill and experience with IMS Routines & Exit Routines will be a big plus.
