Senior Software Engineer – IMS TM​/DB Application Programmer

Senior Software Engineer – IBM IMS TM/DB Modernization

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Software Engineer with deep expertise in IBM IMS™ Transaction Manager (TM) and Database (DB) application programming to drive the evolution of our IMS compatible technologies within our Enterprise modernization platform.

• Architect & build IMS TM/DB-compatible technologies: design and develop key components that replicate or extend IMS TM and DB behaviors, including message handling, transaction scheduling, PSB/DBD structures, DL/I call compatibility, and hierarchical database semantics.
• Define and evolve architectural direction for the IMS replatforming runtime, ensuring parity with core IMS concepts while embracing modern opportunities.
• Translate IMS internals and application programming patterns into scalable, reliable components on distributed systems.
• Model real‑world IMS application scenarios (batch and online) within the modernization stack.
• Provide guidance on IMS constructs such as:
  • Message queues, scheduling, and transaction regions
  • DBD/PSB design and access paths
  • DL/I call flows, PCB handling, segment structure, and hierarchical locking
  • IMS batch processing interactions with TM and DB
• Partner with product and engineering leadership to ensure features meet enterprise‑grade reliability and performance expectations.
• Contribute to cross‑team engineering initiatives impacting compilers, runtimes, integration layers, and interoperability features.
• Mentor engineers across teams, facilitate deep technical reviews, troubleshoot complex runtime compatibility issues, and guide performance tuning strategies.
• Influence product roadmap decisions related to IMS replatforming, compatibility, and modernization.
• Engage with customers, field engineering, and support teams to understand real‑world IMS workloads and migration scenarios.

• 10+ years of professional software engineering, including senior‑level ownership of complex system‑level components.
• Direct hands‑on experience developing or maintaining IMS TM and DB applications on IBM z/OS (essential).
• Deep knowledge of IMS message‑driven architecture, PSB/PCB, DBD structures, DL/I calls, hierarchical database access, and transaction scheduling.
• Strong proficiency in C, C++, or similar systems languages.
• Experience delivering high‑availability, mission‑critical software systems.

• Experience with IMS exit routines, user exits, scheduling exits, or database utilities.
• Experience with mainframe modernization, replatforming, or emulation technologies.
• Familiarity with COBOL or PL/I application semantics and interactions with IMS environments.
• Exposure to modern distributed systems, cloud‑native design, or hybrid runtime architectures (Azure, AWS, Kubernetes).
• Experience building compilers, runtimes, interpreters, or compatibility layers for legacy workloads.

• Experienced engineer with strong domain knowledge of IMS application behavior and system fundamentals.
• Skilled at distilling mainframe concepts into modern software architecture.
• Motivated by the challenge of modernizing long‑standing, mission‑critical platforms.
• A mentor who raises the technical capabilities of the entire engineering organization.

• Annual salary range: $ – $ gross before taxes.
• Unlimited vacation time plus paid holidays and sick time.
• Health and wellness coverage options for employees and dependents.
• Life and disability coverage.
• 401(k) and Roth retirement savings with matching contributions.
• Monthly student debt benefit program.
• Tuition reimbursement and certificate reimbursement program.
• Leadership and skills training opportunities.

EEO M/F/Vet/Disability. Rocket Software Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Rocket Software Inc. is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.