Mainframe Systems Programmer

Remote (U.S. Eastern & Central Time Zones)

100% Remote

• Db2 for z/OS Systems Programming
• Db2 Performance Tuning & High-Volume Insert Optimization
• IMS Architecture, Logs & Data Mapping
• z/VM Performance Monitoring & Analytics

We are seeking a Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer to support the implementation, optimization, and ongoing enhancement of performance and analytics solutions within IBM Z environments. This is not an application development role. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Db2 for z/OS , along with experience supporting IMS and z/VM environments, and will be comfortable working directly with customers to implement solutions and provide technical guidance.

This position is best suited for a Senior mainframe professional who enjoys a combination of systems programming, performance engineering, customer consulting, environment implementation, and analytics.

• Install, configure, and support Db2 for z/OS environments.
• Stand up new Db2 subsystems and environments for customer implementations.
• Tune Db2 environments supporting high-volume, insert-heavy workloads.
• Optimize performance through buffer pool management, lock escalation analysis, partitioning strategies, and throughput improvements.
• Configure security, authorization IDs, and access controls.
• Support IMS data collection environments and troubleshoot transaction and performance data issues.
• Analyze IMS logs, record types, and mappings for reporting and analytics purposes.
• Support z/VM performance monitoring environments utilizing z/VM Performance Toolkit and related technologies.
• Analyze and map SMF, IMS, and z/VM performance records.
• Design database structures, schemas, and reporting solutions for performance analytics.
• Partner directly with customers on implementation activities, architecture decisions, and best practices.
• Lead technical discussions and troubleshoot complex system and performance issues.

• 8+ years of Mainframe Systems Programming experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with Db2 for z/OS systems programming.
• Experience standing up new Db2 subsystems and environments.
• Expertise in Db2 performance tuning, security, and authorization management.
• Experience tuning Db2 for high-volume insert workloads within partitioned table spaces.
• Strong understanding of lock escalation, buffer pools, and workload optimization.
• Experience with IMS architecture, logs, record types, and data mapping.
• Experience supporting z/VM environments and performance data collection.
• Knowledge of SMF records and performance analytics.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer-facing communication skills.

• Experience with IBM Z Performance and Capacity Analytics (IZPCA).
• Experience with 21CS Optima or similar performance management solutions.
• Capacity planning and performance reporting experience.
• IBM Expert Labs or customer implementation consulting experience.
• Knowledge of enterprise security and mainframe access management.

We're looking for a Senior technical professional who has moved beyond traditional administration and enjoys helping customers deploy, optimize, and troubleshoot complex IBM Z environments. Candidates with experience in Db2 systems programming, performance engineering, customer consulting, and analytics will be especially successful in this role.

This is a Contract position based out of Raleigh, NC.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge,…