Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer – ISV z​/OS

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer – ISV z/OS-2

Remote - United States

We are seeking an experienced ISV z/OS Systems Programmer with strong expertise in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and migration of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) products on the IBM z/OS platform. This role will focus heavily on evaluating, replacing, and migrating Broadcom (CA) mainframe products with alternative solutions while maintaining operational stability and performance.

The ideal candidate will possess deep technical knowledge of mainframe systems programming, SMP/E software management, IBM utilities, and ISV product lifecycle management
, along with experience performing product migrations and conversions between competing vendor tools.

• Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade third‑party ISV software products in a z/OS environment.
• Lead initiatives to replace mainframe products with alternative vendor solutions.
• Perform product evaluations, proof‑of‑concepts, and technical comparisons of replacement tools.
• Plan and execute product migration and conversion activities
  , including configuration changes, data conversions, and operational cutovers.
• Maintain and manage software using SMP/E, including RECEIVE, APPLY, ACCEPT, USERMODs, and maintenance management.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to ISV software installations, integrations, and runtime problems
  .
• Work with application teams, operations, and vendors to diagnose system or product issues.
• Develop and maintain installation documentation, procedures, and migration runbooks
  .
• Assist in capacity planning, performance tuning, and operational support for ISV tools.
• Support incident resolution and participate in root cause analysis for production issues involving ISV software.
• Evaluate compatibility and impact of new z/OS releases on installed ISV products.

• Extensive experience as a z/OS Systems Programmer supporting enterprise mainframe environments.
• Strong background in installation and maintenance of ISV mainframe software products
  .
• Hands‑on experience with SMP/E software installation and maintenance processes
  .
• Experience performing product migrations or conversions between competing vendor tools
  .
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills across the z/OS platform.
• Experience with IBM utilities and system tools commonly used in z/OS environments.
• High‑level working knowledge of TSO/ISPF environments and utilities.
• Experience supporting multi‑vendor ISV ecosystems in production mainframe environments.
• Ability to analyze system documentation, vendor materials, and product architectures.

• Experience specifically replacing ISV mainframe products with alternative vendor solutions.
• Familiarity with common ISV categories such as:
  • Output management
  • Security
  • Scheduling
  • Storage management
  • Performance monitoring
  • Database tools
  • Automation operations
• Experience working with vendor support organizations to resolve complex technical issues.
• Knowledge of z/OS system internals, JES, RACF, and subsystem integration
  .
• Experience with automation, scripting, or operational tooling in the z/OS environment.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage complex migrations and product transitions in production environments.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently or as part of a systems engineering team.
• Ability to work on multiple client projects at the same time.

• ISV product installation documentation
• Migration and replacement project plans
• Troubleshooting guides and operational procedures
• Product comparison and evaluation reports
  
  Maintenance and upgrade schedules

• Unlimited Paid Days Off
• Three health plan options
• 401k with company match
• Eligibility for dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life and AD&D coverage, and flexible spending accounts
• Family Forming Benefit including fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy reimbursement
• Paid childbearing and paternal leave
• Education Reimbursement, Student Loan Assistance or 529 College Funding
• Sabbatical leave
• Wellness program
• Flexible work schedule

As…