Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer

Job Title: Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer

Location: Chandler, AZ (Hybrid 3 Days Onsite)
Duration: Contract

Job Description

Client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer to support enterprise-scale IBM System z environments in a high-availability banking infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in z/OS system programming, SMP/E configuration and maintenance, IBM system software support, hardware configuration, and enterprise troubleshooting.

This role requires a hands-on senior-level professional who can work independently, support multiple environments, collaborate with infrastructure teams, and communicate effectively with IBM for software support and issue resolution.

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of experience as a Mainframe Systems Programmer
• Strong experience with IBM System z / zOS environments
• Hands-on expertise with SMP/E configuration, maintenance, PTFs, APARs, and USERMODs
• Strong experience with Assembler (BAL) and REXX
• Experience supporting and maintaining z/OS operating systems
• Strong knowledge of JES2, TSO/ISPF, and z/OS UNIX System Services (USS)
• Experience configuring and managing LPARs using HMC
• Experience working with IBM support teams and opening/managing system software tickets
• Strong troubleshooting skills using IPCS, RMF, and EREP
• Experience in enterprise environments with multiple mainframe systems
• Ability to work independently and within large infrastructure teams

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, maintain, and support enterprise z/OS environments
• Install new releases and apply system maintenance using SMP/E
• Develop and maintain automation using REXX and Assembler
• Support JES2 configuration, workload management, and spool tuning
• Administer z/OS UNIX System Services (USS) and zFS environments
• Configure and manage LPARs and processor resources via HMC
• Troubleshoot system abends, dumps, hardware, and performance issues
• Work with IBM support for system software incidents and escalations
• Create operational documentation, standards, and deployment procedures
• Support enterprise change management and system modernization initiatives
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members