We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented z/OS Systems Programmer with hands-on experience in SMP/E-based software installation, testing, and diagnostics. This role will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the mainframe operating environment, supporting software life cycle management, and ensuring system reliability and performance. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in z/OS system internals, IBM and ISV product maintenance, and a proven track record of delivering stable and secure system configurations in a high-availability mainframe environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform SMP/E-based software installation, customization, maintenance, and upgrades for IBM and third-party products.
• Conduct system testing and validation of new and updated software to ensure stability and compatibility within the z/OS environment.
• Analyze and resolve complex mainframe system problems, including abends, IPL failures, and component-level issues.
• Apply recommended PTFs, APARs, and service packs, and maintain up-to-date SMP/E CSI environments.
• Coordinate and perform system-level diagnostics, debugging, and trace analysis using IBM tools (e.g., IPCS, SYSLOG, RMF, OMEGAMON).
• Collaborate with operations, security, and application support teams to optimize performance and ensure system availability.
• Maintain system documentation and configuration baselines for audits, DR, and compliance purposes.
• Support system IPL planning and execution, hardware configuration changes (IODF/HCD), and capacity planning.
• Participate in on-call rotation and provide off-hours support as needed.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience as a z/OS Systems Programmer in an enterprise mainframe environment
• Strong experience with SMP/E, including building CSI zones, APPLY/ACCEPT processing, and managing product maintenance
• Hands-on expertise with IBM mainframe utilities (IEBCOPY, IEFBR14, IDCAMS, etc.) and system tools (ISPF, SDSF, TSO)
• Solid knowledge of z/OS internals, JES2, catalog management, and system exits
• Experience with diagnostic tools such as IPCS, SYSLOG analysis, RMF, or Tivoli/Omegamon
• Familiarity with RACF security and system-level compliance requirements is an asset
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent work experience

Preferred:

• Experience with automation tools (e.g., REXX, CLIST, JCL scripting)
• Familiarity with parallel sysplex environments, GDPS, and mainframe storage management
• Exposure to tools such as z/OSMF, CA Chorus, or zSecure