Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

Job Description

Title: Mainframe DB2 Systems Programmer

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Location: Phoenix, AZ; Plano, TX & Charlotte, NC

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Exp – 10+ Mandate

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The Role:

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We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe DB2 Systems Administrator to manage and support DB2 for z/OS subsystems in a mission-critical enterprise environment. This role is responsible for installation, configuration, performance tuning, and overall health of DB2 subsystems, ensuring high availability, security, and optimal performance.

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* This role requires employees to live in or around the Phoenix, AZ area. You will be responsible to be onsite 3 days a week. We will consider candidates who are willing to relocate to the area.

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Responsibilities:

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DB2 Installation & Configuration

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• Install, configure, and maintain DB2 for z/OS subsystems

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• Perform version upgrades, patching (PTFs/APARs), and system maintenance

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• Manage subsystem configuration and initialization parameters

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• Maintain core DB2 components:

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• ZPARMs (DSNZPARM)

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• Buffer pools

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• Logs and BSDS

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• Catalog and directory

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Performance & Capacity Management

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• Monitor and tune DB2 system-level performance (CPU, memory, I/O)

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• Optimize:

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• Buffer pools

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• Locking and concurrency

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• Thread and connection performance

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• Support capacity planning and performance analysis using DB2 and system tools

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High Availability & Data Sharing

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• Manage and support:

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• DB2 Data Sharing environments (Sysplex)

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• Coupling Facility integration

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• Workload balancing and failover

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• Ensure DB2 availability and resilience through DR strategies

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System Maintenance & Troubleshooting

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• Analyze and resolve:

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• Subsystem failures

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• Dumps, logs, and abends

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• Connectivity issues affecting DB2 operations

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• Perform root cause analysis and implement preventive actions

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• Support interaction with:

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• Batch (JCL)

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• CICS

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• IMS

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• MQ and distributed systems

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Required Qualifications:

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• 7–12+ years of mainframe experience

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• 3–5+ years in DB2 Systems Programming / Administration

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• Experience with IBM DB2 for z/OS and Replication products (Qrep, SQLrep and CDC) - software installation, version upgrades and maintenance, certification testing, documentation of operational procedures, disaster recovery testing

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• Deep knowledge of:

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• ZPARMs and subsystem configuration

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• Buffer pools, logs, BSDS, catalog/directory

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• Strong troubleshooting skills for:

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• System-level DB2 issues

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• Performance and connectivity problems

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• Proficiency in:

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• JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF

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• SMP/E (preferred)

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Preferred Qualifications:

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• Familiarity with:

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• DB2 utilities and performance tools

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• Monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, MainView)

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• Knowledge of:

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• DevOps tools for mainframe (Endevor, ISPW, etc.)

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• Exposure to:

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• Cloud integration or hybrid architectures

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• Experience with:

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• Large-scale DB2 upgrades or migrations

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• Performance optimization initiatives

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• Knowledge of:

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• Modernization tools (z/OS Connect, APIs)

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• Experience with software support for BMC for DB2 Tools, IBM z/OS Connect, Software AG ADABAS and Natural products

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• Programming experience with REXX

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• Working knowledge of SQL, JIRA, SMP/E, RACF, TCP/IP, Network certificates, Splunk

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• Working knowledge of other Mainframe Subsystems (CICS, IMS, MQ)

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