Mainframe IMS System Programmer

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Job Title: Mainframe IMS System Programmer

Location: Plano TX

Role Description: System Installation & Maintenance

Install, configure, and maintain IMS (DB and TM) subsystems, tools, and associated products (e.g., IMS Connect, IMS

Tools, ODBM, BMPs).

Perform system upgrades, maintenance (APARs/PTFs), and migrations to newer IMS versions.

Manage SMP/E environments for maintenance and software installation.

Ensure compatibility between IMS, z/OS, DB2, CICS, and related products.

Performance & Capacity Management

Monitor IMS system performance and tune parameters for optimal throughput and response times.

Conduct capacity planning and growth analysis to ensure scalability and reliability.

Utilize tools like OMEGAMON, Mainview, or RMF for performance tracking and problem diagnosis.

System Support & Troubleshooting

Provide Level 3 technical support for IMS incidents and system abends.

Diagnose and resolve IMS database recovery, log, and buffer issues.

Collaborate with IBM support (PMRs, cases) for complex issues and patches.

Database Administration Support

Support IMS DBA and application teams with DBD, PSB, and ACBGEN processes.

Maintain IMS catalog and RECON datasets; ensure proper backup/recovery strategy.

Manage IMS utilities such as DFSURGU0, DFSURWF0, and HALDB tools.

Automation & Integration

Develop and maintain automation scripts using REXX, CLIST, or JCL for operational efficiency.

Integrate IMS with monitoring tools, scheduling systems, and middleware (MQ, Connect).

Support modernization initiatives such as IMS Open Database or REST API integration.

Disaster Recovery & Compliance

Participate in DR planning, testing, and documentation of IMS recovery procedures.

Ensure adherence to change management, audit, and compliance standards.

Documentation & Collaboration

Maintain detailed system configuration and maintenance documentation.

Provide mentorship to junior system programmers and cross-train peers.

Work closely with database administrators, application developers, and infrastructure teams.

Other Skills

Experience with IMS integration to distributed systems (IMS Connect, JDBC, ODBM).

Familiarity with z/OSMF, z/OS Connect EE, or API enablement initiatives.

Knowledge of mainframe storage management (DFSMS, VSAM).

Strong problem-solving, debugging, and performance analysis skills.

Essential Skills:

The IMS System Programmer is responsible for the installation, customization, maintenance, and support of IBM s Information

Management System (IMS) environment on the z/OS mainframe platform. The role ensures high availability, performance, and

security of IMS subsystems, coordinates system upgrades, and provides technical expertise for application teams using IMS

databases and transaction managers.

Desirable Skills:

Excellent analytical and documentation skills.

Ability to work in a 24x7 on-call rotation environment.

Strong communication and teamwork abilities across global teams.

List Key Responsibilities:

Same as role description listed

Key words:

IMS Systems Programmer

Mainframe IMS Specialist

z/OS IMS Administrator

IMS Infrastructure Engineer

Preferred Skills:

Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate or equivalent certification.

Experience with cloud platforms and services beyond Azure, such as AWS or Google Cloud.

Knowledge of ITIL processes and best practices.

Experience with other identity management solutions"

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