Subject Matter Expert (Mainframe System Programmer)

The Subject Matter Expert Mainframe System Programmer provides senior-level technical leadership and specialized expertise supporting enterprise mainframe environments for complex, mission-critical systems. This role is responsible for defining system requirements, analyzing operational and technical challenges, and developing implementation strategies for mainframe infrastructure, storage, replication, disaster recovery, and system optimization initiatives.

The Subject Matter Expert will lead and support modernization, operational stability, and continuity planning for large-scale mainframe platforms, ensuring system reliability, scalability, and alignment with organizational and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Define technical problems and develop detailed plans and requirements for moderately complex to highly complex mainframe systems

• Provide subject matter expertise for enterprise IBM mainframe platforms, storage, and replication technologies

• Coordinate and manage technical analyses, evaluations, and recommendations for system enhancements and infrastructure initiatives

• Lead operational support and maintenance activities for z/OS, DB2, and CICS environments

• Design, implement, and optimize DASD replication, backup, and recovery solutions

• Support disaster recovery, business continuity, and capacity optimization planning and execution

• Develop technical specifications and guide the execution of mainframe-related initiatives

• Analyze system performance, availability, and scalability, recommending improvements as needed

• Collaborate with cross-functional technical teams to ensure system interoperability and operational resilience

• Document system architectures, procedures, operational processes, and technical findings

• Provide guidance on enterprise storage systems, tape systems, and data protection strategies

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in:

  • Computer Science

  • Information Systems

  • Engineering

  • Business

  • Or another related scientific or technical discipline

• Minimum 7 years of general experience in the Information Technology field

• At least 5 years of specialized experience directly related to mainframe systems and the required area of expertise

• Demonstrated experience defining requirements, performing technical analyses, and developing plans for complex systems

Preferred Qualifications

• 15 years of experience supporting enterprise mainframe systems, including:

  • IBM z16 2932-A02 and above

  • DS8950 5341-996 and above

  • TS7770 3948-VED and above

• 15 years of experience operating and maintaining:

  • z/OS version 2.5 and above

  • IBM DB2 version 12 and above

  • CICS Transaction Server version 6.0 and above

• 10 years of experience with DASD replication technologies, including:

  • IBM Copy Services Manager version 6.3.15.0 and above

  • Implementation and management of Safeguard Copy

• 10 years of experience in:

  • Disaster recovery planning and execution

  • Business continuity management

  • Capacity planning and system optimization

• 12+ years of relevant industry experience supporting enterprise IT systems (Senior SME level)

• 10+ years of advanced specialized technical experience directly related to mainframe systems programming and infrastructure

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a related technical discipline (preferred)