[Hiring] Mainframe System Programmer @S Base Technologies

Role Description

Mainframe System Programmer

Remote

GC, UCC, GC EAD preferred

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• z/OS Upgrade & Migration:
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute z/OS 2.4 to z/OS 3.1 upgrades using z/OSMF Workflows and Software Management.
  • Perform SMP/E maintenance, including applying PTFs, APARs, and HOLDDATA resolution.
  • Conduct pre-upgrade system health checks, compatibility assessments, and fallback planning.
  • Execute IPL testing, JES2 configuration updates, and system validation post-upgrade.
• z/OSMF Implementation & Configuration:
  • Install, configure, and maintain z/OSMF for automation, software deployment, and incident tracking.
  • Utilize z/OSMF Workflows for system provisioning, migration tasks, and security updates.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve z/OSMF-related issues to optimize performance.
• SAF & ISFPARMS Configuration for SDSF:
  • Configure ISFPARMS to define SAF (RACF) access policies for SDSF.
  • Implement SAF authorization checks for SDSF panels, JES, and spool access.
  • Modify ISFPARMS settings to restrict or grant permissions based on user roles.
  • Work with security teams to define SAF rules for SDSF functions and audit SAF logs.
• AT-TLS Implementation & Network Security:
  • Implement and configure AT-TLS (Application Transparent Transport Layer Security) to secure network traffic.
  • Define and apply TTLS policies, managing encryption for TCP/IP-based applications.
  • Test and validate AT-TLS configurations with RACF Digital Certificates (if applicable).
  • Administer RACF Keyring and/or PAGENT, as necessary, for AT-TLS implementation.
• System Performance, Testing, and Troubleshooting:
  • Monitor z/OS system logs, dumps, RMF, and SMF reports to ensure system stability post-upgrade.
  • Optimize Workload Manager (WLM) policies to improve z/OS 3.1 AI-driven workload management.
  • Troubleshoot SMP/E errors, IPL failures, SAF security issues, and AT-TLS connectivity problems.
• Documentation & Change Management:
  • Create and maintain technical documentation for the upgrade process, security configurations, and fallback strategies.
  • Follow ITIL-based change management processes for approvals, testing, and rollback plans.
  • Train operations and support teams on new z/OS 3.1 features, z/OSMF workflows, and security enhancements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in z/OS systems programming and upgrades.
• Hands-on experience upgrading from z/OS 2.4 to z/OS 3.1.
• Strong expertise in z/OSMF implementation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in SMP/E for software installation and maintenance.
• Experience with SAF security controls, ISFPARMS configuration for SDSF, and job submission restrictions.
• Knowledge of AT-TLS setup, policy configuration, and integration with TCP/IP applications.
• Experience with JES2, PARMLIB updates, and IPL procedures.
• Ability to analyze system logs, dumps, and performance reports (RMF/SMF) to troubleshoot issues.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with RACF security integration for SAF resource protection.
• Experience implementing IBM Workload Manager (WLM) policies for optimized performance.
• Understanding of z/OS Communications Server, VTAM, and TCP/IP networking.
• Automation experience using REXX.
• Certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer – z/OS (or equivalent).