Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

About the Job This is a mainframe role focused on IBM z/OS environments.If you want to know about the requirements for this role, read on for all the relevant information.While the role exists within the broader Software Engineering family, dayí¢â‚¬"˜toí¢â‚¬"˜day responsibilities are exclusively centered on z/OS platform engineering and operations.Experience with distributed systems or cloud technologies is not required for success in this position.What Youí¢â‚¬â„¢ll Do Mentor, enable, and teach peers to be selfí¢â‚¬"˜sufficient within the mainframe platformApply engineering standard methodologies to analyze, design, and maintain z/OS systemí¢â‚¬"˜level solutionsLeverage established standards, best practices, and automation to support missioní¢â‚¬"˜critical mainframe workloadsIdentify complex systemí¢â‚¬"˜level problems and implement reliable, supportable solutions in a highly regulated production environmentReview, verify, and validate systemí¢â‚¬"˜level changes, configurations, and automation introduced into productionDrive continuous improvement across reliability, availability, performance, security, and operational efficiencyDevelop, maintain, and execute disaster recovery and redundancy strategiesPartners with vendors and enterprise teams on emerging best practices, patterns, and technologiesProactively learn emerging platforms and related technologiesEstablish and maintain best practices related to compliance, security, privacy, and legal requirementsAnticipate deviations from standard practices and determine practical paths forwardTrack industry trends relevant to the domain and apply them where appropriateBreak down complex problems into manageable components and help others do the same Mainframe / z/OSí¢â‚¬"Focused Responsibilities Perform handsí¢â‚¬"˜on z/OS system administration including IPLs, system startup/shutdown, parameter tuning, and system recoveryPlan, execute, and validate IBM and ISV software installs and upgrades using z/OSMF Software Instances and WorkflowsManage SMP/E environments including PTFs, HOLDDATA, USERMODs, and consolidation buildsInstall, analyze, and modify system exits and USERMODs, including assembler updates when requiredBuild and maintain systemí¢â‚¬"˜resident DASD volumes, system libraries, and reproducible system buildsConfigure and administer JES2Administer RACF security including users, groups, profiles, access controls, and policy enforcementAuthor, debug, and optimize JCL for batch processingAnalyze SMF/RMF data for accounting, capacity planning, and system performance tuningAdminister and tune DFSMS components including DFSMShsm and DFSMSrmmConfigure and troubleshoot TCP/IP for z/OS and associated servicesDevelop automation and tools using REXX, CLIST, and UNIX System Services scriptingUse monitoring tools such as BMC MainView and/or Intellimagic VisionSupport mainframe hardware environments including HMC operations, CPC/LPAR configuration, and IBM zSeries platformsParticipate in oní¢â‚¬"˜call rotations and ITILí¢â‚¬"˜aligned incident, change, and problem managementCoordinate with vendors and ISVs for licensing, problem determination, and PTF coordinationCreate and maintain documentation, runbooks, SOPs, and operational proceduresMentor and train junior staff on z/OS engineering and operational practices What Youí¢â‚¬â„¢ll Bring to the Role Note: This position requires deep experience in IBM z/OS systems programming.Candidates whose background is primarily AWS, Linux, Windows, or distributed/cloud platforms without substantial mainframe experience are unlikely to be a fit.Bachelorí¢â‚¬â„¢s degree or equivalent experienceAt least 4 years of relevant experience5+ years of professional IT experience, primarily focused on enterprise mainframe platformsExperience applying DevOps concepts, Agile methodologies, and automation in mainframe environmentsExperience monitoring and tuning performance of largeí¢â‚¬"˜scale systemsWorking knowledge of scripting or programming concepts for automationFamiliarity with authentication, authorization, certificates, and vulnerability management Required z/OS / Mainframe Experience Extensive handsí¢â‚¬"˜on experience as a z/OS Systems Programmer in production environmentsStrong knowledge of z/OS internals, JES2, RACF, SMP/E, and system librariesProven expertise in SMF/RMFí¢â‚¬"˜based performance tuning, capacity planning, and problem determinationExperience with DASD, tape management, and SAN technologies, including HyperswapProficiency with REXX, CLIST, and USS shell scripting (additional languages a plus)Experience supporting Sysplex and Coupling Facility environments (preferred)Exposure to subsystems such as CICS, DB2, and MQ and their integration with z/OSKnowledge of PKI/SSL, LDAP integration, Kerberos, and mainframe security hardeningExperience with z/OSMF, Ansible, or automation/orchestration tooling for mainframe lifecycle managementFamiliarity with cloudí¢â‚¬"˜toí¢â‚¬"˜mainframe integration or CI/CD concepts as applied to z/OSStrong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills under sustained production pressure Skills You Have The hiring team will assess candidates against the following skills: Communicates complex technical information clearly across both technical and noní¢â‚¬"˜technical audiences.Designs and supports systems with a strong customerí¢â‚¬"˜first mindset, particularly for missioní¢â‚¬"˜critical platforms.Designs, implements, and maintains enterpriseí¢â‚¬"˜class hardware, system software, networks, and data storage platforms.Uses monitoring and performance tools to diagnose, optimize, and stabilize system performance.Demonstrates deep expertise in operating system architecture, internals, and resource management.Develops, maintains, and documents complex programs, scripts, and automation.Resolves complex technical issues and drives alignment on durable solutions in production environments.#LI-Remote #LI-Hybrid Compensation Range: Pay Range- Start: $118,960.00 Pay Range- End: $178,440.00 Geographic Specific Pay Structure: Structure 110: $130,880.00 USD- $196,320.00 USD Structure 115: $136,800.00 USD- $205,200.00 USD We believe in fairness and transparency.Ití¢â‚¬â„¢s why we share the salary range for most of our roles.However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process.The standard pay structure is listed but if youí¢â‚¬â„¢re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.Job Posting End Date: 07/31/2026 The timeline for this job posting may be shortened or extended based on organizational needs.Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our clients' interests at the center of all we do.Get started now! Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce.We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.Skills Analytical Thinking (NM)- Advanced, Customer Centricity (NM)- Advanced, Enterprise Architecture (NM)- Advanced, Cloud Infrastructure (NM)- Advanced, Strategic Thinking (NM)- Advanced, Cross Functional Partnering & Planning (NM)- Advanced, Talent Development & Planning (NM)- Intermediate, Infrastructure Development (NM)- Expert, Programming Languages (NM)- Expert, Strategic Vision & Planning (NM)- Advanced, Industry Standard Frameworks (NM)- Advanced, Project Methodologies (NM)- Advanced, OS Level Knowledge (NM)- Expert, Accountability (NM)- Advanced, Adaptive Communication (NM)- Advanced, Technical Problem Solving (NM)- Expert, Monitor System Health (NM)- Advanced, Business Influence (NM)- Advanced, SaaS (Software as a Service) (NM)- Advanced, Automation Strategy & Implementation (NM)- Expert, Learning Agility & Critical Thinking (NM)- Advanced, Container Orchestration (NM)- Intermediate FIND YOUR FUTURE Weí¢â‚¬â„¢re excited about the potential people bring to Northwestern Mutual.You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits, and our commitment to a culture of belonging. xijylhu Flexible work schedulesConcierge serviceComprehensive benefitsEmployee resource groupsPandoLogic.Keywords: Systems Developer, Location: Milwaukee, WI- 53205

Created: 2026-05-09