Mainframe IMS System Programmer

Role : Mainframe IMS System Programmer Location: Plano, TX FTE ONLY Job Description Must Have Technical/Functional 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. Roles & Responsibilities: 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 d evelopers, 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.

Created: 2026-03-10