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.