Mainframe Systems Programmer

Overview

Summary of Responsibilities:

Researches, analyzes, defines, designs, tests, checks and plans activities and application of new mainframe technologies and processes. Monitors the rapidly changing mainframe environment (software products, programming languages, operating systems, hardware availability, technology trends, etc.) and assists with the transition to new technologies, providing research and problem-solving support, mentoring, training, recovery, etc.  Has contact with all levels of personnel, both within and outside of Western & Southern Financial Group (W&SFG).  Works with minimal supervision and is responsible to make an established range of decisions, escalates to manager when necessary and updates manager on a regular basis. 

Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities:

• Monitors new developments in z/OS and z/VM mainframe operating systems software/hardware marketplace.  Identifies new products with potential benefit to W&SFG and conducts in-depth research and analysis of these products.  Demonstrates the applicability of tools in real-world applications.
• Monitors emerging technology trends as it relates to the mainframe computing environment and investigates the  overall impact to W&SFG and recommends adoption of new technologies/methodologies when appropriate.
• Assists other systems programmers in becoming productive with new tools and techniques, through formal training, one-on-one mentoring and problem-solving assistance.
• Provides “swat team” style support to Enterprise Systems projects, by resolving problems of the most complex, technical nature.  Ensures projects remain on track with very aggressive schedules.
• Develops and or modify standards/guidelines that pertain to responsible software products
• Engages in research, definition, configuration, testing, checkout and debugging of new systems software, new technologies and/or major systems’ improvements; frequently handles or directs projects, from research to implementation.
• Implements vendor supplied systems software products and major modifications with consideration for the elements of time, cost, controls and flexibility.  Assures systems software products are configured and implemented to most effectivly utilize computing resources  
• Provides high-level technical and operational problem analysis. 
• Evaluates and determines feasibility of proposed projects and evaluates new systems software products in terms of costs, resources required, systems compatibility, etc., and makes recommendations.
• Provides training and/or advice to Programmers, Systems Managers, Department Management or Operating Department personnel on technical topics, systems definition and new productivity products.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

Selection Criteria:

• Proven extensive systems programming experience in a multiple mainframe environment  This role will require extensive skills to perform installation, configuration, tuning and ongoing maintenance of operating systems and  ISV products.  
• SAF level security experience as it relates to multi region CICS environment desireable, preferably ACF2 experience.
• MQ experience at the application or systems level is a plus.
• IMS experience at the application or systems level is a plus.
• Proven ability to provide  technical  training and mentoring to other programming/technical staff. 
• Must have expertise in Assembler, COBOL as this position will require that the applicant be able to assist Applications teams at the programming level not just the system software level.
• Usage and full understanding of ChangeMan or comparable source code management software, its structure and how it integrates within a CICS application development environment is a plus.
• Extensive internals knowledge and understanding of z/OS and z/VM operating systems.
• Complete knowledge and undersating of VTAM and TCP/IP networking concepts.

·         Experience with z/Architecture Mainframe hardware z13, z14, z15.            

·         XRC (Global Mirror) / PPRC (Metro Mirror) setup, configuration and tuning.

·         z/OS installation, configuration and administration.

·         z/VM installation, configuration and administration is a plus.

·         IODF/IOCDS/IOCP setup and configuration using HCD/HCM.

·         z/OS System Automation using IBM or ISV products ex: CA OPS/MVS.

·         Expert knowledge in REXX, Utilities, Exit Routines.

·         JES2, JES3, DFSMS, zOSMF.  

·         Mainframe Security - ACF2 or RACF.

·         Expertise in IBM/ISV Utilities, Tools ex: OMEGAMON/MAINVIEW,  CA OPS/MVS, CA/ESP, CA/Sysview

·         Experience with Disk Storage products IBM DS8000, HDS.    

·         Experience with Tape Storage products IBM VTS and Tape Libraries.  

·         Experience in storage management and tools – DFHSM, FDR, TDMF, CA1, RMM, TSM, NetBackup. 

·         Extensive knowledge in VSAM file structure performance and ICF Catalog Management.

·         Experience in disaster recovery planning and conducting DR drills.

·         Mainframe Capacity Planning & Performance Tuning using SMF/RMF/CMF, SAS and MXG.

·         Configure WLM policies for optimal system performance.

·         Experience in MIPS Optimization and Software rationalization.

·         Perform Job management and print management.

• Capture and analyze dumps and traces, LOGREC records.
• Demonstrated ability to function on a project level, on infrastruture and technical projects, with little or no supervision.
• Demonstrated adaptability when required to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, ambiguity and rapid change.   
• Demonstrated experience setting goals and successfully implementing and achieving goals.  As required seek to improve business and technical processes. 
• Demonstrated experience effectively handling / partnering with customers and providing excellent service.
• Proven strong analytical skills, including demonstrated experience identifying and quantifying problems and providing effective resolutions.  Good decision-making skills when dealing with multiple alternatives is required.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively within a team.  Encourage and motivate co-workers in difficult situations.
• Must be able to  work under multiple deadlines and minimal supervision.  Ability to successfully organize and effectively complete projects where given little or no direction.
• Possesses and displays excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey information to internal and external customers in a clear, focused and concise manner.
• Takes ownership / responsibility for problems and proactively seeks solutions and shares those solutions with the team.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate selection criteria experience.

Computer skills and knowledge of hardware & software required:

• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Proven skills in working in all aspects of a mainframe/communications environment.

Certifications & licenses (i.e.  Series 6 & 63, CPA, etc.):

• None required.

Position Demands:

• Willingness to work overtime and adjusted work hours as required by department management and to handle problems via off-hour calls as required, including returning to work if necessary.