Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer Senior

USAA•Tampa, FL

2d•$114,080 - $218,030•Hybrid

About The Position

USAA’s Mainframe Infrastructure team is seeking a senior-level Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer to install, configure, maintain, and tune IBM Customer Information Control System (CICS) on z/OS. CICS is a middleware platform used to manage high-volume online transaction processing. The role supports mission-critical applications and requires a strong understanding of CICS architecture, z/OS, and related mainframe technologies. The position creates, modifies, maintains, and supports infrastructure and system components that enable IT services. It balances availability, security, efficiency, and functional requirements, while identifying and managing risks arising from business activities. The position independently designs scalable infrastructure, resolves complex production issues, leads end-to-end troubleshooting, experiments with new technologies, improves engineering practices, mentors engineers, and develops software-defined infrastructure in CI/CD pipelines. The work environment is flexible but requires working in the office four days per week. The position may be based in San Antonio, Texas; Plano, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Phoenix, Arizona; or Tampa, Florida. Relocation assistance is available. After-hours or on-call support may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or four additional years of experience beyond the minimum requirement in lieu of a degree.
Six years of infrastructure experience demonstrating technical depth in specific disciplines or technologies, including two years in a Systems Operations environment supporting complex deployments and infrastructure management, or applicable IT experience such as IT Management, Software Development, Data Engineering, or Agile Product/Release Management.
Four years of experience creating, modifying, and maintaining infrastructure and individual system components.
Advanced business acumen in business operations, risk management, industry practices, and emerging trends.
Proficient understanding of designing scalable IT system infrastructures, implementing system changes, or automating service delivery and maintenance tasks.
Demonstrated experience working with cloud technologies and tools.
Strong understanding of CICS architecture, z/OS operating systems, and related mainframe technologies.
Proficiency in programming and scripting languages such as COBOL, JCL, and REXX, along with experience using mainframe tools and utilities.
Ability to provide after-hours or on-call support when required.
Must not require immigration support now or in the future; USAA does not provide visa sponsorship for this role.

Nice To Haves

Typically 7–10 or more years of hands-on experience as a CICS Systems Programmer in a z/OS mainframe environment.
Deep knowledge of CICS Transaction Server (TS), CTG, and CPSM architecture, internals, and system exits.
Strong expertise in CICS installation, configuration, and maintenance, including complex independent software vendor installations and upgrades.
Proficiency in JCL, REXX, and other mainframe scripting languages.
Experience with SMP/E for installing and maintaining software.
In-depth knowledge of z/OS configuration, maintenance, and tuning.
Experience with CICS performance tuning and monitoring tools such as RMF, Intellimagic, and BMC Mainview.
Understanding of other z/OS subsystems such as DB2, MQ, JES2, z/OS Connect, IMS, and TCP/IP.
Experience with CICS security using RACF or equivalent tools.
Familiarity with automation, job scheduling, and monitoring tools.
Experience with disaster recovery planning and testing.
Understanding of mainframe hardware and architecture for performance optimization.
IBM Certified Specialist – CICS Transaction Server for z/OS certification.

Responsibilities

Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain CICS Transaction Server and related software, including applying vendor patches, fixes, and releases using tools such as SMP/E.
Monitor CICS performance, identify bottlenecks, and tune CICS regions to meet service-level agreements.
Troubleshoot and debug complex system and application issues, analyze system dumps, and collaborate with application developers and software vendors to resolve problems.
Support application development teams by setting up and managing CICS regions and defining application resources.
Integrate CICS with other z/OS subsystems, including DB2 and MQ.
Implement and maintain CICS security protocols, including use of RACF, and assist with disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution.
Develop and implement automation scripts, such as REXX, to streamline system management and improve efficiency.
Create, modify, maintain, and support infrastructure and individual and integrated system components and solutions that enable IT services.
Balance availability, security, efficiency, and functional requirements to provide optimized production services.
Identify, measure, monitor, control, and escalate risks in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.
Independently design scalable IT system infrastructure and provide oversight and prioritization for system changes and monitoring and tooling activities.
Lead complex technology production troubleshooting and analysis of end-to-end system failures across multiple systems; recommend solutions to business leaders.
Experiment with new patterns and technologies and help establish and improve engineering best practices, concepts, and patterns.
Identify innovative solutions for customer and business needs.
Mentor and coach engineers on system design, development, and maintenance.
Develop software-defined infrastructure as code in CI/CD pipelines.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
401(k)
Pension
Life insurance
Parental benefits
Adoption assistance
Paid time off
Paid holidays
16 paid volunteer hours
Wellness programs
Career path planning
Continuing education
Pay incentives may be available based on corporate and individual performance and at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors.