Mainframe Systems Programmer - EHRA

State of North Carolina • Wake Forest, NC

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Mainframe Systems Programmer installs, configures, and maintains enterprise mainframe software products on z/OS in accordance with State standards, vendor guidelines, and established naming conventions. The position plans and coordinates software upgrades and system changes with vendors, systems programmers, application teams, and NCDIT customers to maintain compatibility and minimize production impact. It also administers mainframe security, monitors and optimizes system software performance, troubleshoots complex system and application issues, and maintains technical documentation for NCDIT stakeholders.

The position is in Mainframe Hosting within NCDIT’s Service Delivery Division and reports to a manager within Mainframe Hosting. The division delivers and manages IT solutions in a 24x7x365 operational environment. This position may be eligible for hybrid remote work under state and agency policy, but requires weekly onsite work. It is designated Statutory Exempt (EHRA) and requires a fingerprint-based background search before hiring.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, an IT-related field, or a closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of progressive experience in systems software programming; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Alternatively, an associate degree in computer science, an IT-related field, or a closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution and five years of progressive experience in systems software programming; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Agree to a fingerprint-based background search before being hired.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with IBM z/OS and related subsystems such as DB2, CICS, IMS, HOD, MQ Series, and RACF; familiarity with Unix System Services, third-party mainframe vendor tools, and storage management.
• Experience protecting an installation’s data and resources, including identifying and securing mainframe resources, defining and managing user access, and implementing and maintaining security policies and procedures.
• Strong background in RACF administration, mainframe TCP/IP networking, z/OS performance tuning, and overall system configuration.
• Skills in IBM Z Performance and Capacity Analytics (IZPCA), Cognos, or SAS.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain enterprise mainframe software products on z/OS according to State standards, vendor guidelines, and established naming conventions.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate software upgrades and system changes with vendors, systems programmers, application teams, and NCDIT customers to ensure compatibility and minimize production impact.
• Implement and administer mainframe security by configuring RACF rules, product-specific security features, and related access interfaces in partnership with security and application teams.
• Monitor and optimize system software performance using specialized tools, apply tuning recommendations to improve efficiency and reliability, and advise clients on application adjustments when appropriate.
• Diagnose and resolve complex system and application issues by investigating problem reports, collaborating with vendors on root-cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions to restore service.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including system guides, change summaries, and technical bulletins, to communicate updates, impacts, and required actions to NCDIT stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level