Mainframe Technical Lead - System Programmer :: 100% Remote

DMS Vision•Frisco, TX

10h•Remote

About The Position

The Mainframe Technical Lead leads and manages mainframe system programming activities to ensure high availability, performance, and security of z/OS environments. The role provides technical leadership, mentors team members, and collaborates with stakeholders to deliver infrastructure solutions. This is a 100% remote position offered as a 12+ month contract.

Requirements

Strong expertise in IBM z/OS, SMP/E, and JES2/JES3.
Experience with DB2, IMS, and CICS subsystems.
Proficiency in RACF security administration.
Knowledge of mainframe networking, including VTAM and TCP/IP.
Familiarity with automation tools such as REXX, CLIST, and JCL scripting.
Hands-on experience in system upgrades and migrations.
Good understanding of ITIL processes, including Incident, Change, and Problem Management.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to z/OSMF, z/OS Connect, and modernization tools.
Experience in performance tuning and capacity planning.
Knowledge of disaster recovery solutions and GDPS.
IBM certifications in z/OS System Programming or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/OS operating systems and related subsystems.
Perform upgrades, patches, and migrations, including hardware uplift from Z14 to Z16.
Manage SMP/E, PARMLIB, PROCLIB, and system datasets.
Monitor system performance, optimize resource utilization, conduct capacity planning, and implement tuning strategies.
Implement RACF security policies and ensure compliance with standards; perform audits and vulnerability assessments.
Develop and test disaster recovery plans for mainframe environments and ensure 99.9% uptime and SLA adherence.
Mentor junior system programmers and provide technical guidance.
Coordinate with application and infrastructure teams to resolve issues.
Troubleshoot complex system issues and provide root cause analysis.
Drive automation initiatives to reduce manual interventions.