Mainframe Systems Programmer

TEKsystems • Raleigh, NC

6d • $55 - $65 • Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer to support the implementation, optimization, and ongoing enhancement of performance and analytics solutions within IBM Z environments. This is not an application development role. The position combines systems programming, performance engineering, customer consulting, environment implementation, and analytics, with a focus on Db2 for z/OS and support for IMS and z/VM environments. The role involves working directly with customers to implement solutions and provide technical guidance.

This is a fully remote contract position based in Raleigh, North Carolina, for candidates in U.S. Eastern and Central time zones. The pay range is $55.00–$65.00 per hour. The position is anticipated to close on October 28, 2026.

If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include medical, dental and vision coverage; critical illness, accident and hospital coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth contributions; voluntary life and AD&D insurance; short- and long-term disability; a Health Spending Account (HSA); transportation benefits; an Employee Assistance Program; and time off or leave, including PTO, vacation or sick leave.

TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company and a provider of technology and business services. It reports having 80,000 employees and serving more than 6,000 clients. The company is an equal opportunity employer and may use AI to support parts of its hiring process, with final decisions made by its hiring team.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of Mainframe Systems Programming experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with Db2 for z/OS systems programming.
• Experience standing up new Db2 subsystems and environments.
• Expertise in Db2 performance tuning, security, and authorization management.
• Experience tuning Db2 for high-volume insert workloads within partitioned table spaces.
• Strong understanding of lock escalation, buffer pools, and workload optimization.
• Experience with IMS architecture, logs, record types, and data mapping.
• Experience supporting z/VM environments and performance data collection.
• Knowledge of SMF records and performance analytics.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer-facing communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with IBM Z Performance and Capacity Analytics (IZPCA).
• Experience with 21CS Optima or similar performance management solutions.
• Capacity planning and performance reporting experience.
• IBM Expert Labs or customer implementation consulting experience.
• Knowledge of enterprise security and mainframe access management.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and support Db2 for z/OS environments.
• Stand up new Db2 subsystems and environments for customer implementations.
• Tune Db2 environments for high-volume, insert-heavy workloads.
• Optimize performance through buffer pool management, lock escalation analysis, partitioning strategies, and throughput improvements.
• Configure security, authorization IDs, and access controls.
• Support IMS data collection environments and troubleshoot transaction and performance data issues.
• Analyze IMS logs, record types, and mappings for reporting and analytics.
• Support z/VM performance monitoring environments using z/VM Performance Toolkit and related technologies.
• Analyze and map SMF, IMS, and z/VM performance records.
• Design database structures, schemas, and reporting solutions for performance analytics.
• Partner with customers on implementation activities, architecture decisions, and best practices.
• Lead technical discussions and troubleshoot complex system and performance issues.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, if eligible.
• Critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage, if eligible.
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions, if eligible.
• Voluntary life and AD&D insurance for the employee and dependents, if eligible.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage, if eligible.
• Health Spending Account (HSA), if eligible.
• Transportation benefits, if eligible.
• Employee Assistance Program, if eligible.
• Time off or leave, including PTO, vacation, or sick leave, if eligible.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed