Systems Programmer - Mainframe Middleware

M&T Bank

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role offers a hybrid work schedule or could be considered remote for anyone outside M&T footprint. At M&T Tech, we’re a team of makers, doers, and builders, working to create the most advanced technology solutions in banking. We’re not your stereotypical suit and tie bankers: we’re an innovative team of leading tech experts, pushing boundaries, and taking risks. We’re building an agile team of the most skilled and creative workers to solve complex problems, architect solutions, write high-performance software, and chart our new path, all to make the lives of our customers, and the communities that we serve, better. Join us and be part of something new as we build tomorrow’s bank, today. Overview: The Mainframe Systems Programmer IV - Middleware is responsible for installing, configuring, and supporting middleware technologies on IBM z/OS platforms. This role ensures the reliability, performance, and security of critical enterprise applications that run on mainframe middleware such as CICS, IMS, DB2, MQ, and WebSphere. The position works closely with application teams, infrastructure engineers, and operations to deliver stable, scalable, and high‑performing mainframe services. Participates in technical research and development to enable continuing innovation within the Middleware Mainframe infrastructure.

Requirements

Combined minimum of 7 years' higher education and/or related work experience.
Experience reading and digesting technical information.
Strong experience with IBM z/OS and mainframe systems programming fundamentals.
Hands‑on expertise with one or more middleware platforms (CICS, MQ, IMS, WAS, etc.).
Proficiency with SMP/E, JCL, REXX, CLIST, and automation tools.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Ability to work in large, complex enterprise environments.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Sysplex, z/OSMF, or high‑availability architectures.
Knowledge or Experience with Mainframe Networking skills (TCPIP, VTAM, Communications Server, Certificate Management)
Knowledge & Experience with ServiceNow, Jira, and Agile Frameworks.
Familiarity with DevOps concepts or automation frameworks for z/OS.
Knowledge of cloud integration or hybrid mainframe environments.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Middleware Engineering & Support Install, configure, and maintain middleware products including: CICS, IMS TM/DB, IBM MQ, WebSphere Application Server, Connect:Direct, FTP/SFTP, z/OS Connect, and related tools.
Support application deployment, testing, and integration across middleware environments.
Monitor and tune middleware performance, availability, and resource utilization.
Knowledge and experience with monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, SYSVIEW, CICS Performance Analyzer, c/Prof, among others).
Troubleshoot complex middleware issues and perform root‑cause analysis.
Working with vendors to triage complex issues where required.
Implement automation for middleware operations, failover, and recovery.
Create and maintain runbooks, procedures, support documentation, and architectural diagrams.
Mainframe Systems Programming Support z/OS system components required for middleware (SMP/E, JCL, REXX, PARMLIB, PROCLIB).
Assist with system upgrades, maintenance, patching, and IPL planning.
Participate in capacity planning and performance tuning activities.
Maintain documentation, standards, and configuration baselines.
Operations & Collaboration Provide on‑call support as part of a rotation.
Work with application teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize performance.
Participate in disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution.
Provide guidance to less experienced team members for growth and continued learning.
Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
Understand the Company's risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company's Risk Appetite.
Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
Work within the ServiceNow Ticket System, Jira Ticket System, Agile Frameworks with the ability to track & prioritize workload.
Complete other related duties as assigned.