zOS System Programming SME

Computer Task Group, Inc•UNAVAILABLE, UNAVAILABLE

3d•Remote

About The Position

CTG is seeking to fill a z/OS System Programming SME position for our client. This is a remote, 6-month contract role requiring the candidate to work during US Prime Shift hours (08:00 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST) with additional on-call support for weekdays and weekends. The role involves leading enterprise z/OS system programming initiatives focused on platform stability, performance, modernization, and operational excellence. Key responsibilities include installing, customizing, maintaining, and supporting z/OS operating system environments, managing core mainframe components, performing HCD/IODF administration, executing system tuning and optimization, planning and implementing z/OS upgrades and maintenance, managing SMP/E processes, supporting ISV product maintenance, providing Level 3 technical support, leading Root Cause Analysis (RCA) efforts, supporting Disaster Recovery (DR) planning and testing, driving automation initiatives, and collaborating with various teams. The position also requires providing technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer, as well as participating in customer discussions and audits.

Requirements

Strong hands-on experience with z/OS System Programming and enterprise mainframe administration.
Deep understanding of z/OS architecture and administration, MVS and JES2, Sysplex and LPAR environments, HCD/IODF configuration.
Expertise with SMP/E installation and maintenance, z/OS upgrades and RSU maintenance, ISV software lifecycle management, System automation methodologies and tools.
Strong knowledge of incident management, problem management, and Root Cause Analysis.
Experience supporting Disaster Recovery and high-availability environments.
Strong administration experience across z/OS platforms, middleware environments (including CICS), storage, and enterprise infrastructure.
Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills.
Ability to support 24x7 operations, including scheduled on-call responsibilities.
10+ years of experience in z/OS system programming.
8+ years of relevant experience supporting enterprise mainframe environments.
Experience supporting mission-critical, highly available z/OS platforms.
Demonstrated experience with systems administration, middleware support, storage integration, and z/OS platform management.
Candidates should have infrastructure and administration-focused experience; application development-focused mainframe profiles are not aligned for this role.
Excellent verbal and written English communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group are required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with large-scale enterprise infrastructure environments preferred.
Experience supporting banking, insurance, or other highly regulated industries preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Lead enterprise z/OS system programming initiatives focused on platform stability, performance, modernization, and operational excellence.
Install, customize, maintain, and support z/OS operating system environments.
Manage and administer core mainframe components including MVS, JES2, Sysplex, and LPAR configurations.
Perform HCD/IODF administration and maintain hardware and I/O configuration definitions.
Execute system tuning, performance optimization, and capacity management activities.
Plan and implement z/OS upgrades, RSU maintenance, patching cycles, and software lifecycle activities.
Manage SMP/E processes for software installation, maintenance, and CSI management.
Support ISV product maintenance, upgrades, and vendor coordination.
Provide Level 3 technical support for critical incidents, including Sev1/Sev2 troubleshooting and resolution.
Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) efforts and implement preventative measures.
Support Disaster Recovery (DR) planning, testing, failover validation, and high-availability initiatives.
Drive automation initiatives to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual processes.
Support system automation frameworks for monitoring, recovery, and operational improvements.
Collaborate with infrastructure, application, and vendor teams to deliver enterprise solutions.
Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to other system programmers.
Participate in customer discussions, audits, transformation initiatives, and service improvement activities.