-zOS System Programming Pod SME

Computer Task Group, Inc•UNAVAILABLE, UNAVAILABLE

3d•Remote

About The Position

CTG is seeking to fill a -zOS System Programming Pod SME position for our client. This is a remote, 6-month contract role. The position involves providing technical leadership for enterprise z/OS system programming initiatives, ensuring platform stability, performance, and operational excellence. The role requires end-to-end administration of the z/OS environment, including MVS, JES2, Sysplex, LPARs, and platform infrastructure. Responsibilities include managing HCD/IODF configurations, leading z/OS upgrades and maintenance, coordinating third-party product installations, performing performance analysis and capacity planning, and serving as a technical escalation point for critical incidents. The role also involves leading disaster recovery planning, driving automation strategies, and partnering with teams for modernization initiatives. A 8x5 U.S. Prime Shift support schedule with on-call support is required.

Requirements

Expert knowledge of z/OS System Programming.
Advanced expertise with MVS, JES2, Sysplex, and LPAR administration.
Strong experience managing HCD/IODF configurations.
Extensive hands-on experience with SMP/E software installation, maintenance, and patch management.
Deep understanding of z/OS upgrades, RSU maintenance planning, and platform lifecycle management.
Experience administering and maintaining mainframe middleware, storage environments, and infrastructure components.
Strong troubleshooting, incident management, and root cause analysis skills.
Experience with disaster recovery planning, testing, and implementation.
Knowledge of automation frameworks and scripting used to improve mainframe operations.
Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership abilities.
15+ years of overall IT experience with at least 12 years focused on z/OS system programming.
Proven experience administering large-scale enterprise mainframe environments.
Strong background in systems programming, middleware (including CICS), storage administration, and z/OS platform management.
Demonstrated success leading platform modernization, infrastructure improvements, and operational transformation initiatives.
Experience supporting mission-critical environments requiring high availability and continuous operations.
Excellent verbal and written English communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group are required.

Nice To Haves

ITIL certification is preferred.
Banking or insurance industry experience is a plus.
Experience working within global delivery or multi-client enterprise environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership for enterprise z/OS system programming initiatives, ensuring platform stability, performance, and operational excellence.
Own end-to-end administration of the z/OS environment, including MVS, JES2, Sysplex, LPARs, and platform infrastructure.
Manage HCD/IODF configurations to support scalable, secure, and compliant mainframe environments.
Lead z/OS upgrades, RSU maintenance, and software lifecycle management using SMP/E.
Coordinate installation, maintenance, and upgrades of third-party ISV products.
Perform performance analysis, capacity planning, and system optimization activities.
Serve as the technical escalation point for critical Sev1/Sev2 incidents and lead root cause analysis (RCA) efforts.
Develop and implement preventive actions to improve system reliability and reduce recurring issues.
Lead disaster recovery planning, failover testing, and business continuity initiatives.
Drive automation strategies that improve operational efficiency, reduce manual effort, and enhance system reliability.
Partner with technical teams and business stakeholders to support modernization initiatives, platform improvements, and strategic planning.
Participate in an 8x5 U.S. Prime Shift support schedule with on-call support for evenings and weekends as part of a 24x7 operational environment.