Mainframe Programmer

Mainframe Programmer

Jersey City, NJ (Hybrid)

Long Term Contract on W2 Only

Description:

Responsible for the operations of secure and highly available computing platforms, servers, and networks. Install, maintain, upgrade, and continuously improve the Institute s operating environment. Maintain the ongoing reliability, performance and support of the infrastructure. This includes monitoring the operating environments, responding to incidents, problems and planning for growth. Responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of the data center. Deploy the release of new technologies as well as design, install, configure, maintain and perform testing of PC/server operating systems, networks, and related utilities and hardware.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly experienced Mainframe System Programmer with a strong background in network infrastructure and z/OS systems support. This is not an application development role the ideal candidate is responsible for maintaining the core mainframe operating environment, including z/OS, VTAM, TCP/IP, RACF, SMP/E, and mainframe communications servers.
You ll be part of a critical team ensuring the stability, performance, and security of a high-availability enterprise mainframe infrastructure. Your role will combine system programming expertise with deep network-level understanding on IBM zSeries platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and maintain z/OS system software and subsystems including JES2, VTAM, TCP/IP, RACF, SDSF, and SMF.
• Manage and support mainframe network components: VTAM, TCP/IP stacks, OSA interfaces, Telnet servers, and Enterprise Extender (EE).
• Perform system-level maintenance: apply PTFs, APARs, SMP/E installation, IPL planning, and subsystem tuning.
• Configure and troubleshoot mainframe communication services (e.g., TN3270E, FTP, TLS, IPSec, AT-TLS).
• Define and maintain network configurations via PARMLIB, HCD/HCM, and TCP/IP profile customization.
• Support and secure RACF user/group structures related to system and network-level access.
• Assist in diagnosing SVC dumps, IPL failures, and network stack crashes using IPCS and system logs.
• Work with IBM and hardware vendors to resolve system/network issues.
• Participate in Disaster Recovery (DR) planning, testing, and documentation of system configurations.
• Collaborate with DBAs, Network, Security, and Storage teams to maintain a secure, tuned, and high-performing z/OS environment.
• Ensure compliance with ITIL/Change Management and enterprise security standards.

Required Skills and Experience:

• 10 years of experience as a Mainframe System Programmer supporting z/OS.
• Deep technical expertise in SMP/E, JCL, PARMLIBs, ISPF, and JES2.
• Strong understanding of VTAM, TCP/IP stack configuration, OSA-Express, TN3270, EE, and SNA protocols.
• Proven experience in IP routing, DNS, TLS/SSL certificates, and configuring IPSec or AT-TLS on mainframe.
• Proficiency with RACF, mainframe security policies, and encryption standards.
• Familiarity with network tracing and diagnostic tools (e.g., Netstat, IPCS, packet trace, SMF Type 119).
• Experience with HCD/HCM, IODF building, and LPAR configuration.
• Knowledge of monitoring tools such as OMEGAMON, NetView, MainView, RMF, or SMF.
• Skilled in scripting/automation using REXX, CLIST, or JCL utilities.
• Strong documentation habits and experience working in regulated environments (PCI, SOX).