DB2 Systems Programmer (DB2 for z/OS)
Location: Phoenix, AZ (Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite)
Pay Rate: Negotiable
Duration: 12+ Month Contract
Overview
We are seeking an experienced DB2 Systems Programmer to support and maintain enterprise-scale DB2 for z/OS environments within a highly available, mission-critical mainframe infrastructure. This role will focus on DB2 subsystem administration, performance tuning, upgrades, troubleshooting, disaster recovery support, and ensuring the overall stability and availability of the DB2 environment.
This is a long-term hybrid opportunity requiring onsite presence three days per week in Phoenix, AZ. Candidates currently located in the area or willing to relocate are encouraged to apply.
Key ResponsibilitiesDB2 Installation, Configuration & Administration
- Install, configure, maintain, and support IBM DB2 for z/OS subsystems
- Perform DB2 version upgrades, software maintenance, PTF implementations, and system enhancements
- Manage subsystem configurations and initialization parameters
- Administer and maintain:
- ZPARMs (DSNZPARM)
- Buffer Pools
- Logs and BSDS
- DB2 Catalog and Directory
Performance Monitoring & Optimization
- Monitor and tune DB2 subsystem performance across CPU, memory, and I/O resources
- Optimize:
- Buffer pool utilization
- Locking and concurrency controls
- Thread and connection performance
- Conduct capacity planning and performance analysis
- Support enterprise performance improvement initiatives
High Availability & Disaster Recovery
- Support DB2 Data Sharing environments within Sysplex architectures
- Manage Coupling Facility integration and workload balancing
- Implement and support failover and resiliency strategies
- Participate in disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution
Troubleshooting & Production Support
- Diagnose and resolve:
- DB2 subsystem failures
- Connectivity issues
- Dumps, logs, and abends
- Performance bottlenecks
- Perform root cause analysis and implement preventative solutions
- Support integration and troubleshooting across:
- JCL and batch processing
- CICS
- IMS
- MQ
- Distributed systems
Replication & Systems Support
- Support DB2 replication technologies including:
- Q Replication
- SQL Replication
- CDC (Change Data Capture)
- Perform software installation, maintenance, certification testing, and documentation
- Participate in disaster recovery validation and operational readiness activities
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of overall Mainframe Systems experience
- 3+ years of DB2 Systems Programming or DB2 Systems Administration experience
- Strong experience supporting IBM DB2 for z/OS environments
- Experience with DB2 replication technologies including Q Replication, SQL Replication, and CDC
- Deep understanding of:
- ZPARMs and subsystem configuration
- Buffer Pools
- Logs and BSDS
- Catalog and Directory structures
- Strong troubleshooting skills related to:
- DB2 performance issues
- Connectivity problems
- System-level DB2 administration
- Experience with:
- JCL
- TSO/ISPF
- SDSF
- Ability to support production and mission-critical environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with SMP/E
- Knowledge of DB2 utilities and performance tuning tools
- Experience with monitoring tools such as OMEGAMON or MainView
- Familiarity with mainframe DevOps tools including Endevor and ISPW
- Experience supporting large-scale DB2 upgrades, migrations, or modernization initiatives
- Knowledge of z/OS Connect, APIs, and hybrid integration architectures
- Experience supporting:
- BMC DB2 Tools
- IBM z/OS Connect
- Software AG ADABAS
- Natural
- Programming experience with REXX
- Working knowledge of:
- SQL
- JIRA
- RACF
- TCP/IP
- Network certificates
- Splunk
- Exposure to other mainframe subsystems including CICS, IMS, and MQ
Why Apply?
- 12+ month contract with long-term potential
- Competitive, negotiable compensation
- Opportunity to support a large-scale enterprise mainframe environment
- Hybrid schedule with excellent work-life balance
- Exposure to modernization, performance optimization, and high-availability initiatives
- Collaborative team supporting mission-critical systems
Apply today if you have strong DB2 for z/OS systems programming experience and are looking for a long-term opportunity supporting enterprise mainframe infrastructure in Phoenix, AZ.
Pay: $37.08 - $44.66 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chandler, AZ 85224
