Z/OS Engineer

Engagement - 3 Years - Contract

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior z/OS Systems Programmer to join a large-scale enterprise environment supporting critical IBM Mainframe infrastructure. The successful candidate will be responsible for the installation, administration, maintenance, and optimisation of z/OS systems while ensuring platform stability, security, and performance across complex business-critical environments.

This is an excellent opportunity to work within a highly skilled infrastructure team supporting mission-critical applications and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade IBM z/OS operating systems.
• Manage and support core mainframe subsystems including JES2, SDSF, TSO/E, ISPF and USS.
• Perform system performance monitoring, tuning, and capacity planning.
• Implement and maintain mainframe security controls using RACF.
• Support software installations, maintenance, and vendor product upgrades.
• Troubleshoot and resolve system-level incidents and performance issues.
• Perform IPL planning, execution, and post-implementation validation.
• Configure and maintain storage management solutions including DFSMS.
• Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and business continuity initiatives.
• Automate operational processes using REXX, JCL, and system utilities.
• Work closely with application, infrastructure, networking, and security teams.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation and operational procedures.
• Participate in on-call support and major incident management activities.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years' experience as a z/OS Systems Programmer or Mainframe Infrastructure Engineer.
• Strong expertise administering IBM z/OS environments.
• Extensive experience with:

  • JES2

  • SDSF
  • TSO/ISPF
  • RACF
  • DFSMS
  • JCL
  • REXX
  • SMP/E
• Experience performing z/OS upgrades and maintenance activities.
• Strong understanding of mainframe storage and workload management.
• Experience troubleshooting complex system performance issues.
• Knowledge of backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Desirable Skills

• Experience supporting:

  • CICS

  • DB2
  • MQ Series
  • IMS
  • z/VM
  • GDPS
• Knowledge of Mainframe Modernisation initiatives.
• Experience with automation tools such as System Automation or OPS/MVS.
• Exposure to DevOps practices within Mainframe environments.
• Experience working within Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, or Government sectors.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline (preferred).
• IBM Mainframe Certifications desirable.
• ITIL Foundation certification advantageous.