Portfolio Company Positions

The z/OS System Programmer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of enterprise-level system software, with a primary focus on IBM z/OS mainframe environments. This position requires expertise in system configuration, performance tuning, security, automation, and troubleshooting to maintain high availability and optimal performance. The role involves proactive problem-solving, leading technical initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support business and IT objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES:

System Installation, Maintenance & Upgrades:

• Install, upgrade, configure, and maintain z/OS and related subsystems (e.g., JES2, RACF, CICS, DB2, IMS).
• Manage system software updates, PTFs, APARs, and maintenance using SMP/E.
• Ensure system stability and compatibility across software releases.

Performance Tuning & Capacity Planning:

• Monitor and optimize CPU, memory, and I/O performance.
• Tune Workload Manager (WLM), Sysplex, and other critical system components.
• Conduct capacity planning and provide recommendations for future growth and hardware upgrades.

Security & Compliance:

• Administer and enforce RACF or other security mechanisms to control system access.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (SOX, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, etc.).
• Monitor and mitigate security vulnerabilities, applying security patches as needed.

Storage & Backup Management:

• Manage DFSMS, VSAM, HSM, and other storage management tools.
• Oversee data backup, disaster recovery (DR), and high-availability solutions.
• Optimize disk and tape storage usage to improve efficiency.

Incident Management & Troubleshooting:

• Diagnose and resolve system abends, failures, and performance bottlenecks.
• Analyze dump reports, logs, and system traces to identify root causes.
• Collaborate with IBM support and vendors to resolve complex system issues.

Automation & Scripting:

• Develop and enhance system automation using REXX, JCL, CLIST, Ansible, or other scripting languages.
• Improve system monitoring, job scheduling, and operational efficiency.
• Automate repetitive administrative tasks to streamline processes.

Disaster Recovery & High Availability:

• Implement and test disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.
• Manage and maintain Parallel Sysplex and high-availability configurations.
• Support failover testing and redundancy planning.

Documentation & Knowledge Sharing:

• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, system procedures, and best practices.
• Mentor junior team members and provide knowledge transfer sessions.
• Ensure accurate change management records are maintained.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience as a z/OS Systems Programmer or equivalent role.
• Expertise in z/OS, z/VM, JES2, SMP/E, TSO, ISPF, RACF, JCL, REXX, VTAM, TCP/IP, USS and z/Linux.
• Strong understanding of IBM mainframe hardware, Sysplex, and storage management.
• Experience with performance tuning and capacity planning.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting using system logs, dumps, and diagnostic tools.
• Familiarity with automation tools, job scheduling, and middleware integration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with CICS, DB2, IMS, MQ, TCP/IP, WebSphere, or z/VM.
• Familiarity with ACF2 and Top Secret
• Knowledge of cloud integration with mainframes (e.g., zCloud, IBM Z Ansible).
• Knowledge of Containers and AI
• The ability to read Assembler and C code
• Certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer – z/OS or ITIL Foundation.

SOFT SKILLS:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

PKWARE, Inc., is…

PKWARE offers the only data discovery and protection solution that locates and secures sensitive data to minimize organizational risks and costs, regardless of device or environment. Our ultra-efficient, scalable software is simple to use on a broad range of data types and repositories, enabling precise, automated visibility and control of personal data, even in the fastest-moving, most complex IT environments. With more than 1,200 customers, including many of the world’s largest financial institutions, retailers, healthcare organizations, and government agencies, PKWARE continues to innovate as an award-winning global leader in data discovery, security, and compliance. To learn more, visit PKWARE.com.

And just so you know…

PKWARE is located in Milwaukee, WI, and offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.

PKWARE provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, veteran status, membership in the national guard, state defense force or any reserve component of the federal or state military forces, age, non-relevant arrest or conviction record, use or nonuse of lawful products off the company's premises during non-working hours, or other characteristic protected by law.