Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer - ISV z/OS-2

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade third-party ISV software products in a z/OS environment.
• Lead initiatives to replace mainframe products with alternative vendor solutions.
• Perform product evaluations, proof-of-concepts, and technical comparisons of replacement tools.
• Plan and execute product migration and conversion activities, including configuration changes, data conversions, and operational cutovers.
• Maintain and manage software using SMP/E, including RECEIVE, APPLY, ACCEPT, USERMODs, and maintenance management.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to ISV software installations, integrations, and runtime problems.
• Work with application teams, operations, and vendors to diagnose system or product issues.
• Develop and maintain installation documentation, procedures, and migration runbooks.
• Assist in capacity planning, performance tuning, and operational support for ISV tools.
• Support incident resolution and participate in root cause analysis for production issues involving ISV software.
• Evaluate compatibility and impact of new z/OS releases on installed ISV products.

Required Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience as a z/OS Systems Programmer supporting enterprise mainframe environments.
• Strong background in installation and maintenance of ISV mainframe software products.
• Hands-on experience with SMP/E software installation and maintenance processes.
• Experience performing product migrations or conversions between competing vendor tools.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills across the z/OS platform.
• Experience with IBM utilities and system tools commonly used in z/OS environments.
• High-level working knowledge of TSO/ISPF environments and utilities.
• Experience supporting multi-vendor ISV ecosystems in production mainframe environments.
• Ability to analyze system documentation, vendor materials, and product architectures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience specifically replacing ISV mainframe products with alternative vendor solutions.
• Familiarity with common ISV categories such as:
  • Output management
  • Security
  • Scheduling
  • Storage management
  • Performance monitoring
  • Database tools
  • Automation operations
• Experience working with vendor support organizations to resolve complex technical issues.
• Knowledge of z/OS system internals, JES, RACF, and subsystem integration.
• Experience with automation, scripting, or operational tooling in the z/OS environment.