Mainframe IMS System Programmer

Mainframe IMS System ProgrammerDuration: 6 months contract to hire Work Location: Phoenix, AZ, Plano, TX, Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Pennington, NJ and Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 3days onsite, 2days WFH)The Role: We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe IMS System Programmer to support and manage IBM z/OS IMS environments. The role is responsible for ensuring the stability, availability, performance, and security of IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems in a mission-critical banking or financial services environment. This role requires employees to live in or around the Phoenix, AZ area. You will be responsible to be onsite 3 days a week. We will consider candidates who are willing to relocate to the area.Responsibilities:Install, configure, and maintain IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems on IBM z/OSPerform version upgrades, maintenance, and patching to ensure system currency and stabilityManage and maintain IMS system definitions, including DBDs, PSBs, ACB libraries, and control regionsConfigure and tune buffer pools, parameters, and system resources to optimize performanceMonitor IMS database and transaction performance, proactively identifying and resolving performance bottlenecksTroubleshoot and resolve system issues by analyzing logs, dumps, abends, and database errorsSupport IMS utilities, backup/recovery processes, and disaster recovery testingEnsure seamless integration with z/OS, DB2, MQ, CICS, TCP/IP, and Sysplex environmentsImplement and follow ITIL/ServiceNow change management processes for all system updatesMaintain accurate technical documentation and system configurationsRequired Qualifications:7+ years of experience with IBM z/OS operating systemHands-on experience with IMS DB and IMS TM administrationDeep knowledge of DBD/PSB/ACB management, IMS control regions and transaction processing, buffer pool tuning and performance optimizationExperience with IMS utilities, backup/recovery, and DR strategiesStrong troubleshooting skills (dump analysis, log analysis, abend resolution)Experience integrating IMS with DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systemsFamiliarity with RACF security controls for IMS environmentsExperience with SMP/E, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSFUnderstanding of Sysplex and high availability architecturesPreferred Experience:Exposure to IMS modernization or API enablement (z/OS Connect, REST integration)Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., OMEGAMON, MainView, RMF)Knowledge of automation tools (REXX, Ansible, z/OSMF workflows)Experience with DB control, TCPIP, ZOS Connect, Assembler routines.Skill and experience with IMS Routines & Exit Routines will be a big plus.