Senior Mainframe Systems Consultant
: Job Details :

Quantam Solutions provides IT solutions and consulting for various clients. We offer a competitive hourly wage, health benefits, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan. We're currently seeking a Senior Mainframe Systems Consultant.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe Systems Consultant to lead and coordinate critical mainframe operations and serve as the primary technical liaison for our z/OS mainframe environment. This role requires a blend of hands-on technical expertise and strategic consulting to ensure efficient collaboration between vendors, internal teams, and external agencies.

The successful candidate will possess deep technical knowledge of mainframe systems (e.g., z/OS, COBOL, JCL, RACF) and the ability to re-think and modernize mainframe-related processes. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for interfacing with vendors, development teams, and stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coordination and Communication

Act as the main point of contact between:

The outsourced mainframe provider and internal teams.

Internal development teams and external agencies for system troubleshooting.

Software and hardware vendors to coordinate upgrades, maintenance, and technical support.

Facilitate technical discussions between vendors and internal development teams, ensuring alignment on solutions and implementations.

Communicate and coordinate mainframe system outages and changes, including updates to relevant stakeholders.

Mainframe System Expertise

• Monitor z/OS system performance, identify root causes of performance issues, and recommend resolutions.
• Evaluate existing mainframe processes and tools to identify areas for improvement, deprecate unused systems, and recommend future technologies.
• Collaborate with vendors to optimize workload management (WLM) and storage devices.
• Assist in diagnosing and resolving system user exit and subsystem issues.
• Provide recommendations on best practices for JCL and other mainframe processes.

Hands-On Technical Support

• Develop and support mainframe processes, including coding in Assembler, REXX, JCL, CLIST, and COBOL.
• Debug and optimize COBOL programs using tools such as Xpeditor and Abend-Aid.
• Provide guidance and support on database management, addressing common issues like runaway transactions, performance bottlenecks, and database stability.
• Work with the vendor to manage and monitor storage usage and optimize storage solutions.

Process Modernization

• Redesign outdated processes and establish best practices for JCL, SMP/E concepts, and system performance monitoring.
• Recommend improvements to workload distribution and LPAR management based on operational needs and vendor interactions.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation on mainframe processes, tools, and procedures.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

At least 5 years of experience in an IBM z/OS mainframe environment.

Minimum 2 years of experience supporting system programmers and administrators.

Technical Expertise:

Proficiency with z/OS technologies, including COBOL, Assembler, REXX, JCL, CLIST, and user exit coding.

Strong understanding of mainframe components such as CICS, IMS DB/DC, DB2, RACF, VTAM, TCP/IP, SMP/E, and storage management.

Working knowledge of OMVS and its components.

Communication Skills:

Proven ability to interact with vendors, developers, and cross-functional teams.

Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and stakeholder updates.

Problem-Solving Skills:

Ability to diagnose and resolve performance issues, storage inefficiencies, and database problems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience with z/OS integrations and modernized solutions.

Hands-on expertise with debugging tools such as Xpeditor and Abend-Aid.

Familiarity with workload management tools like WLM and best practices for LPAR optimization.

Conceptual understanding of RACF security management and SMP/E processes.

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement best practices in mainframe operations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is a 100% remote position, offering flexibility while requiring close collaboration with team members and stakeholders across various locations.

Note: Candidates must be capable of engaging effectively with external system programming staff and vendors to ensure optimal performance and resolution of technical issues.