Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer - Independent Software Vendor

We are seeking an experienced ISV z/OS Systems Programmer with strong expertise in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and migration of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) products on the IBM z/OS platform. This role will focus heavily on evaluating, replacing, and migrating software on a mainframe environment with alternative solutions while maintaining operational stability and performance.

The ideal candidate will possess deep technical knowledge of mainframe systems programming, SMP/E software management, IBM utilities, and ISV product lifecycle management, along with experience performing product migrations and conversions between competing vendor tools.

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.

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage complex migrations and product transitions in production environments.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently or as part of a systems engineering team.
• Ability to work on multiple client projects at the same time

Typical Deliverables

• ISV product installation documentation
• Migration and replacement project plans
• Troubleshooting guides and operational procedures
• Product comparison and evaluation reports
• Maintenance and upgrade schedules

 Why Ensono?

Ensono is a place to make better happen – for our clients and for your career. You can do great things through innovation or collaboration, by learning or volunteering, or to promote diversity and inclusion. You can do great things for your own health or for a healthier planet. Whatever it means to you to do great things we want Ensono to be the place you can do it. 

We are a client-facing business, but we do encourage clients to allow us to work remotely most of the time so if you are not required to be on a client site, you can choose to work from home or in our Ensono offices.

Some of our benefits include:

• Unlimited Paid Days Off
• Three health plan options
• 401k with company match
• Eligibility for dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life and AD&D coverage, and flexible spending accounts
• Family Forming Benefit including fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy reimbursement
• Paid childbearing and paternal leave
• Education Reimbursement, Student Loan Assistance or 529 College Funding
• Sabbatical leave
• Wellness program
• Flexible work schedule

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this role is $85,000 to $148,000 annually based on a full-time schedule. Please note that placement in the range may vary based on numerous factors including but not limited to skills, experience, internal equity, and business needs. In addition to base salary, other compensation programs, depending on eligibility, include an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance, and an equity grant under our Associate Equity Appreciation Program.

Ensono is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment to our Associates and building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

Pay transparency nondiscrimination statement/posting OFCCP’s pay transparency policy can be found on OFCCP’s website.

If you need accommodation at any point during the application or interview process, please let your recruiter know or email [email protected].