Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems that drive advantage for the world’s leading businesses.  We are at the heart of progress; with proven expertise and a continuous flow of AI-powered insight, enabling smarter decisions, faster innovation, and a lasting competitive edge. For our people—Kyndryls—that means doing purposeful work that powers human progress. Join us and experience a flexible, supportive environment where your well-being is prioritized and your potential can thrive.

The Role

Your Role

As a System Administrator at Kyndryl, you’ll solve complex problems and identify potential future issues across the spectrum of platforms and services. You’ll be at the forefront of new technology and modernization, working with some of our biggest clients – which means some of the biggest in the world.

There’s never a typical day as a System Administrator at Kyndryl, because no two projects are alike. You’ll be managing systems data for clients and providing day-to-day solutions and security compliance. You’ll oversee a queue of assignments and work directly with technicians, prioritizing tickets to deliver the best solutions to our clients.

What You Will DO

• Lead and manage z/OS system programming initiatives
• Design resilient and scalable mainframe infrastructure
• Handle upgrades, migrations, and SMP/E maintenance
• Manage core components: JES, storage, networking
• Support CICS, DB2, IMS, and MQ subsystems
• Drive automation, performance, and capacity optimization
• Resolve critical incidents and perform root cause analysis
• Ensure security, compliance, and SLA adherence
• Support disaster recovery and monitoring integration
• Collaborate with teams, vendors, and stakeholders
• Mentor team members and drive modernization efforts

One of the benefits of Kyndryl is that we work with clients in a variety of industries, from banking to retail. Whether you want to broaden your knowledge base or narrow your scope and specialize in a specific sector, you can find your opportunity here. You’ll also get the chance to share your expertise by recommending modernization options, identifying new business opportunities, and cultivating relationships with other teams and stakeholders. Does the work get challenging at times? Yes! But you’ll collaborate with a diverse group of talented people and gain invaluable management and organizational skills, which will come in handy as you move forward in your career.

Your future at Kyndryl

Every position at Kyndryl offers a way forward to grow your career, from Junior System Administrator to Architect. We have opportunities for Cloud Hyperscalers that you won’t find anywhere else, including hands-on experience, learning opportunities, and the chance to certify in all four major platforms. One of the benefits of Kyndryl is that we work with clients in a variety of industries, from banking to retail. Whether you want to broaden your knowledge base or narrow your scope and specialize in a specific sector, you can find your opportunity here.

Who You Are

You’re good at what you do and possess the required experience to prove it. However, equally as important – you have a growth mindset; keen to drive your own personal and professional development. You are customer-focused – someone who prioritizes customer success in their work. And finally, you’re open and borderless – naturally inclusive in how you work with others.

Required Technical and Professional Experience

• 7+ Yrs Expertise in IBM z/OS system programming with strong knowledge of z/OS internals and architecture
• Proficiency in SMP/E installation, maintenance, and upgrade management
• Hands-on experience with JES2/JES3 administration and operations
• In-depth understanding of mainframe storage (DASD, DFSMS, HSM) and networking (TCP/IP, VTAM)
• Enterprise subsystem support for CICS, DB2, IMS, and MQ
• Skills in performance tuning, capacity planning, dump analysis, and advanced problem determination
• Strong root cause analysis capability for critical incidents
• Experience with automation and scheduling tools on z/OS
• Expertise in system upgrades, migrations, and transformation initiatives
• Knowledge of security administration and compliance management on z/OS
• Familiarity with disaster recovery and high availability concepts
• Experience with monitoring and observability tools for mainframe environments
• Proven ability in production support within SLA-driven environments
• Understanding of incident, problem, and change management processes
• Scripting skills using Shell, REXX, or CLIST
• Experience in vendor coordination and defect resolution
• Demonstrated leadership in enterprise mainframe operations

Preferred Technical and Professional Experience 

• Strong expertise in IBM z/OS architecture design and engineering, including knowledge of Parallel Sysplex and GDPS
• Hands-on experience with IBM Tivoli, OMEGAMON, NetView, and System Automation tools
• Proven capability in mainframe automation, self-healing platform implementation, and AIOps-driven observability integration
• Familiarity with DevOps practices for mainframe environments and hybrid cloud integration
• Knowledge of z/OS security products such as RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret
• Experience in capacity forecasting and enterprise optimization strategies
• Exposure to modernization and transformation programs and defining enterprise operational standards
• Experience with modern automation frameworks such as Ansible and Zowe
• Understanding of mainframe API enablement and integration technologies
• Knowledge of compliance, audit frameworks, and ITIL-based service management practices
• Cross-platform infrastructure integration experience
• Strong mentoring, technical leadership, and stakeholder management capabilities
• Focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives

Being You

The “Kyn” in Kyndryl means kinship, which represents the strong bonds we have with each other, our customers and our communities. We focus on ensuring all Kyndryls feel included and we welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in growth, and we’re excited to see what you can bring. At Kyndryl, employee feedback has told us that our number one driver of employee engagement is belonging. That sense of belonging — being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team — is fundamental to our culture and fueling great experiences for our customers. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you the ability to thrive and contribute to our culture of empathy and shared success. That’s The Kyndryl Way.

What You Can Expect

Your career with us isn’t just a job—it’s an adventure with purpose.  We offer a dynamic, hybrid-friendly culture that supports your well-being and empowers you to grow. Our Be Well programs are thoughtfully designed to support your financial, mental, physical, and social health—because we know that when you feel your best, you do your best.

From your very first day, you’ll dive into impactful work that powers the systems our customers rely on every day. You won’t just contribute—you’ll make a difference, tackling meaningful projects that sharpen your skills and fuel your growth.

We’re here to champion your journey. With powerful tools to chart your career path, personalized development goals aligned with your ambitions, and continuous feedback to keep you inspired and on track, you’ll have everything you need to thrive and evolve. You’ll develop in-demand skills to grow your career and achieve your ambitions with access to cutting-edge learning opportunities—from certifications with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to coaching and hands-on experiences. And through it all, you’ll be part of a culture that values empathy, restless learning, and a devotion to shared success.

We want you to thrive here—and we’re committed to helping you do just that. Ready to make an impact? Join us and help shape what’s next.

Get Referred!

If you know someone that works at Kyndryl, when asked ‘How Did You Hear About Us’ during the application process, select ‘Employee Referral’ and enter your contact's Kyndryl email address.