Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer

Job Role:

Provide premium Mainframe Hardware system programming support and services to Ensono mainframe clients.

The successful candidate will be responsible for configuration of mainframe hardware equipment such as HCD and IOCP. During new client migrations, the Systems Programmer will be a point person for configuring client environments within Ensono data centers to mimic existing client environment. Will serve as an escalation point for mainframe hardware issues such as failed Tape Drives, offline devices, and Call Home. The associate will perform software and hardware refreshes, customer migrations and daily customer support.

Key Areas of Focus for this Role

• Fulfill customer service requests for mainframe customers in a timely manner as they pertain to Mainframe hardware components
• Define (GEN) mainframe equipment to be connected to Mainframe CPU
• Support existing mainframe equipment for functionality, break/fix, and upgrades
• Be able to support multiple client hardware upgrades and data center migrations.
• Provide primary support for reported problems related to Mainframe hardware and related software products
• Evaluate client systems for migrating into Ensono data centers
• Evaluate proposed solutions for supportability
• Provide support on 24 x 7 x 365 basis across multiple time zones.
• Provide key support for customer migration services (new customer transitions) as they pertain to Mainframe hardware and related OEM software products.

• Provide primary support for reported problems related to Mainframe Hardware components
• Research and evaluation of new software and hardware products, assisting team members and other areas with technical questions and problem resolution.
• Communicate to both customer and management the status of issues at intervals during resolution process.
• Maintain documentation of issue cause, action, and resolution in the designated problem tracking system.
• Assist the assigned project manager in the migration of newly acquired customers such that all technical hurdles are addressed in a timely manner and do not impede the expected progress of the transition nor the targeted migration date. 
• In joint co-operation with the Disaster Recovery Services and other technical teams, successfully execute tasks associated with any given customer’s disaster recovery plans.
• Aid and assist other mainframe teams as required to support them and our clients.
• Adhere to a schedule that efficiently manages resources and allows timely implementations.
• Follow ITSM change control procedures

What the Ideal Candidate Brings to this Role

Required Qualifications help to assure new Associates are set up for success in their role with Ensono. To be considered for this career opportunity, it is important that you meet all Required Qualifications. Candidates that may meet some, but not all, Other Qualifications are still encouraged to apply.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and/or equivalent work experience.
• 8+ years of professional experience in Mainframe Hardware Support working within a z/OS environment supporting Tape, DASD, CPU, and other mainframe hardware equipment.
• Experience creating HCD and IOCP for zOS, zVM, and zVSE in a complex, geographically dispersed multi data center environment.
• Senior level familiarity with Z Series HMC and support element. 
• Extensive knowledge of IODF, DASD hardware configurations incorporating replication.
• Above average knowledge of the z/OS operating system. Knowledge of z/VM or z/Linux considered a plus.
• Familiarity with tape and DASD replication methodologies for various mainframe vendors. 
• Experience in preparing and implementing Disaster Recovery plans
• Experience using various system monitoring software in problem determination, particularly for performance/response problems related to Mainframe hardware components
• Ability to develop innovation, strategies, processes, and best practices in software management
• Support planned (disaster recovery) and unplanned (emergency) database recovery activities
• Knowledgeable in best practices of software management, maintenance, and documentation
• Experience with establishing policies and procedures pertaining to database management, DR, security, maintenance, and utilization
• Ability to evaluate change requests and determine impact to assigned clients and troubleshooting and solving production database issues.

Other Qualifications

• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Strong analytical skills required for quick problem determination and isolation of root cause with emphasis on required recovery actions to minimize impact to client business.
• Demonstrated ability to respond quickly and effectively to support requests from multiple clients
• Must be able to multi-task and work under short deadlines and in high pressure situations.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal and presentations)
• Ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently.