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Job Title:
Senior Systems Programmer for Mainframe Middleware and Networking
Location: Remote
About the Role:
Heitmeyer is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Programmer to manage and optimize mainframe middleware and networking components in a mission-critical banking environment. This role is responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and performance tuning of IBM z/OS systems, middleware products (CICS, DB2, MQ), and networking services (TCP/IP, VTAM, SNA). The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and experience supporting high-volume transaction processing environments
Key Responsibilities:
- Diagnosis and solve for latency issues on the Mainframe
- Diagnoses issues with transmission coming in and going out of the mainframe using SSL TLS and Tracing.
- Middleware Management:
- Install, configure, and maintain IBM middleware products including CICS Transaction Server, DB2 for z/OS, and IBM MQ.
- Apply patches, upgrades, and fixes to ensure stability and compliance.
- Monitor and tune middleware performance for optimal transaction throughput.
- Networking & Connectivity:
- Configure and manage TCP/IP, VTAM, and SNA networking stacks on z/OS.
- Support Enterprise Extender (EE), HiperSockets, and secure connectivity between mainframe and distributed systems.
- Troubleshoot network issues impacting transaction processing or batch jobs.
- System Programming & Automation:
- Develop and maintain JCL, REXX, and automation scripts for system tasks.
- Implement monitoring and alerting for middleware and network components using tools like OMEGAMON, NetView, and RMF.
- Security & Compliance:
- Configure and maintain security protocols (AT-TLS, IPSEC) and RACF/ACF2/Top Secret profiles.
- Ensure compliance with banking regulations (PCI DSS, FFIEC) and internal audit requirements.
- Performance & Capacity Planning:
- Analyze system performance metrics; recommend tuning and capacity adjustments.
- Plan for growth and scalability to support future business needs.
- Disaster Recovery & High Availability:
- Design and maintain DR strategies for middleware and networking components.
- Participate in failover testing and recovery exercises.
- Project Leadership:
- Serve as technical lead for infrastructure upgrades, core banking conversions, and modernization initiatives.
- Collaborate with application teams, network engineers, and vendors to ensure seamless integration.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in mainframe systems programming with a focus on middleware and networking.
- Expertise in IBM z/OS, CICS, DB2, IBM MQ, and mainframe networking protocols (TCP/IP, VTAM, SNA).
- Strong knowledge of LPARs, Sysplex, JES2/JES3, and z/OS internals.
- Proficiency in JCL, REXX, and automation scripting.
- Experience with monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, NetView, SDSF, RMF).
- Familiarity with security frameworks and compliance requirements in banking environments.
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in financial services or other regulated industries.
- Knowledge of core banking systems and high-volu