Mainframe IMS Engineer / System Programmer

Requirements:

• Strong experience administering and operating IBM IMS Database and IMS Transaction Manager.
• Hands-on experience with IMS SYSGEN, DBD, PSB, ACB, DBRC, and IMS Connect.
• Strong knowledge of z/OS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, JES2, SDSF, and SMP/E.
• Experience with IMS backup and recovery, database reorganization, and performance tuning.
• Exposure to sysplex and data-sharing environments.
• 10–18+ years of experience in IMS infrastructure and database engineering, including upgrades, migrations, disaster recovery testing, and major incident resolution.
• Preferred: Experience with IMS Parallel Sysplex and Shared Queues, IMS Connect and API integration, and IMS monitoring and performance tools.
• Preferred: Knowledge of DB2, CICS, MQ, RACF security, and REXX or automation scripting.
• Preferred: Familiarity with ITIL and change management governance in 24x7 enterprise environments.

Responsibilities:

• Administer and maintain IMS DB and IMS TM across development, test, disaster recovery, and production environments.
• Manage control regions, MPRs, BMPs, and database resources, including startup, shutdown, and restart activities.
• Install, configure, customize, and maintain IMS using SMP/E, including applying PTFs and fixes and completing upgrades.
• Perform IMS SYSGEN and subsystem configuration changes, and support modernization and migration efforts.
• Manage Full Function, HALDB, Fast Path/DEDB, HIDAM, HDAM, HISAM, and HSAM databases; maintain DBDs, PSBs, and ACBs.
• Carry out database reorganization, recovery, optimization, and capacity planning; monitor growth and storage.
• Monitor and tune transaction and database performance, including CPU use, response time, storage, and throughput.
• Design and support backup and recovery strategies, including image copies, DBRC, restart procedures, and disaster recovery exercises to meet RTO/RPO targets.
• Provide L2/L3 support, troubleshoot subsystem and transaction issues, analyze dumps, logs, and abends, and address root causes to prevent recurrence.
• Support integrations with DB2, CICS, MQ, z/OS, RACF, VTAM/TCP-IP, and IMS Connect, coordinating work across teams.
• Participate in CAB reviews, releases, and deployments; follow change governance and maintain documentation.
• Work with IBM and other vendors, collaborate with z/OS, CICS, DB2, MQ, Storage, Security, and Application teams, and provide technical guidance.

Technologies:

• API
• CICS
• IBM
• IMS
• Support
• ITIL
• JCL
• Security
• TSO
• TSO/ISPF

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We are BCforward, a global IT consulting and workforce solutions firm serving Fortune 500 and government clients. Founded in 1998, we provide full-service business solutions through offices and delivery centers across North America and India, building long-term relationships through innovation, collaboration, and integrity. We are seeking a Mainframe IMS Engineer / IMS System Programmer for a remote, 12-month contract paying $65–$76 per hour on a W-2 basis. Our team offers competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities to grow through work with global clients, a supportive and inclusive culture, and exposure to advanced technologies and projects. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace.

last updated 43 week of 2026