Senior z / OS Systems Programmer - Mainframe Storage Specialist

For further inquiries regarding the following opportunity, please contact our Talent Specialist.

Vinod at (224) 507-1294

Job Title : Senior z / OS Systems Programmer - Mainframe Storage Specialist

Location : Springfiled IL

Duration : 6 Months

Reports To : Mainframe Systems Supervisor

Position Overview

• Client is seeking an experienced Senior z / OS Systems Programmer with extensive expertise in mainframe storage technologies. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for IBM z / OS mainframe storage environments, including DFSMShsm, Virtual Tape Libraries (VTL), Direct Access Storage Devices (DASD), replication, and Disaster Recovery (DR) storage procedures.
• The role is critical to ensuring the resilience, availability, security, and compliance of the State's enterprise mainframe infrastructure. The successful candidate will work with IBM, HPE, and internal IT teams to design, implement, monitor, and recover enterprise storage systems that support the Client's mission-critical applications.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as lead storage specialist for IBM z / OS environments, ensuring availability and integrity of storage subsystems.

Administer and maintain DFSMShsm (HSM) storage management, including backup, migration, recall, and recovery functions.

Manage DASD allocation, performance tuning, and space management using SMS and non-SMS techniques.

Oversee Virtual Tape Library (VTL) environments, including IBM TS7700 and other enterprise tape virtualization solutions.

Support and refine replication strategies for business continuity and Disaster Recovery (DR) restoration procedures, ensuring compliance with SOC2, IRS Pub 1075, and state policies.

Collaborate with vendors (IBM, HPE, etc.) on hardware upgrades, firmware updates, and configuration changes.

Troubleshoot and resolve storage-related issues across test, development, and production LPARs.

Document storage standards, runbooks, DR procedures, and audit compliance reports.

Mentor junior system programmers and provide technical leadership on storage-related projects.

Required Qualifications

10+ years of progressive experience as a z / OS Systems Programmer with a focus on enterprise storage.

Expert knowledge of DFSMShsm, SMS, IDCAMS, ICKDSF, ICF catalogs, and DFSMS utilities.

Hands-on experience with IBM TS7700 Virtual Tape Systems, VTS replication, and tape management procedures.

Advanced skills in DASD storage administration (HPE XP8, IBM DS8K, or equivalent enterprise DASD subsystems).

Proven expertise in replication technologies and Disaster Recovery restoration for large-scale mainframe environments.

Strong knowledge of JCL, REXX, CLIST, and automation tools for storage operations.

Familiarity with RACF security policies and ICSF encryption at rest for compliance.

Experience working with vendors (IBM, HPE, Kyndryl) to manage hardware lifecycle and support escalations.

Strong problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with z / OS 3.1 and IBM z16 platforms.

Prior involvement in large-scale storage migrations or upgrades (XP8 controller upgrades, TS7700 replication projects, etc.).

Experience in training, mentoring, and knowledge transfer within enterprise IT teams.

Education

About us :

DivIHN , the 'IT Asset Performance Services' organization, provides Professional Consulting, Custom Projects, and Professional Resource Augmentation services to clients in the Mid-West and beyond. The strategic characteristics of the organization are Standardization, Specialization, and Collaboration.

DivIHN is an equal opportunity employer. DivIHN does not and shall not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.