Mainframe Specialist

About the Role

This role supports our client’s critical mainframe environment, ensuring high‑availability and optimal performance of mission‑critical applications. You will work on‑site within a collaborative team of developers, system administrators, and business analysts, providing expert guidance on Z/OS, CICS, DB2, and related technologies. The position demands deep technical expertise and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues, directly impacting the reliability of essential health services. As a mainframe subject‑matter expert, you will drive configuration and release management, performance tuning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and support CICS transaction processing, including configuration, performance tuning, and problem resolution.
• Manage DB2 environments, develop and optimize SQL queries, and maintain associated utilities and tools.
• Provide Endevor configuration and release management support, ensuring controlled software changes across the mainframe landscape.
• Perform Z/OS system administration, monitoring interrelationships, and ensuring system stability.
• Collaborate with application developers and personnel to debug and resolve JCL, IMS, and MQ integration issues.
• Evaluate complex SQL statements and recommend enhancements for performance and cost efficiency.
• Document procedures, create knowledge‑base articles, and mentor junior staff on mainframe best practices.
• Participate in on‑site incident response and after‑hours support rotations as required.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 7 years of hands‑on experience with Z/OS operating system and its core components.
• Extensive expertise in CICS, DB2, Endevor, IMS, JCL, and MQ middleware.
• Strong proficiency in SQL programming, query optimization, and DB2 utilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage configuration and release processes for mainframe software.
• Proven problem‑solving skills for complex mainframe environments, including performance tuning and debugging.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

Tools & Technologies

• Z/OS – primary operating system for mainframe workloads.
• CICS – transaction processing monitor.
• DB2 – relational database management system; includes SQL and DB2 utilities.
• Endevor – source code and configuration management tool.
• IMS – hierarchical database and transaction manager.
• JCL – job control language for batch processing.
• IBM MQ – messaging middleware for inter‑application communication.
• Standard mainframe monitoring and performance tools (e.g., RMF, SMF).

Work Schedule & Duration

• Contract length: Approximately 11 months (09/21/2026 – 08/30/2027).
• On‑site work required at Health Services Way, Raleigh, NC.
• Standard business hours with occasional after‑hours/on‑call support as needed.

Interview Process

The interview process typically includes an initial screening call, followed by a technical interview (either via webcam or in‑person) to assess mainframe expertise, and a final on‑site interview with the client’s hiring team.

Position Details

• Employment Type: Contract
• Duration: Approximately 12 months (with potential for extension)
• Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States