Mainframe Database Migration Specialist

About the Role

This role is for our client in the technology sector, requiring a highly experienced Mainframe Database Migration Specialist to support a critical, time-sensitive enterprise data migration initiative. The consultant will be responsible for analyzing existing mainframe applications, developing extraction and conversion processes, modifying COBOL programs and JCL, and ensuring the successful migration of IMS and legacy data assets to target platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing mainframe applications, databases, files, and batch processing workflows to support migration activities.
• Design, develop, and execute data extraction processes from IMS databases and legacy mainframe data sources.
• Create, modify, and support JCL required for data extracts, file transfers, conversion processing, and migration testing.
• Perform COBOL program analysis and code modifications to support data extraction, transformation, validation, and reconciliation requirements.
• Review and update FTP/SFTP processes to support secure transmission of migration files between source and target environments.
• Utilize IMS utilities and BMC Utilities for IMS to unload, extract, validate, and reconcile database content.
• Develop and execute data validation and reconciliation procedures to ensure data integrity throughout the migration lifecycle.
• Support file mapping, field-level transformation logic, and data conversion specifications.
• Troubleshoot batch failures, abends, data discrepancies, and performance issues related to migration processing.
• Collaborate with database administrators, architects, business analysts, and project teams to define migration requirements and resolve technical challenges.
• Create technical documentation, migration runbooks, implementation procedures, and production support documentation.
• Participate in migration testing, system integration testing, user acceptance testing, and production implementation activities.
• Provide production support during migration cutover and post-implementation stabilization periods.
• Identify opportunities for automation using CLIST, REXX, File-AID, and other mainframe utilities.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise change management, security, and audit requirements.

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of Mainframe Development experience.
• Expert-level COBOL programming experience.
• Strong JCL development and troubleshooting skills.
• Extensive IMS Database experience.
• Experience with BMC Utilities for IMS.
• Experience developing large-scale data extracts and conversion processes.
• Strong understanding of FTP/SFTP file transfer methodologies.
• Proven experience supporting enterprise-level data migrations.

Tools & Technologies

• Mainframe systems (e.g., IMS, COBOL, JCL).
• FTP/SFTP file transfer methodologies.
• BMC Utilities for IMS.
• CLIST, REXX, File-AID, and other mainframe utilities.

Work Schedule & Duration

• Contract length: 6 months.
• Work arrangement: Onsite.
• Specific onsite requirements: Hartford, Connecticut.

Interview Process

The process typically includes an initial screening followed by a technical interview via phone or video conference.

Position Details

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