Mainframe IMS System Programmer

Kforce has a client in Chandler, AZ that is seeking an experienced Mainframe IMS System Programmer to support and manage IMS subsystem environments within a large enterprise IBM mainframe platform. This role focuses on the installation, configuration, maintenance, and performance optimization of IMS systems. The Mainframe IMS System Programmer will be responsible for ensuring high availability, reliability, and scalability of IMS environments that support critical business applications. What You'll Do:

• Install, configure, and maintain IMS subsystems (IMS DB/DC environments)
• Perform IMS system upgrades, patches, and maintenance activities
• Configure and manage IMS system parameters and runtime environments
• Monitor and optimize system performance, throughput, and resource utilization
• Support capacity planning and system tuning activities
• Collaborate with application teams and DBAs to ensure optimal system and database performance
• Participate in disaster recovery planning, failover testing, and high availability initiatives
• Maintain documentation for IMS configurations, procedures, and system changes
• Support production environments and ensure system stability and uptime

Manage IMS components including:

• Control regions (DBCTL, BMP, MPP, etc.)
• DBD (Database Definitions)
• PSB (Program Specification Blocks)
• ACB (Application Control Blocks)

Troubleshoot and resolve:

• Subsystem failures
• Performance issues
• Abends and system-level errors

Support integration with other subsystems including:

* DB2

* CICS

• MQ
• 5+ years of experience working in IBM mainframe (z/OS) environments
• Experience supporting high-availability production environments

Strong hands-on experience with:

• IMS system programming (IMS DB/DC)
• IMS subsystem configuration and management
• Control region and system-level IMS components

Experience with:

• IMS installation, configuration, and upgrades
• Performance tuning and troubleshooting at the system level

Strong understanding of:

• z/OS operating system
• JCL and system utilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with IMS utilities and database integration
• Exposure to DB2, CICS, or MQ integration
• Experience with Sysplex environments and distributed IMS workloads
• Familiarity with monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, MainView, or similar)
• Experience supporting large-scale enterprise systems
• Exposure to modernization efforts or API enablement (z/OS Connect, etc.)
• Experience with automation or scripting (REXX, Python, Shell)