Systems Programmer (DB2 and IMS Database)

Job Description

Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the office three times per week, at minimum.

This role may be eligible for relocation benefits.

The Mainframe Systems Database Systems Programmer will work with other organizations in the deployment, management, and support of all mainframe databases worldwide. This includes but is not limited to: working closely with database vendors, infrastructure groups, DBAs, and application teams to proactively install database software (Db2 and IMS), monitor, manage, control, and upgrade (configuration, patching, refresh) consistently across GM’s mainframe database landscape. This individual will be responsible for performance optimization, capacity management, master scheduling, resolving production control issues and DBMS problems, implementation of global monitoring and automation solutions driving best-in-class availability across GM’s mainframe database platforms.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3+ years of professional experience in this specific role and a Bachelor of Engineering/Arts/Science or equivalent degree in computer science or related area of study. Without a degree or professional experience in this specific role/area will require 3 additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Provides global support for Db2 and or IMS (Transaction and Database) products and Level 3/4 support for software delivery teams.  Responsible for implementing part or all of the technical solution in accordance with an agreed technical design.  Provides technical support and input on the application of technology to a defined business segment.  Ensures project learning’s are documented and shared.  Solves assorted and involved IMS issues.  Experienced in troubleshooting, researching, and resolving multipart issues.
• Minimum 3 years experience as a Db2 and or IMS Systems Programmer
• Owns and produces documentation.  Ability to translate technical details into concise and easy to understand written form.
• Ability to support systems in a 24x7 on-call rotation.
• Knowledge of and experience with using Db2 and or IMS commands to start and stop Db2 and or IMS , alter buffer pools, perform recovery, list threads and determine their status, manipulate Db2 and or IMS connections with other subsystems (including CICS, Db2 , other IMS systems).
• Past experience having demonstrated Db2 and or IMS and associated product system installs, upgrades, de-installs, application of maintenance.
• Knowledge of Db2 and or IMS security.
• Working knowledge of Db2 and or IMS system internals and configuration.
• Working knowledge of IBM Db2 SQL Performance Analyzer and IBM Query Monitor.  Demonstrable via past experience ability to utilize to inspect the performance of a Db2 and or IMS subsystem and determine where tuning is needed and the type of tuning needed.
• Experienced with Disaster Recovery (system backup and restore, DR plan creation and maintenance).  Knowledge of how to prepare Db2 and or IMS for disaster recovery and specific steps needed to recover a Db2 and or IMS subsystem at an alternate site.
• Vendor interaction experience (including experienced in searching their knowledge databases).  Knowledge of and experience with IBMLINK.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Highly skilled with the standard z/OS tools: TSO/ISPF, JCL, VSAM Utilities, SDSF, SYSLOG, IEBCOPY, DFSMS, etc.  Specific skills are ability to code JCL, ability to use TSO/ISPF panels to edit and maintain PDS libraries, prepare JCL, submit JCL and examine results.  Db2 and or IMS knowledge and experience with: recover, back up, diagnostic, and other utilities.
• Experience with defining, deleting, and managing VSAM datasets.
• Proficient with SMP/E (commands, terminology, problem determination).  Ability to use SMP/E to apply maintenance, perform installs, and maintain SMP/E environments.
• Experienced with REXX and CLIST programming with examples of code available on request.
• Skilled with security package (and RACF).
• In depth understanding of the z/OS subsystems, JES2, FTP, SDSF, CA-1 (or equivalent), DASD Storage concepts and the command usage relating to these system components.  Includes knowledge of job submission, priority, and performance with WLM in a z/OS system.  Utilization of tape and virtual tape and DASD including coding of necessary JCL.
• Working knowledge of IBM Z Workload Scheduler.  Ability to manipulate scheduling tool using commands to place jobs in the schedule and maintain changes to the job schedule.
• Batch ABEND resolution: problem determination using SYSLOG and job output, ability to look up ABEND co