Senior Systems Programmer Mainframe Middleware and Networking

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Job Title: Senior Systems Programmer for Mainframe Middleware and Networking

Location: Remote

About the Role: Heitmeyer is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Programmer to manage and optimize mainframe middleware and networking components in a mission‑critical banking environment. This role is responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and performance tuning of IBM z/OS systems, middleware products (CICS, DB2, MQ), and networking services (TCP/IP, VTAM, SNA). The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise, strong problem‑solving skills, and experience supporting high‑volume transaction processing environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Diagnosis and solve for latency issues on the Mainframe
• Diagnoses issues with transmission coming in and going out of the mainframe using SSL TLS and Tracing.
• Middleware Management:
  • Install, configure, and maintain IBM middleware products including CICS Transaction Server, DB2 for z/OS, and IBM MQ.
  • Apply patches, upgrades, and fixes to ensure stability and compliance.
  • Monitor and tune middleware performance for optimal transaction throughput.
• Networking & Connectivity:
  • Configure and manage TCP/IP, VTAM, and SNAnetworking stacks on z/OS.
  • Support Enterprise Extender (EE), Hiper Sockets, and secure connectivity between mainframe and distributed systems.
  • Troubleshoot network issues impacting transaction processing or batch jobs.
• System Programming & Automation:
  • Develop and maintain JCL, REXX, and automation scripts for system tasks.
  • Implement monitoring and alerting for middleware and network components using tools like OMEGAMON, Net View, and RMF.
• Security & Compliance:
  • Configure and maintain security protocols (AT‑TLS, IPSEC) and RACF/ACF2/Top Secret profiles.
  • Ensure compliance with banking regulations (PCI DSS, FFIEC) and internal audit requirements.
• Performance & Capacity Planning:
  • Analyze system performance metrics; recommend tuning and capacity adjustments.
  • Plan for growth and scalability to support future business needs.
• Disaster Recovery & High Availability:
  • Design and maintain DR strategies for middleware and networking components.
  • Participate in failover testing and recovery exercises.
• Project Leadership:
  • Serve as technical lead for infrastructure upgrades, core banking conversions, and modernization initiatives.
  • Collaborate with application teams, network engineers, and vendors to ensure seamless integration.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in mainframe systems programming with a focus on middleware and networking.
• Expertise in IBM z/OS, CICS, DB2, IBM MQ, and mainframe networking protocols (TCP/IP, VTAM, SNA).
• Strong knowledge of LPARs, Sysplex, JES2/JES3, and z/OS internals.
• Proficiency in JCL, REXX, and automation scripting.
• Experience with monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, Net View, SDSF, RMF).
• Familiarity with security frameworks and compliance requirements in banking environments.
• Excellent problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Preferred

Skills:

• Experience in financial services or other regulated industries.
• Knowledge of core banking systems and high‑volume …