Senior Mainframe Automation Engineer / Systems Programmer

Job Title: Senior Mainframe Automation Engineer / Systems Programmer

Location: Remote

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Automation Engineer / Systems Programmer to design, implement, and maintain high-availability automation solutions across our enterprise z/OS environments. In this role, you will leverage tools such as IBM NetView for z/OS, IBM System Automation for z/OS (SA z/OS), CA OPS/MVS, and CA Automation Point to optimize system performance, streamline operations, minimize system outages, and automate event recovery processes.

Key Responsibilities

Automation System Management & Development:

Design, configure, and maintain IBM System Automation for z/OS (SA z/OS) Policy Databases (PDB).

Build, test, and deploy REXX scripts, CLISTs, and NetView Automation Tables (AFT) to automate routine operational tasks and incident handling.

Develop and maintain CA OPS/MVS automation rules (AOF rules), state management scripts, and automated console operations.

Manage and configure CA Automation Point for automated workstation-based console management and message routing.

Systems Integration & Maintenance:

Integrate z/OS automation tools with enterprise monitoring, ticketing (e.g., ServiceNow), and alert management systems.

Perform software installation, maintenance, upgrades, and APAR/PTF applications for IBM NetView, SA z/OS, CA OPS/MVS, and CA Automation Point.

Optimize automated recovery procedures for z/OS subsystems (CICS, DB2, IMS, MQ, JES2/JES3).

Troubleshooting & Operational Support:

Provide 24/7 high-tier support for automation-related outages, incident escalation, and root cause analysis (RCA).

Monitor automation performance and log diagnostic data to identify and resolve systemic issues proactive before impact occurs.

Support disaster recovery (DR) planning, testing, and automation execution.

Strategy & Collaboration:

Collaborate with z/OS Systems Programming, Operations, and Network teams to define automation standards and best practices.

Document operational workflows, system runbooks, and automation architecture changes.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent practical experience.

7+ years of hands-on experience in z/OS Systems Programming or Mainframe Automation Engineering.

Technical Skills:

IBM Toolset: Advanced hands-on proficiency with IBM NetView for z/OS and IBM System Automation for z/OS (SA z/OS).

CA/Broadcom Toolset: Experience with CA OPS/MVS and CA Automation Point.

Scripting Languages: Strong proficiency in REXX (z/OS REXX and OPS/REXX) and CLIST.

z/OS Fundamentals: Solid knowledge of JCL, z/OS concepts, SDSF, TSO/ISPF, JES2/JES3, and z/OS system commands.

Subsystem Integration: Deep understanding of automating subsystems like CICS, DB2, IMS, VTAM, and MQ.