Systems Programmer - Mainframe Networking

Position Overview:

The Systems Programmer III - Mainframe Networking role is responsible for the design, implementation, administration, and support of IBM z/OS mainframe networking infrastructure that supports critical banking applications, payment systems, customer account processing, regulatory reporting, and other high-availability financial services. This role serves as a senior technical expert for mainframe communications, ensuring secure, resilient, and compliant network connectivity across enterprise, partner, and external financial networks. The position works closely with infrastructure, cybersecurity, application development, and operations teams to maintain a highly available environment that meets banking industry security, audit, compliance, and business continuity requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

• System Management & Product Maintenance: Install, customize, and maintain mainframe network software, including but not limited to, z/OS Communication Server (VTAM, TCP/IP, FTP, SFTP, TLS/AT-TLS, OSA-Express, TN3270 Services, DNS, and Enterprise Extender) and Connect:Direct (NDM). Apply maintenance to all associated software & products as required to maintain system stability.

• Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution: Serve as a mid-tier technical escalation point for complex problems involving mainframe networking within the mainframe environment, including middleware components (CICS, DB2, MQ, and JES2). Use diagnostic tools (e.g., IPCS, packet traces) to perform root cause analysis and implement effective solutions. Respond to and resolve incidents; work with vendor to identify and implement fix where applicable. Provide guidance to less experienced staff. Identify root causes of system issues and work with partner teams to fix the root cause.

• Performance and Tuning: Monitor system performance, conduct capacity planning, and implement performance-tuning measures to optimize system efficiency and ensure service-level agreements (SLAs) are met.

• Security and Compliance: Work closely with the security team to implement and maintain security protocols within CA-ACF2, including AT-TLS configuration and certificate management, to protect data and ensure compliance with corporate standards.

• Project Leadership: Lead and participate in medium & large-scale projects, such as major software upgrades, hardware refreshes, and disaster recovery planning and exercises.

• Collaboration and Mentoring: Collaborate with application developers, operations staff, and other systems programmers. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members.

• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of system configurations, procedures, and problem-solving techniques.

• Education: Attend vendor sponsored conferences as a representative of the Bank to seek out industry technology to utilize at the Bank. Provide thought leadership at vendor-sponsored conferences; presenting new technologies or providing industry leadership in new technologies. Review training opportunities that are available and make recommendations.

• On-call Support: Take ownership of emergency support responsibilities as part of a 24/7 on-call rotation.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with various departments to achieve organizational goals.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite. Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.

• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.

• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.

• Complete other related duties as assigned

Required skills and qualifications:

• Combined minimum of 6 years’ higher education and/or related work experience

• Expert-level knowledge of z/OS Communication Server, including VTAM, TCP/IP, FTP, SFTP, TLS/AT-TLS, OSA-Express, TN3270 Services, DNS, Enterprise Extender, and Connect:Direct (NDM).

• In-depth knowledge of SMP/E & z/OSMF for software installation and maintenance.

• Fluency in JCL, REXX, and CLIST among others.

• Analytical skills: Proven analytical and problem-solving skills for diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

• Strong proficiency with mainframe middleware, including IBM MQ Series on Z, CICS, & DB2 on Z.

• 5-7 years of experience in mainframe systems programming, with a focus on networking and middleware.

• Relevant certifications are a plus.

We support our team members with generous benefits.

• Competitive compensation

• Health, welfare, and retirement benefits

• 401(k) match at 5%

• Work-life balance and flexible work arrangements

• Banking Officers start with 25 days PTO plus 12 paid holidays

• 40 hours paid volunteer hours per year

• Much more. For details, see: M&T Benefits Overview

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