Overview:
Job Title
Mainframe Systems Programmer - IBM CICS & IBM MQ (z/OS)
Location
Minnesota -
Role Overview
MNIT is seeking a Mainframe Systems Programmer with strong IBM CICS and IBM MQ (MQSeries) experience on z/OS. This role focuses on product installation and maintenance, production support and troubleshooting, performance monitoring/tuning, security alignment, documentation, and knowledge transfer to MNIT z/OS staff.
Key Responsibilities
โข Install IBM CICS, IBM MQ (MQSeries), and supporting products on z/OS using vendor tools and required installation steps (SMP/E as applicable).
โข Maintain and upgrade CICS/MQ and supporting products; follow MNIT standards and vendor procedures.
โข Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues, including:
- CICS application contention, looping tasks, short-on-storage conditions
- MQ messages not reaching destination, channels not starting, full MQ page sets
โข Monitor and optimize CICS/MQ performance to ensure efficient CPU and I/O usage and strong throughput (transactions and MQ message volumes).
โข Support CICS table updates, code rollouts, and best-practice configuration/usage across environments.
โข Provide application support and participate in troubleshooting sessions through resolution.
โข Test and debug changes; support implementation of developed/configured elements.
โข Move changes/migrations from Development to QA to Production using established change controls.
โข Maintain technical documentation, runbooks, and standards; produce project documentation as needed.
โข Ensure work aligns with MNIT security and accessibility policies.
โข Provide technical leadership, mentoring, staff training, and knowledge transfer to designated MNIT z/OS staff.
โข Attend and contribute to meetings and working sessions; complete work according to project plans and schedules.
Required Skills / Experience
โข Hands-on experience with IBM CICS and IBM MQ on z/OS (installation, maintenance, and production support).
โข Experience with z/OS, SMP/E, and Unix System Services (USS).
โข Strong troubleshooting experience in CICS (looping tasks, storage shortages, dump analysis exposure) and MQ (channels, queues, routing).
โข Experience with JCL and JES2; familiarity with z/OSMF is a plus.
โข Knowledge of security in CICS/MQ (RACF or ACF2).
โข Ability to manage and maintain CICS definitions.
โข Experience with performance tuning and security certificate management.
โข Strong communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
โข Ability to lead tasks, mentor others, and work in a structured, documented environment.
Preferred Skills
โข CICSPlex, CICS Transaction Gateway (CTG).
โข Ability to analyze CICS transaction/system dumps.
โข Experience working with high-availability production environments and strict change controls.
Skills:
CICS