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Mainframe Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe CICS System Administrator As a Mainframe CICS System Administrator, you'll solve complex ... CICS Administration & Maintenance: • Install, upgrade, and maintain CICS Transaction Server (CICS ...

Mainframe Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Proven experience in mainframe development or administration (IBM z/OS environment preferred) * Proficiency in COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, or related mainframe technologies * Strong understanding of batch ...

Configuration and administration of network related 3rd party system software. Provision of technical support for Mainframe Networking issues during the normal working day and out of hours on call ...

Mainframe IMS and CICS

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

System Administration: Basic understanding of mainframe system administration tasks like data set management and security Must Have: IMS/DB, CICS, COBOL and JCL

Mainframe IMS and CICS

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

System Administration: Basic understanding of mainframe system administration tasks like data set management and security Thanks & Regards Himanshu Sharma Recruitment Lead Email : Himanshu01@kanakits ...

Mainframe Engineer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$51.25 - $65.75/hr

Mainframe Engineer Location : Jersey City, NJ Job Type: W-2/Full Time Mandatory Skills - Cobol ... Strong knowledge of DB2 database concepts, architecture, and administration. * Experience with ...

Mainframe IMS DB with CICS

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

Basic understanding of mainframe system administration tasks like data set management and security ... Qualifications : Required : • Must have- MS/DB, CICS, COBOL and JCL • Experience: 8+ Years • ...

Mainframe IMS and CICS

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

System Administration: Basic understanding of mainframe system administration tasks like data set management and security Must Have: IMS/DB, CICS, COBOL and JCL

Mainframe CICS Admin

Columbus, OH · On-site

$47.25 - $60.75/hr

Required : • Mainframe DB2 - Application Development • IT IS AMS Mainframe CICS Administration • 6-8 years of experience Company : Syntricate Technologies offers quality assurance, validation ...

Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Plano, TX · On-site

$52.75 - $67/hr

... Administration of MIPS/LPARS Work with vendor partners to manage the agreed upon SLA's Works with ... Mainframe System Programmer z/OS System Administrator MVS System Programmer

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Mainframe Administration information

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$10

$53

$72

How much do mainframe administration jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe administration in the United States is $53.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $60.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is mainframe administration?

Mainframe Administration involves managing and maintaining mainframe computer systems, which are powerful servers used by large organizations for critical applications and bulk data processing. Mainframe Administrators are responsible for installing, configuring, monitoring, and securing mainframe hardware and software. They ensure system performance, troubleshoot technical issues, handle backup and recovery, and apply updates or patches to keep systems running smoothly and securely. This role often requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with legacy systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Administrator, you need a solid understanding of mainframe operating systems (such as z/OS), system configuration, and troubleshooting, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related IT experience. Familiarity with tools like IBM System Automation, JCL, RACF, and monitoring solutions, as well as certifications such as IBM Certified System Administrator, is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help administrators efficiently resolve issues and collaborate with IT teams. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the reliability, security, and optimal performance of critical enterprise computing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by mainframe administrators and how can they be addressed?

Mainframe Administrators often encounter challenges such as managing legacy systems, ensuring system uptime, and balancing security with accessibility. Keeping up with evolving technologies and integrating mainframes with modern applications can require continuous learning and adaptation. Effective communication with development and operations teams is vital to ensure seamless updates and minimize downtime. Proactively monitoring system performance and applying best practices for disaster recovery can also help mitigate risks and maintain reliability.

What is the difference between Mainframe Administration vs Mainframe Support?

AspectMainframe AdministrationMainframe Support
CertificationsIBM Certified System Administrator, z/OS certificationsSimilar certifications, often including z/OS support certifications
Work EnvironmentData centers, enterprise IT departments managing mainframe systemsHelp desks, support teams assisting users and troubleshooting issues
ResponsibilitiesSystem setup, configuration, maintenance, performance tuningIssue resolution, user support, incident management
Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, large corporationsSame industries, focusing on user support and problem resolution

Mainframe Administration involves managing and maintaining mainframe systems, ensuring optimal performance and security. Mainframe Support focuses on assisting users, troubleshooting issues, and resolving incidents. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in industries relying on mainframe technology, but they differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas.

Is it hard to become a mainframe administrator?

Becoming a mainframe administrator requires a strong understanding of mainframe systems like IBM z/OS, proficiency in scripting and automation, and often a relevant certification. The role can be technically challenging due to the complexity of mainframe environments, but with proper training and experience, it is achievable for those with a background in IT or computer science.

Is mainframe administration a good career option?

Mainframe administration is a stable and well-paying career that involves managing large-scale computer systems used by many organizations. It requires knowledge of mainframe operating systems like z/OS, skills in system maintenance, and often certifications such as IBM Certified System Administrator. The role offers opportunities for specialization and long-term job security due to the continued reliance on mainframes in industries like finance and government.

What does a mainframe administrator do?

A mainframe administrator manages and maintains large-scale computer systems known as mainframes, ensuring their security, performance, and availability. They configure hardware and software, monitor system operations, troubleshoot issues, and implement updates, often using tools like z/OS and requiring knowledge of system security and backup procedures.
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Infographic showing various Mainframe Administration job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,026 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Mainframe Roles

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Gemini Consulting Services
IT Services • 501 - 1,000 employees

Other

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Mainframe CICS System Administrator

As a Mainframe CICS System Administrator, you’ll solve complex problems and identify potential future issues across the spectrum of platforms and services.

CICS Administration & Maintenance:

•            Install, upgrade, and maintain CICS Transaction Server (CICS TS) environments

•            Apply patches (PTFs), manage version upgrades, and perform regression validation

•            Configure and maintain CICS regions (production, test, DR)

•            Maintain startup parameters and system initialization tables (DFHSIT)

Performance Monitoring & Tuning:

•            Monitor transaction performance and system health using tools such as:

o            OMEGAMON / MainView / TMON

•            Analyze:

o            Transaction response times

o            CPU utilization

o            Storage usage

•            Perform tuning to eliminate bottlenecks

Mainframe ZOS System Programmer

The Mainframe z/OS System Programmer is responsible for the installation, customization, maintenance, and optimization of IBM z/OS operating systems and associated system software. This role ensures the stability, performance, security, and availability of mission-critical mainframe environments, supporting large-scale enterprise applications.

Responsibilities:

System Administration & Maintenance:

•            Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/OS operating systems.

•            Perform system upgrades, migrations (e.g., z/OS version upgrades), and apply maintenance (PTFs, APARs, RSUs).

•            Manage IPL processes, system initialization, and configuration (PARMLIB, PROCLIB, SYS1 datasets).

•            Monitor system health and performance using tools such as RMF, SMF, SDSF.

Subsystem Support:

•            Install, configure, and support key subsystems:

o            JES2/JES3

o            TSO/E, ISPF

o            USS (Unix System Services)

o            RACF (in coordination with security teams)

•            Work closely with DB2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and Storage teams for integration and support.

Performance & Capacity Management:

•            Analyze system performance metrics and implement tuning improvements.

•            Support capacity planning and resource optimization (CPU, memory, I/O).

•            Evaluate hardware upgrades (e.g., CPU/MIPS growth, z-series enhancements).

Problem Management & Troubleshooting:

•            Diagnose and resolve system-related issues, including system abends and failures.

•            Perform root cause analysis for outages and major incidents.

•            Work with IBM and vendors on problem determination and fixes.

Automation & Scheduling:

•            Develop and maintain automation using tools such as:

o            System REXX, CLIST

o            SA z/OS, NetView

•            Support job scheduling tools (e.g., CA7, Control-M where applicable).

Security & Compliance:

•            Support system-level security configurations aligned with RACF policies.

•            Ensure compliance with audit, regulatory, and enterprise security standards.

•            Assist in vulnerability remediation and patching activities.

Change & Release Management:

•            Execute changes through ITIL-based processes (ServiceNow or equivalent).

•            Prepare implementation plans, backout procedures, and validation steps.

•            Support weekend maintenance windows and IPL activities.

Documentation:

•            Create and maintain technical documentation, including:

o            System configurations

o            Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

o            Disaster Recovery plans

Mainframe IMS System Programmer:

The Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe IMS System Programmer to support and manage IBM z/OS IMS environments. The role is responsible for ensuring the stability, availability, performance, and security of IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems in a mission-critical banking or financial services environment.

Responsibilities:

•            Install, configure, and maintain IMS DB and IMS TM subsystems on IBM z/OS

•            Perform version upgrades, maintenance, and patching to ensure system currency and stability

•            Manage and maintain IMS system definitions, including DBDs, PSBs, ACB libraries, and control regions

•            Configure and tune buffer pools, parameters, and system resources to optimize performance

•            Monitor IMS database and transaction performance, proactively identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks

•            Troubleshoot and resolve system issues by analyzing logs, dumps, abends, and database errors

•            Support IMS utilities, backup/recovery processes, and disaster recovery testing

•            Ensure seamless integration with z/OS, DB2, MQ, CICS, TCP/IP, and Sysplex environments

•            Implement and follow ITIL/ServiceNow change management processes for all system updates

•            Maintain accurate technical documentation and system configurations

Required Qualifications:

•            7+ years of experience with IBM z/OS operating system

•            Hands-on experience with IMS DB and IMS TM administration

•            Deep knowledge of:

o            DBD/PSB/ACB management

o            IMS control regions and transaction processing

o            Buffer pool tuning and performance optimization

•            Experience with IMS utilities, backup/recovery, and DR strategies

•            Strong troubleshooting skills (dump analysis, log analysis, abend resolution)

•            Experience integrating IMS with:

o            DB2, CICS, MQ, and distributed systems

•            Familiarity with RACF security controls for IMS environments

•            Experience with SMP/E, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF

•            Understanding of Sysplex and high availability architectures

Preferred Experience:

•            Exposure to IMS modernization or API enablement (z/OS Connect, REST integration)

•            Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., OMEGAMON, MainView, RMF)

•            Knowledge of automation tools (REXX, Ansible, z/OSMF workflows)

•            Experience with DB  control, TCPIP, ZOS Connect, Assembler routines.

•            Skill and experience with IMS Routines & Exit Routines will be a big plus.

Mainframe IMS Application DBA

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe IMS Application DBA (IMS DBA Analyst) to manage and support IMS database environments in a high-availability enterprise setting. This role is responsible for database design support, performance optimization, data integrity, and backup/recovery operations for mission-critical applications running on IBM z/OS.

Key Responsibilities:

•            Install, configure, and maintain IMS database environments (IMS DB)

•            Support and manage different IMS database types:

o            Full Function DB

o            Fast Path DB

o            HALDB (High Availability Large Databases)

•            Perform database administration activities:

o            Database definition, allocation, and dataset management

o            REORGs and space management to maintain performance

•            Manage IMS control structures:

o            DBD, PSB, ACB libraries, and IMS Catalog

•            Execute and support IMS utilities:

o            Load / Unload

o            Reorganization

o            Image Copy

o            Recovery utilities (e.g., DFSURGL0, DFSUICP0)

•            Monitor database performance and resolve issues:

o            Access path inefficiencies

o            Space constraints

o            Application-related data issues

o            Abends and data inconsistencies

•            Collaborate with:

o            Application development teams (DL/I access, database design)

o            IMS System Programmers (performance and tuning)

o            Operations teams (batch and online processing)

•            Participates in design, development and implementation of complex Databases or maintenance and support of the infrastructure supporting IMS databases, often using new technologies and emerging methodologies.

•            Manages multiple, moderately complex projects and may direct activities of a team related to special initiatives or operations. Routine accountability is for technical knowledge and capabilities as a team member or as an individual contributor.

•            Design technical solution to match business application requirements

•            Create process flow charts and related procedural documentation.

•            Perform database recovery of all types (Image Copy recovery, PIT recovery).

•