Remote Z Os Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in Minnesota

Optum Tech is a global leader in health care innovation. Our teams develop cutting-edge solutions that help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. From advanced data analytics and AI to cybersecurity, we use innovative approaches to solve some of health care's most complex challenges. Your contributions here have the potential to change lives. Ready to build the next breakthrough? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
As an Experienced z System ISV Infrastructure Software Engineer within Optum Technology's Z Systems Application Hosting team, you will play a critical role in supporting and optimizing our high-capacity mainframe enterprise infrastructure. Our environment operates at scale, supporting over 90,000 MIPs across multiple LPARs, Parallel SysPlex configurations, and physical z Systems machines. In this role, you will lead the installation, administration, lifecycle management, and disaster recovery preparedness for a comprehensive portfolio of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) software applications from industry leaders such as BMC, Broadcom/CA, and SAS.
You will drive continuous operational excellence by automating software deployment processes using z/OSMF scripts and leveraging modern system programmer capabilities. Working in a dynamic, collaborative environment, you will partner with cross-functional engineering teams during incident resolution, participate in scheduled Sunday maintenance windows, and embed enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline daily workflows, analyze operational data, and enhance team productivity. This role offers an exciting opportunity to apply deep z/OS expertise while leveraging modern tools to support mission-critical health technology infrastructure.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, maintain, and support ISV system software and related z Platform infrastructure software across multiple SysPlex, DB2Plex, and CICSPlex environments
• Automate mainframe installation and administration workflows using z/OSMF scripts and SMP/E tools to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention
• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of ISV software products, including applying HIPER PTFs, APARs, PTFs, service packs, and technical refresh packages
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve infrastructure issues using enterprise z System monitoring tools such as Omegamon, Mainview, TMON, MXG, and Splunk
• Participate in 24x7 on-call rotations, Sunday change windows, and Incident War Room root-cause investigations to maintain platform availability and resiliencePerform environment recovery procedures and support Disaster Recovery strategy and exercises for z Platform software components
• Generate comprehensive technical and operational documentation for Computer Operations, Technical Help Desk, and engineering partners
• Leverage enterprise-approved AI tools to analyze operational data, streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and drive continuous improvement
• Evaluate emerging technology trends and AI capabilities to inform infrastructure solution design and strategic innovation

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:

• 15+ years of mainframe systems software experience, focused on ISV z Platform software installation, configuration, and administration in a large z Systems environment (90,000+ MIPs, multiple LPARs/SysPlex)
• 10+ years of experience configuring and using SMP/E tool
• 10+ years of experience downloading, installing, configuring, and maintaining ISV products from BMC (including Compuware), Broadcom/CA, and SAS Institute
• 5+ years of experience managing z Platform ISV products across diverse vendor portfolios (e.g., 21st Century Software, ASG, Axway, Data Kinetics, Dynatrace, Informatica, Rocket Software, Syncsort, Vanguard)
• 2+ years of experience creating, debugging, and modifying z/OSMF infrastructure software installation scripts
• Demonstrated experience participating in 24x7 on-call rotations, weekend change windows, and incident root-cause determination
• SME-level knowledge of z/OS, TSO/ISPF, JCL job streams, catalog processes, and z/OS dataset configurations (PDS/PDSE, VSAM, zFS)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Software Engineering or related field
• Experience operating across multi-platform environments including z/OS, Linux, and Windows
• Experience with ITSM operational processes (Incident, Change Management) and Configuration Manager
• Experience leveraging enterprise AI productivity tools (such as M365 Copilot) for data analysis, meeting summaries, and technical communication

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 - $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.