Mainframe Automation System Programmer
Location: Plano, TX - Onsite
Skill: IT IS_AMS_Mainframe_System Software_Administration
The Automation System Programmer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automation solutions that reduce manual effort, improve reliability, and enhance operational efficiency across mainframe platforms (z/OS, DB2, IMS, CICS, MQ, JES2/3). This role focuses on developing scripts, tools, and frameworks to automate routine tasks, system commands, monitoring, and recovery processes, ensuring compliance with audit and security standards.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years in Mainframe System Programming with strong focus on automation.
- Proficiency in Rexx, CLIST, JCL, and experience with IBM Workload Scheduler automation.
- Familiarity with z/OS subsystems (DB2, IMS, CICS, MQ) and operational workflows.
- Strong understanding of WTOR handling, command automation, and event-driven triggers.
- Experience with version control (Git) and DevOps practices for mainframe.
Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to Ansible for z/OS or similar automation frameworks.
- Knowledge of REST APIs for mainframe integration with enterprise automation tools.
- Experience in observability platforms (OMEGAMON, IBM Z Monitoring Suite).
- Certifications: IBM z/OS, Automation tools, ITIL.
Success Metrics
- Automation Coverage: % of manual tasks automated (target: 30–50% reduction in toil).
- Incident Reduction: Fewer repetitive incidents due to proactive automation.
- Change Compliance: 100% artifact capture for automated changes.
- Efficiency Gains: Measurable reduction in batch window and operator interventions.
Tools & Environment
- Languages: Rexx, CLIST, JCL, optional Python for z/OS.
- Automation Frameworks: Ansible for z/OS, IBM Workload Scheduler.
- Monitoring: OMEGAMON, RMF/SMF.
- Version Control: Git, ChangeMan.
Roles & Responsibilities
Automation Development & Maintenance
- Design and implement automation scripts (Rexx, CLIST, JCL, Ansible for z/OS) for routine operational tasks, health checks, and system recovery.
- Develop WTOR confirmation automation for operator commands with validation logic.
- Automate batch scheduling workflows in IBM Workload Scheduler (IWS/TWS) and integrate with enterprise orchestration tools.
- Create self-healing mechanisms for common issues (e.g., MQ transmit queue backlogs, DB2 log utilization alerts, IMS region restarts).
Monitoring & Alerting
- Build real-time monitoring dashboards for system health (CPU, DASD, queue depths, buffer pools).
- Implement event-driven automation for proactive remediation (e.g., auto-restart channels, clear JES backlog).
- Integrate automation with SIEM/SOC tools for security compliance.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure all automation adheres to audit requirements: capture execution logs, approvals, and artifacts.
- Maintain version-controlled repositories for scripts and automation frameworks.
- Validate automation against SOX/ISO controls and enforce segregation of duties.
Performance & Optimization
- Automate capacity checks and performance tuning tasks for DB2, IMS, and CICS regions.
- Reduce batch window through job stream optimization and dynamic workload balancing.
Collaboration & Documentation
- Work closely with System Programmers, Operations, and Application teams to identify automation opportunities.
- Document all automation solutions with runbooks, rollback plans, and audit evidence.
- Provide training and knowledge transfer to operations teams.