Mainframe IMS Engineer
Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Mainframe IMS Engineer / IMS System Programmer with strong hands-on expertise in IBM IMS Database (IMS DB) and IMS Transaction Manager (IMS TM). The ideal candidate will be responsible for IMS installation, configuration, maintenance, database administration, performance tuning, production support, and disaster recovery for mission-critical mainframe environments. The candidate should have extensive experience with z/OS, IMS system programming, SYSGEN, SMP/E, DBRC, and IMS database recovery and reorganization.
Key Responsibilities
Install, configure, maintain, and support IBM IMS DB and IMS TM environments across development, testing, disaster recovery, and production platforms. Perform IMS startup, shutdown, restart, subsystem configuration, and operational support activities. Execute IMS SYSGEN, software installation, maintenance, PTF application, and version upgrades using SMP/E. Manage IMS databases, including Full Function Databases, HALDB, Fast Path (DEDB), HIDAM, HDAM, HISAM, and HSAM. Define and maintain DBDs, PSBs, ACBs, and related IMS system resources. Perform database backup, recovery, reorganization, image copy management, and DBRC administration. Monitor and optimize IMS transaction processing, database performance, CPU utilization, response times, and system throughput. Troubleshoot production incidents, subsystem failures, database issues, abends, and performance bottlenecks. Support disaster recovery planning, DR exercises, resilience testing, and recovery procedures aligned with defined RTO and RPO requirements. Support IMS connectivity and integration with DB2, CICS, MQ, z/OS, RACF, VTAM/TCP-IP, and IMS Connect. Participate in production deployments, change management, CAB reviews, release activities, and root cause analysis. Collaborate with application, database, storage, security, infrastructure, and vendor teams to maintain system availability and reliability. Maintain technical documentation, operational procedures, and compliance records. Required Skills and Qualifications 10–18+ years of relevant mainframe IMS engineering or system programming experience. Strong hands-on experience with IBM IMS DB and IMS TM. Experience with IMS SYSGEN, DBD, PSB, ACB, DBRC, and IMS subsystem configuration. Strong knowledge of IBM z/OS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, JES2, and SDSF. Hands-on experience with SMP/E, IBM software maintenance, PTF application, and IMS upgrades. Strong experience in IMS database backup, recovery, restart, reorganization, and performance tuning. Experience troubleshooting complex IMS production issues and performing root cause analysis. Understanding of high-availability mainframe environments and disaster recovery procedures. Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Preferred Skills Experience with IMS Parallel Sysplex and IMS Shared Queues. Knowledge of IMS Connect and application/API integration. Experience with HALDB, Fast Path (DEDB), and IMS recovery utilities. Familiarity with DB2, CICS, IBM MQ, RACF, and mainframe security. Exposure to REXX scripting and mainframe automation tools. Experience with IMS monitoring and performance analysis tools. Experience in banking, financial services, insurance, or other high-availability enterprise environments. Familiarity with ITIL, change management, audit, and regulatory compliance processes. IBM IMS certification or ITIL Foundation certification is an advantage.