zOS System Programming

Job Title             :  zOS System Programming

Location             :  Remote

Duration             :  6 + Months

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced z/OS System Programmer to lead mainframe system programming initiatives, ensuring stability, performance, and continuous modernization of enterprise z/OS environments. The role demands strong technical depth combined with leadership capabilities to drive service excellence, automation, and operational transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Platform Ownership & Technical Leadership

• Own end-to-end z/OS platform architecture, stability, and service delivery
• Provide deep technical leadership across MVS, JES2, Sysplex, and LPAR environments
• Govern HCD/IODF configurations ensuring scalability and compliance
• Lead performance tuning, capacity planning, and system optimization initiatives

Maintenance, Upgrades & Lifecycle Management

• Define and execute z/OS upgrade strategy and RSU maintenance roadmap
• Establish and govern SMP/E processes and standards
• Lead ISV product lifecycle management, including upgrades and vendor coordination
• Ensure standardized, secure, and compliant platform management

Incident Management & RCA Leadership

• Act as escalation point for Sev1/Sev2 incidents
• Lead end-to-end Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and preventive action planning
• Drive proactive monitoring and reduce repeat incidents
• Ensure SLA adherence and operational excellence

Disaster Recovery & Resilience

• Define and lead Disaster Recovery (DR) strategy and execution
• Conduct DR drills, failover testing, and validation
• Strengthen Sysplex-based high-availability design
• Ensure business continuity readiness for critical workloads

Automation & Transformation

• Drive adoption of automation frameworks and system-level automation
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort
• Lead transformation aligned to Kyndryl Bridge / AIOps initiatives
• Enable predictive and self-healing operations where applicable

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as trusted technical advisor to clients
• Lead discussions on stability, modernization, and risk management
• Support solutioning, proposals, and business growth initiatives

Required Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in z/OS System Programming
• In-depth knowledge of MVS and JES2 architecture
• Extensive experience with Sysplex environments and LPAR management
• Hands-on expertise in HCD / IODF configuration and maintenance
• Proficiency in SMP/E for software installation, maintenance, and patch management
• Strong experience in z/OS Upgrades and RSU Maintenance planning and execution
• Expertise in ISV Product Maintenance, including upgrades and vendor coordination

Operational & Leadership Skills

• Proven experience in Incident Management (Sev1/Sev2 handling)
• Strong capability in leading Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implementing preventive actions
• Hands-on experience in Disaster Recovery (DR) support, including planning and execution
• Demonstrated experience in Automation to improve operational efficiency and reliability

Experience & Qualifications

• 12–15+ years of experience in z/OS system programming
• Experience managing large enterprise mainframe environments
• Exposure to multi-client / global delivery models
• ITIL certification preferred
• Domain experience in Banking / Insurance is an advantage