At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and enhance critical banking systems using IBM z/OS, CICS, and MQ technologies.
- Company: Join Atrium Global, a key player in financial services technology.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate of £600, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement in a regulated environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on enterprise banking platforms while working with cutting-edge mainframe technology.
- Qualifications: Experience with IBM High Level Assembler, CICS, and incident troubleshooting required.
DURATION: 3 months initial contract
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds OR Halifax (2 days to local office)
WORKING HOURS: Monday to Friday, standard business hours plus participation in a 24/7 on-call rota
ONSITE REQUIREMENTS: Hybrid working with 2 days per week onsite at local office
ENGAGEMENT TYPE: Outside ir35
DAY RATE / HOURLY RATE: £600 per day
LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK: Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
ATRUM GLOBAL SUMMARY: Atrium Global is supporting a major financial services client in the appointment of an experienced Mainframe Assembler Engineer to join a critical heritage engineering team supporting enterprise banking platforms and core transactional systems.
JOB OVERVIEW: We are seeking a highly experienced Mainframe Assembler Engineer with strong IBM z/OS expertise to support and enhance mission-critical banking systems. The role combines operational BAU support, incident resolution, technical change delivery and platform modernisation across a complex mainframe estate. You will work across HLASM, CICS, IBM MQ and core z/OS technologies, supporting high-availability systems and contributing to transformation initiatives within a regulated enterprise environment. This role includes participation in out-of-hours deployments and a 24/7 on-call support rota.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide technical support for IBM High Level Assembler applications within a z/OS environment
- Support and troubleshoot CICS and IBM MQ integrated services
- Perform root cause analysis for incidents, abends and performance issues across production and non-production environments
- Develop, maintain and enhance Assembler code for planned releases and platform improvements
- Maintain and optimise JCL batch processing and transaction performance
- Support upgrades, migrations and infrastructure changes across the mainframe estate
- Collaborate with COBOL, DB2 and infrastructure teams to deliver integrated technical solutions
- Participate in release validation, deployment readiness and production support activities
- Ensure adherence to ITIL governance, operational standards and risk controls
- Contribute to technical documentation, design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives
REQUIREMENTS:
- Proven experience supporting and developing IBM High Level Assembler (HLASM) on z/OS
- Strong hands-on knowledge of CICS, IBM MQ, JCL and VSAM
- Experience troubleshooting incidents and abends within enterprise mainframe environments
- Familiarity with tools such as Abend-Aid, IPCS, Omegamon or File-Aid
- Experience supporting both BAU operations and project delivery activities
- Understanding of COBOL and DB2 integration within mainframe platforms
- Knowledge of MQ security, TLS and operational governance controls
- Experience with automation or scripting tools such as REXX, Shell, Ansible or UrbanCode
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills within high-availability environments
- Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration skills
NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience within financial services or highly regulated enterprise environments
- Exposure to modernisation or transformation programmes involving legacy systems
- Previous experience working within large-scale enterprise banking platforms
Mainframe Assembler Engineer - IBM z/OS / CICS / MQ employer: Atrium (EMEA)
Atrium Global is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, or Halifax. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities to work on critical banking systems while enjoying a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Our collaborative culture encourages innovation and continuous improvement, making it a rewarding place for skilled professionals seeking meaningful contributions in the financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mainframe Assembler Engineer - IBM z/OS / CICS / MQ
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work with IBM z/OS or in financial services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can confidently discuss your experience with HLASM, CICS, and IBM MQ. We want you to shine when they ask about your troubleshooting techniques!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled incidents or performance issues in past roles. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and analytical abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Mainframe Assembler Engineer - IBM z/OS / CICS / MQ
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with IBM z/OS, CICS, and MQ. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or roles you've had.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Mainframe Assembler Engineer role. Share specific examples of your past work that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:Since this role involves troubleshooting and incident resolution, make sure to include examples of how you've tackled complex issues in previous positions. We love seeing analytical thinking in action!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Atrium (EMEA)
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your IBM z/OS, CICS, and MQ knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used HLASM and how you've tackled challenges in high-availability environments. The more detailed examples you can provide, the better!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to talk about incidents you've resolved, especially those involving abends or performance issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your analytical skills.
✨Understand the Business Context
Since this role is within financial services, it’s crucial to understand the impact of your work on banking systems. Familiarise yourself with how mainframe applications support enterprise banking platforms and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to transformation initiatives.
✨Be Ready for Team Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about working with COBOL, DB2, and infrastructure teams. Think of examples that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively and communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.