z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer

Overview NTT DATA is currently looking for a z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer (hybrid: remote + Sheffield) for our growing team in the UK. NTT DATA are seeking an experienced z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer to work on major projects, in one of the largest z/OS Mainframe environments globally. The role involves upgrading and supporting the z/OS operating system and ISV products, mainly from IBM and Computer Associates (CA). Responsibilities Upgrading, maintaining and supporting the z/OS operating system Upgrading, maintaining and supporting ISV products particularly from vendors: IBM and Computer Associates (CA) Working closely with other Engineering teams to ensure the systems that are built are stable, available, up to date and running as effectively and efficiently as possible Managing hardware and logical resources across LPARs DASD and tape allocation via HCD/HCM LPAR configuration in HMC Security administration using RACF or equivalent Ensuring data integrity and swift recovery with: DFSMShsm policies and recall management FDR/ABR for high-speed backups FlashCopy or virtual tape replication for near-instant restores Optimizing system throughput and response times utilizing: RMF and SMF report analysis OMEGAMON or BMC MainView dashboards WLM classification and tuning Configuring and supporting mainframe connectivity: VTAM and SNA definitions TCP/IP stack on z/OS OSA adapter and Coupling Facility communication Executing OS and product upgrades with industry-standard utilities: SMP/E for PTF, APAR, and deliverable management z/OSMF workflows for streamlined maintenance Broadcom (e.g., Topaz), IBM, and BMC tooling for fix management and compliance reporting Skills and Qualifications Multiple years of z/OS systems programming experience Very strong Parallel Sysplex skills z/OS, TSO/ISPF, USS, SDSF, JCL, RACF Installation of several different IBM and CA products Extensive experience of installing many IBM and CA products Deep mastery of z/OS architecture, including IPL procedures, JES2/JES3 configurations, Sysplex management, SMF data collection, and parmlib customization Proficient in writing and debugging system-level routines and automation: Assembler for exits and control blocks REXX for scripting and batch utilities JCL for job submission, parameterization, and workflow control Managing hardware and logical resources across LPARs: DASD and tape allocation via HCD/HCM LPAR configuration in HMC Security administration using RACF or equivalent Analytical troubleshooting of abends, storage hangs, and performance anomalies using: Dump analysis with IPCS SLIP and trace tools System logs and console messages Ensuring data integrity and swift recovery with: DFSMShsm policies and recall management FDR/ABR for high-speed backups FlashCopy or virtual tape replication for near-instant restores Performance Monitoring Networking Knowledge Executing OS and product upgrades with industry-standard utilities: SMP/E for PTF, APAR, and deliverable management z/OSMF workflows for streamlined maintenance Broadcom (e.g., Topaz), IBM, and BMC tooling for fix management and compliance reporting Project Management