At a Glance
- Tasks: Upgrade and support z/OS systems in a major global environment.
- Company: Join NTT DATA, a leader in tech innovation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive benefits package and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and learning in a dynamic tech landscape.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a cutting-edge mainframe environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in z/OS systems programming and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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 IBM and Computer Associates (CA)
- Working closely with the 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: 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: 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
Qualifications
- Multiple years of z/OS systems programming experience
- Strong Parallel Sysplex skills
- Proficiency with z/OS, TSO/ISPF, USS, SDSF, JCL, RACF
- Experience installing and maintaining 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
- Analytical troubleshooting of abends, storage hangs, and performance anomalies using: Dump analysis with IPCS, SLIP and trace tools, System logs and console messages
- Knowledge of performance monitoring, networking, and mainframe connectivity
- Experience 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 and hardware refresh planning, including IPL scheduling, vendor coordination, and change‑control governance
- Ability to produce clear system diagrams, runbooks, and upgrade plans while collaborating with application, storage, networking, and security teams
- Strong documentation and communication skills
- Experience in banking or large installations preferred
- Confident, independent, able to contribute from day one
- Excellent problem‑solving skills and a true team player
- Availability for off‑hours support during software changes when required
- Staying current on IBM Redbooks, z/OS release notes, firmware updates, and attending vendor training or industry conferences
Work Setup
Hybrid working: remote + on client site (Sheffield)
Benefits
You will enjoy a comprehensive, locally competitive benefits package.
zOS Mainframe Systems Programmer employer: NTT DATA North America
At NTT DATA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer in Sheffield, you'll benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth within one of the largest mainframe environments globally. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and supports your career development while ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land zOS Mainframe Systems Programmer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups or webinars, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmers and practice your answers. Make sure you can talk confidently about your experience with IBM and CA products, as well as your troubleshooting skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you’ve worked on any relevant projects, be ready to discuss them in detail. Bring examples of how you’ve upgraded systems or solved complex problems, and don’t forget to highlight your teamwork and communication abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at NTT DATA. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace zOS Mainframe Systems Programmer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your z/OS systems programming experience and any relevant skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your expertise in IBM and CA products!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working with z/OS and how your skills can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, highlight specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We’re looking for confident problem-solvers who can hit the ground running, so share those success stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our awesome team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at NTT DATA North America
✨Know Your z/OS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your z/OS knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with upgrading and maintaining the z/OS operating system, as well as any ISV products you've worked with, especially from IBM and CA. This will show that you're not just familiar with the systems but have hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've tackled complex issues in past roles. Whether it's troubleshooting abends or optimising system performance, having concrete stories will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to think on your feet.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools and Utilities
Get comfortable with the tools mentioned in the job description, like SMP/E for PTF management and z/OSMF workflows. Being able to discuss these tools and how you've used them in previous projects will set you apart as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Communicate Clearly and Collaboratively
Since the role involves working closely with other engineering teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with different teams in the past, and maybe even bring along some examples of documentation or runbooks you've created.
