Senior Systems Engineer (Mainframe Systems Programmer)
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer (Mainframe Systems Programmer) based in India.
This role is a critical technical position responsible for the stability, performance, and continuous improvement of enterprise IBM z/OS mainframe environments supporting mission-critical workloads. You will work at the core of system infrastructure, ensuring high availability, security, and reliability across complex mainframe ecosystems. The position involves deep technical ownership across system software installation, configuration, tuning, and maintenance, while collaborating closely with application, security, and infrastructure teams. You will play a key role in supporting both production and non-production environments, ensuring seamless operations and minimal downtime. Operating in a highly stable yet evolving enterprise environment, you will contribute to modernization efforts, system optimization, and operational resilience. This is a hands-on senior engineering role where your expertise directly supports business-critical systems at scale.
Accountabilities:
You will be responsible for the administration, maintenance, and optimization of large-scale IBM z/OS mainframe environments, ensuring system reliability, performance, and security across enterprise infrastructure. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to support application stability and continuous system improvements.
- Monitor and optimize mainframe system performance, diagnosing and resolving root cause issues
- Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain z/OS and JES2 system software and related components
- Support system lifecycle activities including SMP/E maintenance, upgrades, and patching
- Manage system security configurations and policies, including access control and compliance alignment
- Implement and validate backup, recovery, and system resilience procedures
- Support system initialization, IPLs, and recovery operations to ensure high availability
- Collaborate with application teams to resolve production issues and ensure system stability
- Maintain system libraries, catalogs, and core subsystems such as VSAM, JCL, and DASD environments
- Generate and analyze performance and utilization reports (RMF/SMF) for capacity and tuning insights
- Provide on-call support for critical incidents and system emergencies
- 7+ years of experience as a Mainframe Systems Programmer or Senior Systems Engineer
- Strong hands-on expertise with IBM z/OS in enterprise-scale environments
- Deep knowledge of JCL, VSAM, DASD, catalogs, JES2, and system initialization processes
- Experience with SMP/E, system upgrades, maintenance, and patch management
- Understanding of Parallel Sysplex, Coupling Facilities, and distributed mainframe architecture
- Familiarity with mainframe security tools such as RACF and system compliance practices
- Experience with system monitoring and reporting tools (RMF, SMF analysis)
- Knowledge of TCP/IP configuration, encryption, and AT-TLS concepts
- Exposure to additional IBM subsystems such as CICS, DB2, IMS, or z/VM is preferred
- Basic programming/scripting knowledge (REXX, Assembler, Python, PL/I, or similar) is an advantage
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and handle high-priority production issues under pressure
- Competitive compensation aligned with experience and expertise
- Remote-friendly work structure within India
- Opportunity to work on large-scale enterprise mainframe systems
- Exposure to mission-critical infrastructure supporting global operations
- Strong focus on stability, engineering excellence, and continuous improvement
- Career growth in advanced systems engineering and infrastructure domains
- Collaborative enterprise environment with experienced technical teams.
Requirements:
You bring deep hands-on experience in IBM mainframe environments with strong technical expertise across system programming, performance tuning, and enterprise infrastructure management.