Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems that drive advantage for the world’s leading businesses.  We are at the heart of progress; with proven expertise and a continuous flow of AI-powered insight, enabling smarter decisions, faster innovation, and a lasting competitive edge. For our people—Kyndryls—that means doing purposeful work that powers human progress. Join us and experience a flexible, supportive environment where your well-being is prioritized and your potential can thrive.

The Role

We are looking for a skilled z/OS System Programmer to manage, maintain, and optimize IBM mainframe environments. The role requires deep expertise in z/OS systems programming to ensure system stability, performance, and availability, along with working knowledge of RACF security administration to support secure and compliant operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and maintain IBM z/OS using ServerPac or CBPDO.

• Plan and execute system IPLs; troubleshoot issues.

• Apply SMP/E maintenance (PTFs, APARs, HIPERs, RSUs).

• Customize system libraries (PARMLIB, PROCLIB, SYS1 datasets).

• Monitor and tune performance with RMF, SMF, SDSF.

• Diagnose abends, dumps, and conduct root cause analyses.

• Provide Level‑2/3 production support.

• Coordinate with subsystem teams (CICS, DB2, IMS, MQ, Storage, Network).

• Participate in z/OS upgrades, migrations.

• Support Disaster Recovery planning and testing.

• Administer RACF users, groups, permissions.

• Maintain dataset and system resource profiles.

• Enforce security standards and access controls.

• Support audits and compliance activities.

• Analyze RACF violations and events.

• Help secure tasks and privileged resources.

Your Future at Kyndryl
Every position at Kyndryl offers a way forward to grow your career. We have opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else, including hands-on experience, learning opportunities, and the chance to certify in all four major hyperscaler platforms. Whether you want to broaden your knowledge base or narrow your scope and specialize in a specific sector, you can find your opportunity here.

Who You Are

You’re good at what you do and possess the required experience to prove it. However, equally as important – you have a growth mindset; keen to drive your own personal and professional development. You are customer-focused – someone who prioritizes customer success in their work. And finally, you’re open and borderless – naturally inclusive in how you work with others.

Required Technical and Professional Experience

• 4–7 years of overall experience in IBM Mainframe environments.

• Strong hands‑on experience in z/OS systems programming as a primary skill.

• Practical exposure to z/OS installation, configuration, and maintenance activities.

• Experience with IPL planning, execution, and troubleshooting.

• Working knowledge of PARMLIB, PROCLIB, SYS1 libraries, and JES2 operations.

• Exposure to SMP/E maintenance including PTFs, APARs, HIPERs, and RSUs.

• Hands‑on experience using SDSF and basic performance monitoring via RMF/SMF.

• Ability to handle Level‑2 production support and system‑related incidents.

• Working experience with RACF user, group, and access administration.

• Knowledge of dataset and resource security, including started tasks and batch jobs.

• Experience supporting security audits, access reviews, and compliance activities.

• Familiarity with ITIL processes such as Incident, Change, and Problem Management.

• Experience working in production and mission‑critical environments.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.

• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.

• Bachelor's degree is mandatory.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Exposure to z/OS version upgrades, migrations, or coexistence activities.

• Working knowledge of mainframe subsystems such as DB2, IMS, CICS, MQ (operational or support‑level).

• Experience participating in Disaster Recovery (DR) drills and system recovery activities.

• Basic knowledge of mainframe automation tools (e.g., OPS/MVS, System REXX).

• Familiarity with JCL troubleshooting and batch job analysis.

• Understanding of performance tuning concepts beyond basic RMF/SMF usage.

• Exposure to security compliance frameworks (SOX, ISO, SOC) and audit interactions.

• Experience working in banking, insurance, or other regulated industries.

• Prior experience in global delivery or offshore–onsite coordination models.

• Willingness to learn advanced z/OS internals and RACF security concepts.

Being You

The “Kyn” in Kyndryl means kinship, which represents the strong bonds we have with each other, our customers and our communities. We focus on ensuring all Kyndryls feel included and we welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in growth, and we’re excited to see what you can bring. At Kyndryl, employee feedback has told us that our number one driver of employee engagement is belonging. That sense of belonging — being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team — is fundamental to our culture and fueling great experiences for our customers. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you the ability to thrive and contribute to our culture of empathy and shared success. That’s The Kyndryl Way.

What You Can Expect

Your career with us isn’t just a job—it’s an adventure with purpose.  We offer a dynamic, hybrid-friendly culture that supports your well-being and empowers you to grow. Our Be Well programs are thoughtfully designed to support your financial, mental, physical, and social health—because we know that when you feel your best, you do your best.

From your very first day, you’ll dive into impactful work that powers the systems our customers rely on every day. You won’t just contribute—you’ll make a difference, tackling meaningful projects that sharpen your skills and fuel your growth.

We’re here to champion your journey. With powerful tools to chart your career path, personalized development goals aligned with your ambitions, and continuous feedback to keep you inspired and on track, you’ll have everything you need to thrive and evolve. You’ll develop in-demand skills to grow your career and achieve your ambitions with access to cutting-edge learning opportunities—from certifications with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to coaching and hands-on experiences. And through it all, you’ll be part of a culture that values empathy, restless learning, and a devotion to shared success.

We want you to thrive here—and we’re committed to helping you do just that. Ready to make an impact? Join us and help shape what’s next.

Get Referred!

If you know someone that works at Kyndryl, when asked ‘How Did You Hear About Us’ during the application process, select ‘Employee Referral’ and enter your contact's Kyndryl email address.

Experience Level

Senior Level