About the role
As a z/OS & IMS Mainframe Systems Programmer, you will make an impact by supporting the stability, availability, performance, and recoverability of enterprise mainframe platforms. You will help maintain and enhance critical z/OS and IMS environments through system upgrades, software maintenance, performance monitoring, incident resolution, and operational improvement activities. You will be a valued member of the Cloud Infrastructure and Security team and work collaboratively with the Senior Manager.
In this role, you will
• Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade IBM z/OS environments, including z/OS 3.1 and later releases, using SMP/E for software installation, patching, fixes, and ISV product maintenance.
• Support z/OS version upgrades and core platform components, including Parallel Sysplex, JES2, LPARs, system parameters, Parmlib, and z/OSMF.
• Monitor, analyze, and improve z/OS performance and capacity using RMF, SMF, WLM, and related reporting tools.
• Perform IMS Version 15 system programming activities, including software installation, upgrades, maintenance, fixes, IMSGEN, and SYSGEN.
• Administer and maintain IMS environments, including backup, recovery, reorganization, space management, data integrity, and restoration of corrupted data.
• Support IMS database administration activities, including database objects, IMS and DB2 commands, IBM IMS utilities, SQL performance tuning, and database housekeeping.
• Investigate and resolve incidents, problems, deadlocks, timeouts, and other performance or availability issues across z/OS, IMS, and related products.
• Support security, change, and problem-management processes while contributing to technical documentation, proof-of-concept work, and continuous platform improvements.
• Communicate technical risks, recommendations, and long-term improvement opportunities to technical leaders and stakeholders.
Work model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Hartford, Connecticut; St. Paul, Minnesota; or Cockeysville, Maryland. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.
What you need to have to be considered
• 6+ years of experience supporting IBM z/OS environments, including z/OS upgrades, maintenance, patching, and ISV product installation or upgrades.
• 6+ years of working with Parallel Sysplex and JES2, along with building or maintaining mainframe LPARs.
• Strong knowledge of z/OS, SMP/E, RMF, SMF, WLM, z/OSMF, IBM Z architecture, system parameters, and Parmlib maintenance.
• Proven ability to perform IMS Version 15 system programming activities, including IMSGEN, SYSGEN, software installation, upgrades, and maintenance.
• Experience with IMS backup, recovery, reorganization, data integrity, space management, and IBM IMS utilities such as Backup, Reorg, Recovery, Load, Unload, and Pointer Checker.
• Working knowledge of RDBMS concepts, IMS or DB2 commands, SQL, SQL performance tuning, and database monitoring.
• Superb troubleshooting, analytical, communication, and technical documentation skills, with experience following security, incident, change, and problem-management processes.
These will help you stand out
• Background in supporting large-scale, high-availability mainframe environments.
• Strong knowledge of capacity planning, performance optimization, disaster recovery, or operational-readiness activities.
• Experience evaluating new mainframe technologies or supporting proof-of-concept initiatives.
We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.
Salary and Other Compensation:
Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2026.
The annual salary for this position is between $70,000 - $90,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
