Z system programmer

Introduction

At IBM Infrastructure & Technology, we build and run the systems that keep the world moving. Our work spans high-resiliency mainframes and hybrid cloud platforms, plus networking, automation, and site reliability. We help ensure the performance, security, and scalability that clients and industries rely on every day. In Infrastructure & Technology, you’ll take on complex problems with curiosity and teamwork, working with a wide range of technologies and colleagues around the world to deliver resilient, future-ready solutions that drive innovation. With ongoing learning, career advancement, and a supportive culture, IBM helps you develop expertise and shape the infrastructure that powers progress.

Your Role And Responsibilities

We are looking for an experienced z Systems Programmer with strong expertise in enterprise security, middleware, automation, and modern DevOps practices on IBM Z. In an agile, collaborative setting, you will design, implement, test, and support innovative solutions for z/OS platforms. This position calls for deep technical knowledge of z/OS infrastructure, security technologies, application deployment platforms, cryptographic services, and CI/CD automation.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience with JCL, REXX, Python on IBM Z, Liberty/Angel architecture, ICSF, along with Jenkins-based DevOps pipelines. Experience with SAF/RACF security administration is a strong advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and Develop Solutions: Design, implement, test, and support scalable and secure solutions for IBM Z environments, using modern DevOps methodologies and industry best practices.
• System Programming and Automation: Create and maintain automation with JCL, REXX, Python, and z/OS-native tooling to enhance operational efficiency and platform reliability.
• Manage Security Infrastructure: Support and strengthen enterprise security capabilities using SAF/RACF, ICSF, digital certificates, cryptographic services, and security controls across z/OS environments.
• Administer Middleware Platforms: Configure, deploy, and troubleshoot IBM Liberty and Angel services that enable modern applications on IBM Z.
• Build DevOps Capabilities: Design, implement, and maintain Jenkins-based CI/CD pipelines that automate build, test, deployment, and release activities.
• Leverage IBM Design Thinking: Use IBM Design Thinking to deliver solutions with an exceptional user experience while upholding high standards for quality, resiliency, security, privacy, and stability.
• Ensure Secure Development Practices: Apply Security and Privacy by Design principles, including secure coding standards, threat modeling, vulnerability remediation, and compliance with enterprise security requirements.
• Develop z/OSMF Workflows: Build and maintain z/OSMF workflows and automation assets to streamline installation, configuration, and operational tasks.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with development, operations, architecture, and security teams to understand requirements and deliver solutions that address client and business needs.
• Implement Industry Standards: Apply strategic IBM Z technologies and industry best practices across cybersecurity, compliance, infrastructure automation, and platform modernization.
• Troubleshoot and Optimize: Investigate and resolve complex system, security, middleware, and deployment issues, while continuously improving platform performance and reliability.
  
  

Required Technical Skills

• Strong experience in z/OS Systems Programming and platform administration.
• Hands-on experience with JCL, REXX, and Python on IBM Z.
• Experience with IBM Liberty and Angel configuration, deployment, and support.
• Knowledge of ICSF, cryptographic services, certificate management, and key lifecycle management.
• Experience building and maintaining Jenkins CI/CD pipelines.
• Familiarity with Git-based source control, DevOps practices, and automation frameworks.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Exposure to SAF/RACF security administration and authorization frameworks.
• Experience with z/OSMF workflows and workflow automation.
• Knowledge of REST APIs, USS, shell scripting, and infrastructure automation tools.
• Experience with modern IBM Z technologies, OpenShift, or cloud-native initiatives.
• Understanding of compliance, cybersecurity, and enterprise security best practices.
  
  

Preferred Education

Master's Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• Exposure to Agile Development: Experience using agile methodologies and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that meet client needs.
• Secure Code Development: Exposure to secure code development practices, including security and privacy standards, industry and Z security recommended practices, and threat modeling.
• IBM Z Platform Knowledge: Experience working with the IBM z platform, including knowledge of its strategic technologies and industry standards related to cybersecurity, compliance, and hardware features exploitation.
• DevOps Tools and Practices: Exposure to DevOps tools and practices, using them to design, code, debug, test, and deliver creative solutions.
• Design Thinking Principles: Experience applying IBM's Design Thinking principles to create solutions that provide a great user experience with world-class quality, resiliency, security, privacy, integrity, and stability.
  
  

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Cybersecurity Industry Standards: Exposure to industry standards and strategic technologies of the IBM z platform, including areas such as cybersecurity, compliance, and hardware features exploitation.
• Advanced Threat Modeling: Experience with threat modeling and the use of security-related tools to support secure code development and alignment with security and privacy standards.
• Compliance Frameworks: Exposure to compliance frameworks and regulatory requirements related to security and privacy on the IBM z platform.