Mainframe Automation System Programmer
Job DescriptionMust Have Technical/Functional SkillsThe Automation System Programmer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automation solutions that reduce manual effort, improve reliability, and enhance operational efficiency across mainframe platforms (z/OS, DB2, IMS, CICS, MQ, JES2/3). This role focuses on developing scripts, tools, and frameworks to automate routine tasks, system commands, monitoring, and recovery processes, ensuring compliance with audit and security standards.Required Qualifications5+ years in Mainframe System Programming with strong focus on automation.Proficiency in Rexx, CLIST, JCL, and experience with IBM Workload Scheduler automation.Familiarity with z/OS subsystems (DB2, IMS, CICS, MQ) and operational workflows.Strong understanding of WTOR handling, command automation, and event-driven triggers.Experience with version control (Git) and DevOps practices for mainframe.Preferred QualificationsExposure to Ansible for z/OS or similar automation frameworks.Knowledge of REST APIs for mainframe integration with enterprise automation tools.Experience in observability platforms (OMEGAMON, IBM Z Monitoring Suite).Certifications: IBM z/OS, Automation tools, ITIL.Success MetricsAutomation Coverage: % of manual tasks automated (target: 30 50% reduction in toil).Incident Reduction: Fewer repetitive incidents due to proactive automation.Change Compliance: 100% artifact capture for automated changes.Efficiency Gains: Measurable reduction in batch window and operator interventions.Tools & EnvironmentLanguages: Rexx, CLIST, JCL, optional Python for z/OS.Automation Frameworks: Ansible for z/OS, IBM Workload Scheduler.Monitoring: OMEGAMON, RMF/SMF.Version Control: Git, ChangeMan.Roles & ResponsibilitiesAutomation Development & MaintenanceDesign and implement automation scripts (Rexx, CLIST, JCL, Ansible for z/OS) for routine operational tasks, health checks, and system recovery.Develop WTOR confirmation automation for operator commands with validation logic.Automate batch scheduling workflows in IBM Workload Scheduler (IWS/TWS) and integrate with enterprise orchestration tools.Create self-healing mechanisms for common issues (e.g., MQ transmit queue backlogs, DB2 log utilization alerts, IMS region restarts).Monitoring & AlertingBuild real-time monitoring dashboards for system health (CPU, DASD, queue depths, buffer pools).Implement event-driven automation for proactive remediation (e.g., auto-restart channels, clear JES backlog).Integrate automation with SIEM/SOC tools for security compliance.Governance & ComplianceEnsure all automation adheres to audit requirements: capture execution logs, approvals, and artifacts.Maintain version-controlled repositories for scripts and automation frameworks.Validate automation against SOX/ISO controls and enforce segregation of duties.Performance & OptimizationAutomate capacity checks and performance tuning tasks for DB2, IMS, and CICS regions.Reduce batch window through job stream optimization and dynamic workload balancing.Collaboration & DocumentationWork closely with System Programmers, Operations, and Application teams to identify automation opportunities.Document all automation solutions with runbooks, rollback plans, and audit evidence.Provide training and knowledge transfer to operations teams.