Senior IBM z/OS Communications Systems Programmer (ALC Specialist)

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities

• ALC Development and Maintenance (Communications Focus): Write, debug, and maintain custom high-performance code written in Assembler Language Code (ALC/BAL) to support a communications application.
• System Diagnosis and Debugging: Perform advanced diagnostics, including reading and analyzing system dumps (SVC, ABEND) and network traces to identify and resolve complex, intermittent communications failures at the memory and instruction level.
• JCL and Automation: Develop and maintain complex JCL and REXX scripts for message processing automation, monitoring, and problem recovery.

Required Skills and Experience

• 7+ years of direct, hands-on experience as an IBM z/OS Systems Programmer supporting high-volume transactional or communications environments.
• Expert-level proficiency in Assembler Language Code (ALC/BAL) is mandatory, with specific experience writing system for communications protocols (TCP/IP).
• Deep understanding of IBM z/Architecture, z/OS kernel operation, and cross-memory services.
• Experience with advanced debugging tools (e.g., IPCS) and specialized performance monitoring utilities (e.g., OMEGAMON, NetView).
• Strong knowledge of network protocols in the mainframe context (TCP/IP).
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on critical system failures.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related technical field.
• Current IBM Systems Programmer certification for z/OS.
• Familiarity with mainframe security products (e.g., RACF, ACF2) as they relate to network access and channel security.