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Expert Mainframe Systems Programmer - IMS Physical

Ensono · Remote · $105,000–$183,000 a year · E2402 MF Run DBOL

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about the hardest IMS problem you have solved.

What they are checking: Whether they have true expert depth and can explain their reasoning clearly.

How do you support clients across several time zones while keeping your schedule manageable?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle 24/7 support in a sustainable and reliable way.

How do you share your IMS knowledge with less experienced systems programmers?

What they are checking: Whether they help build depth on a team where IMS skills are scarce.

What would you do

You are on call and an IMS control region goes down at 2 a.m. Walk me through your first steps.

What they are checking: Whether they restore service quickly and carefully, gather evidence and communicate with the client.

How do you follow ITSM change control when you are the expert and believe the change is low risk?

What they are checking: Whether they respect process even when confident, since unplanned changes cause many outages.

About the work

Walk me through how you would install and maintain IMS and related OEM products using SMP/E.

What they are checking: Whether they can install and service IMS safely using Ensono-style standards and repeatable steps.

How do you handle a database reorganization or recovery for IMS full function and fast path databases?

What they are checking: Whether they have deep hands-on IMS physical skills that clients rely on when data is at risk.

How do you prepare IMS for a new customer migration into our data centers?

What they are checking: Whether they can plan the technical details of a transition so the migration date holds.

What is your role in a customer's disaster recovery test for IMS, and what usually goes wrong?

What they are checking: Whether they know DR for IMS in practice, including logs, recovery points and restart.

How do you tune IMS performance when a client reports slow transactions?

What they are checking: Whether they can find bottlenecks in buffers, scheduling or database design using data.

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The full job description

As published by Ensono.

Position Summary Provide premium software support and services to Ensono mainframe clients as they relate to Mainframe IMS systems. Position reports to Senior Manager - Mainframe Systems Programming Key Areas of Focus for this Role • Fulfill customer service requests for mainframe z/OS customers in a timely manner as they pertain to IMS and related OEM software products. • Provide primary support for reported problems related to IMS and related OEM software products. • Provide support on 24 x 7 x 365 basis across multiple time zones. • Follow procedures for installing OEM software products efficiently and according to best practices and Ensono standards (for productivity/scalability purposes). • Provide key support for customer migration services (new customer transitions) as they pertain to IMS and related OEM software products. • Assist the assigned project manager in the migration of newly acquired customers such that all technical hurdles are addressed in a timely manner and do not impede the expected progress of the transition nor the targeted migration date. • In joint cooperation with the Disaster Recovery Services, successfully execute tasks associated with any given customer’s disaster recovery plans. • Adhere to a schedule that efficiently manages resources and allows timely implementations. • Follow ITSM change control procedures   What the Ideal Candidate Brings to this Role Required Qualifications help to assure new Associates are set up for success in their role with Ensono. To be considered for this career opportunity, it is important that you meet all Required Qualifications. Candidates that may meet some, but not all, Other Qualifications are still encouraged to apply. Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree required and/or equivalent work experience. • 12+ years of professional experience in IMS for administration and systems programming support.  CA and IBM tools for IMS a plus • Extensive experience with the following: ·       Knowledge in best practices of software management, maintenance and documentation ·       Configure and manage IMS in a parallel sysplex environment ·       Develop innovation, strategies, processes and  best practices in IMS systems programming ·       Troubleshooting and solving of IMS System and database issues ·       Evaluating change requests and determine impact to assigned clients ·       Troubleshooting and solving production database issues ·       Strong JCL skills ·       Database Administration o   Knowledge of IMS database organization using access methods of VSAM and OSAM o   Full function database organization types: HSAM, HISAM, SHISAM, HDAM, HIDAM, INDEX, GSAM o   Definition and use of LOGICAL databases: HALDB (partitioned):  PHDAM, PHIDAM, ILDS, PSINDEX, etc. o   Knowledge of Fast Path databases (DEDBs) o   Database Design and related utilities o   DBD source coding and DBDGEN o   PSB source coding and PSBGEN o   How databases are processed using secondary indexes (PROCSEQ=) o   Correct usage of PROCOPT= to minimize database locking o   Understanding of path calls o   Understanding of bi-directional logical relationships o   Understanding and use of Data Set Groups   Other Qualifications • Reviewing new versions of IMS for functionality, advising how they benefit the client • Vendor consultations for problems and questions • DR recovery of application objects • IMS commands related to ACB and FORMAT changes • Coding and usage of IMS reorganization utilities (including IBM, BMC, CA) • Knowledge of log archive and change accumulation utilities • Identification and resolution of performance issues  • Online tracing - Usage of IMS TRACE commands and associated utilities for spot monitoring of online program/transaction activity • A solid working knowledge of SMP/E and its role in the installation process • Solid understanding of IMS database structures • Understanding of IMS connect, MFS for IMS message formatting, Compression routines, Randomizers, Assembler, exits in the install process, and IRLM in a data sharing environment • Extracting information from IMS logs • Using DBRC to monitor database activity   Why Ensono ?  Ensono is a place we unleash Associates to Do Great Things – for our clients and for your career. This could mean achieving a professional goal, collaborating with your team on an innovative idea, learning a new skill, reaching a wellness milestone, or engaging in your community through volunteer programs. Whatever it means to you, we want Ensono to be the place where you can do great things.     Some of our benefits include:   ·      Unlimited Paid Days Off   ·      Three health plan options   ·      401k with company match   ·      Eligibility for dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life and AD&D coverage, and flexible spending accounts   ·      Family Forming Benefit including fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy reimbursement   ·      Paid childbearing and paternal leave   ·      Education Reimbursement, Student Loan Assistance or 529 College Funding   ·      Sabbatical leave   ·      Wellness program   ·      Flexible work schedule     As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this role is $105,000 to $183,000 salary, based on a fulltime schedule. Please note that placement in the range may vary based on numerous factors including but not limited to skills, experience, internal equity, and business needs. In addition to base salary, other compensation programs, depending on eligibility, include   an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance   and an equity grant under our Associate Equity Appreciation Program.     Ensono is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment to our Associates and building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.     Pay transparency nondiscrimination statement/posting OFCCP’s pay transparency policy can be found on OFCCP’s website .     If you need accommodation at any point during the application or interview process, please let your recruiter know or email USTalentAcquisition@esnono.com .   

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