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This position has closed. Ensono removed this listing from their careers page on Oct 6, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer - ISV

Ensono · Remote · $85,000–$148,000 a year · E2401 MF Run zOS Teams

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 5, 2026

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 a conversion where data or configuration did not map cleanly between vendor tools.

What they are checking: Whether they handle the messy reality of migrations with careful testing and good records.

Tell me about a time you had to push a software vendor to fix a problem quickly.

What they are checking: Whether they can manage vendor support well, providing good diagnostics and escalating when needed.

What would you do

An ISV product abends right after a maintenance upgrade in production. Walk me through what you do.

What they are checking: Whether they stabilize the system first, gather dumps and evidence, and work with the vendor methodically.

How do you work with application teams and operations when a cutover affects their jobs and schedules?

What they are checking: Whether they coordinate across teams and communicate clearly so cutovers do not surprise anyone.

About the work

Walk me through installing a new ISV product on z/OS using SMP/E, from RECEIVE through ACCEPT.

What they are checking: Whether they truly know SMP/E and can install software safely without disrupting a running system.

You are leading a project to replace one vendor's tool with a competing product. How do you plan the migration?

What they are checking: Whether they can plan evaluation, conversion and cutover so the client sees no outage.

How would you run a proof of concept to compare two replacement tools fairly?

What they are checking: Whether they define clear test criteria tied to the client's needs instead of relying on vendor claims.

When do you use a USERMOD, and how do you keep track of them so they do not cause problems later?

What they are checking: Whether they manage local changes carefully, since forgotten USERMODs break future maintenance.

How do you use IBM utilities and JCL to troubleshoot an install or runtime problem?

What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on depth with z/OS tools to find problems quickly.

How do you keep many ISV products current on maintenance across several client systems?

What they are checking: Whether they have a disciplined maintenance process, which is central to a managed service provider.

What do you document after a product migration so someone else could support it?

What they are checking: Whether they leave good runbooks and records, since many people will support the system after them.

Practice this interview out loud.

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Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Ensono.

As the Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer, you will provide support for on-going projects that require the installation, upgrade, testing, configuration, and implementation of all ISV software.  Your responsibilities also include monitoring and on call support for the software, research and evaluation of new software, assisting team members and other areas with technical questions and problem resolution.  You will have functional knowledge, use of z/OS components and detailed knowledge of support products such as tape management, scheduling, security, monitoring systems, and other z/OS supporting systems software. Note: This is not an Applications Programming position.   Key Areas of Focus for this Role • Participate in On-call Schedule • Incident / Problem resolution   z/OS & Tools your main tasks are related to:  • Incident, change and problem handling.  • Configuration and customization.  • Setup of parameters.  • Communication with vendors.  • Participation/contribution to technical projects.  • Solid understanding of z/OS and related product software z/OS.  • Ability to support in solving problems and implementing changes. • Working knowledge of TSO/ISPF, SDSF, JCL. • Good written and verbal skills. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.   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 • Minimum of 7+ years of experience within a mainframe environment within a large enterprise or equivalent combination of education and experience • Bachelor’s degree required and/or equivalent work experience • Knowledge and understanding of z/OS and z/OS installation and maintenance including SMP/E. • Strong knowledge of TSO/ISPF, SDSF, JCL. • Strong knowledge of Unix System Services (USS) • Strong knowledge of Unix System Services (USS) file system management and security • Ability to perform skill set of a Mainframe System Programmer • Ability to perform moderately complex ISV installations • Ability to work well as a team member.  • Stress resistant in case of Major Incident- and/or emergency situations.  • Good interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills • Customer Service skills at management level • Good collaboration and teamwork skills • Must be self-motivated. • Strong analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities.  • Good planning and organizational skills.  • Initiative and good learning abilities.    Good to have • Knowledgeable in z/OS security. • Knowledgeable in z/OS systems programming functions. • Understand z/OS services structure, Parallel Sysplex, Catalog management.   Why Ensono ?  Ensono is a place to make better happen – for our clients and for your career. You can do great things through innovation or collaboration, by learning or volunteering, or to promote diversity and inclusion. You can do great things for your own health or for a healthier planet. Whatever it means to you to do great things we want Ensono to be the place you can do it.    We are a client-facing business, but we do encourage clients to allow us to work remotely most of the time so if you are not required to be on a client site, you can choose to work from home or in our Ensono offices.     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 $85,000 to $148,000 salary, based on a full-time 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@ensono.com .