Mainframe DB2 System Programmer
Who We Are
At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems that drive advantage for the world’s leading businesses. We are at the heart of progress; with proven expertise and a continuous flow of AI-powered insight, enabling smarter decisions, faster innovation, and a lasting competitive edge. For our people—Kyndryls—that means doing purposeful work that powers human progress. Join us and experience a flexible, supportive environment where your well-being is prioritized and your potential can thrive.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Mainframe DB2 System Programmer with strong expertise in DB2 for z/OS administration, subsystem management, performance tuning, upgrades, and production support. The candidate will be responsible for maintaining, optimizing, and modernizing mission-critical mainframe environments while ensuring high availability, security, scalability, and operational stability.
The role requires deep technical knowledge of z/OS internals, DB2 for z/OS, JES2, SMP/E, RACF, storage management, workload management, system automation, and mainframe infrastructure operations. The candidate should also be capable of leading technical initiatives, mentoring teams, managing complex incidents, and driving continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Install, upgrade, maintain, and support IBM Db2 for z/OS environments.
Perform database administration activities including performance tuning, capacity planning, backup, recovery, reorganization, and utility management.
Configure and manage Db2 objects such as databases, tablespaces, tables, indexes, storage groups, and related components.
Troubleshoot and resolve Db2 system issues, production incidents, abends, and performance bottlenecks.
Apply maintenance, patches, and system upgrades using industry-standard processes and tools.
Support disaster recovery, backup strategies, and business continuity initiatives.
Monitor database health, storage utilization, and system performance metrics.
Collaborate with application teams, developers, infrastructure teams, and vendors to implement database solutions and resolve complex technical issues.
Provide 24x7 production support and participate in on-call rotations as required.
Ensure compliance with security, audit, and change management standards
Production Support & Operations
Provide advanced L3/L4 support for complex mainframe infrastructure and DB2 production issues.
Lead major incident resolution, problem management, and root cause analysis for critical system failures.
Support change, release, and deployment activities in line with enterprise change management processes.
Participate in on-call rotation and support planned maintenance, weekend activities, upgrades, and DR exercises.
Ensure system availability, performance, and operational stability across production and non-production environments.
Create and maintain operational runbooks, technical documentation, SOPs, and support procedures.
Leadership & Governance
Lead technical initiatives related to mainframe infrastructure modernization, system upgrades, DB2 upgrades, automation, and stability improvement.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior system programmers and operations teams.
Collaborate with architects, application teams, vendors, security teams, and infrastructure stakeholders.
Drive service improvement initiatives to reduce incidents, improve availability, and optimize system performance.
Ensure adherence to security, audit, compliance, and enterprise technology standards.
Support planning and execution of disaster recovery, resilience testing, and business continuity activities.
Your future at Kyndryl
This role opens the door to many career paths, both vertical and horizontal, and there may be opportunity to travel. It’s a great chance for database administrators or other techs to break into the cloud. It’s also a solid path to become enterprise or chief architect or a distinguished engineer! Whatever you see for yourself, you’ll find the opportunity here.
Who You Are
You’re good at what you do and possess the required experience to prove it. However, equally as important – you have a growth mindset; keen to drive your own personal and professional development. You are customer-focused – someone who prioritizes customer success in their work. And finally, you’re open and borderless – naturally inclusive in how you work with others.
Required skills and experience
9+ Years of experience in Mainframe Db2 System Programming and infrastructure support.
Strong expertise in IBM Db2 for z/OS administration and system programming.
Experience with Db2 utilities such as REORG, RUNSTATS, COPY, RECOVER, LOAD, UNLOAD, and CHECK DATA.
Knowledge of z/OS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, SMP/E, RACF, JES2, and mainframe infrastructure components.
Strong SQL and database performance tuning skills.
Experience with backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and database migration activities.
Familiarity with incident, problem, and change management processes.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
Preferred skills and experience
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field
Experience supporting large enterprise mainframe environments
IBM Mainframe, DB2, z/OS, or related certifications are preferred
Exposure to Db2 performance monitoring tools and automation
Knowledge of related mainframe technologies such as IMS, CICS, MQ, Storage, and Capacity Management
Being You
The “Kyn” in Kyndryl means kinship, which represents the strong bonds we have with each other, our customers and our communities. We focus on ensuring all Kyndryls feel included and we welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in growth, and we’re excited to see what you can bring. At Kyndryl, employee feedback has told us that our number one driver of employee engagement is belonging. That sense of belonging — being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team — is fundamental to our culture and fueling great experiences for our customers. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you the ability to thrive and contribute to our culture of empathy and shared success. That’s The Kyndryl Way.
What You Can Expect
Your career with us isn’t just a job—it’s an adventure with purpose. We offer a dynamic, hybrid-friendly culture that supports your well-being and empowers you to grow. Our Be Well programs are thoughtfully designed to support your financial, mental, physical, and social health—because we know that when you feel your best, you do your best.
From your very first day, you’ll dive into impactful work that powers the systems our customers rely on every day. You won’t just contribute—you’ll make a difference, tackling meaningful projects that sharpen your skills and fuel your growth.
We’re here to champion your journey. With powerful tools to chart your career path, personalized development goals aligned with your ambitions, and continuous feedback to keep you inspired and on track, you’ll have everything you need to thrive and evolve. You’ll develop in-demand skills to grow your career and achieve your ambitions with access to cutting-edge learning opportunities—from certifications with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to coaching and hands-on experiences. And through it all, you’ll be part of a culture that values empathy, restless learning, and a devotion to shared success.
We want you to thrive here—and we’re committed to helping you do just that. Ready to make an impact? Join us and help shape what’s next.
Get Referred!
If you know someone that works at Kyndryl, when asked ‘How Did You Hear About Us’ during the application process, select ‘Employee Referral’ and enter your contact's Kyndryl email address.