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Company Overview:

NTT DATA strives to hire exceptional, innovative and passionate individuals who want to grow with us. If you want to be part of an inclusive, adaptable, and forward-thinking organization, apply now.

We are currently seeking a Mainframe IMS Solution Architect to join our team in Ann Arbar, Michigan (US-MI), United States (US).

Job Description:

Comprehensive responsibility breakdown, skills matrix and soft skills for Mainframe IMS Engineer.

Years of experience required: +15 yrs

Responsibilities:

Product Install\Upgrade

Product install\upgrades\maintenance and customization with usermods.

Supporting Product Support

Managing supporting software products.

CICS Configuration

Configuration of CICS and setting up subsystem connectivity

System Installation\Upgrades & Configuration

Plan, test, and implement IMS software upgrades, RSU, and feature enhancements

IMS Architecture Knowledge

Deep understanding of IMS/TM and IMS/DB subsystems, message processing regions, and how IMS fits within a z/OS Sysplex.

Database Management

Proficient in defining and maintaining IMS databases using DBDs and PSBs, controls for segmentation, and executing DL/I utilities.

Programming Skills

Hands-on experience developing and maintaining IMS applications in COBOL, writing exits in Assembler, and automating tasks with REXX.

System Administration

Skills in installing, configuring, and patching IMS regions; managing control blocks; and orchestrating deployments via SMP/E or z/OSMF. SYSGEN and subsystem connectivity management for MQ, CICS and DB2. Also LU6.2 and NJE connectivity

Performance Tuning

Ability to monitor IMS transaction and database performance, adjust IMS buffer pools, and optimize logging and threading for SLAs.

Troubleshooting

Strong analytical skills for diagnosing transaction failures, database lock contention, and communication errors using trace tools and dumps.

Backup and Recovery

Knowledge of IMS restart strategies (cold, warm, and concurrent restarts) and integration with DFSMShsm for log retention and recovery.

Integration Skills

Familiarity with linking IMS to CICS, DB2, MQ, web services, and leveraging IMS Connect or GATEWAY for cross-platform transactions.

Documentation and Communication

Ability to produce clear runbooks, architecture diagrams, change-control records, and to coordinate with developers, DBAs, and operations teams.

Continuous Learning

Commitment to staying current with IBM Redbooks, IMS enhancements, vendor training, and industry best practices.

Skills Matrix:

Competency Area

Skill Focus

Proficiency Level

Tools / Technologies Used

IMS Architecture Knowledge

Designing IMS/TM regions, IMS/DB structure setup

Advanced

IMS/TM, IMS/DB, IMS Connect, GATEWAY

Mainframe OS & Utilities

Mainframe OS & Utilities

Advanced

z/OS, SMP/E, JES2, JCL, TSO/ISPF, DFSMS

Database Management

DBD/PSB design, database utility operations

Advanced

DL/I, DBDGEN, PSBGEN, IEBGENER, File-AID, RECON

Programming Skills

Application coding, system exits, automation scripting

Intermediate

COBOL, HLASM, REXX, ISPF

System Administration

Region installs, PTF deployments, SMP/E and z/OSMF use

Intermediate

SMP/E, z/OSMF, SDSF, SMP/E RECEIVE/APPLY/ACCEPT, SYSGEN

Performance Tuning

Buffer tuning, logging optimization, workload balancing

Intermediate

RMF, SMF, OMEGAMON, IMS Performance Analyzer

Troubleshooting

Dump analysis, trace capture, log interpretation

Advanced

IPCS, SLIP, IMS logs, dump analyzers

Backup & Recovery

Cold/warm restarts, log retention, disaster recovery

Intermediate

DFSMShsm, FDR, ABARS

Integration Skills

Connecting IMS with middleware and enterprise systems

Intermediate

IMS Connect, MQSeries, JDBC, web services

Documentation & Communication

Runbooks, diagrams, change-control documentation

Advanced

Visio, Word, Confluence, SharePoint

Continuous Learning

Tracking product updates, certifications, community

Ongoing

IBM Redbooks, TechU, vendor webinars

Soft Skills:

Communication

Clearly conveys technical concepts and status updates to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment and shared understanding.

Collaboration

Works effectively with application developers, DBAs, operations teams, and vendors, fostering a team mindset and driving joint problem resolution.

Analytical

Thinking Breaks down complex system behaviors into root causes, leveraging structured reasoning to guide troubleshooting and design decisions.

Adaptability

Quickly adjusts to new IMS releases, changing project priorities, and evolving operational challenges without disruption to service delivery.

Attention to Detail

Meticulously reviews configuration parameters, job streams, and change-control documentation to prevent errors in highly sensitive production environments.

Time Management

Prioritizes tasks such as system maintenance, incident response, and project work to meet tight SLAs and minimize business impact.

Customer Focus

Anticipates and responds to the needs of internal customers by delivering reliable IMS services and clear guidance on usage or recovery procedures.

Resilience

Maintains composure under pressure during outage scenarios or high-volume support windows and works methodically toward resolution.

Mentoring & Coaching

Shares expertise with junior engineers through peer reviews, knowledge-transfer sessions, and documentation, strengthening overall team capability.

Continuous Learning Mindset

Seeks out training, IBM Redbooks, vendor webinars, and community forums to stay ahead of IMS innovations and best practices.

About NTT DATA:

NTT DATA is a $30 billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure and connectivity. We are one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is a part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. Visit us at us.nttdata.com

NTT DATA endeavors to make https://us.nttdata.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at https://us.nttdata.com/en/contact-us. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. NTT DATA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you d like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here. For Pay Transparency information, please click here.