Senior Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer

USAA

. Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain CICS Transaction Server and related software on z/OS .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $114,080 - $218,030 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in CICS Transaction Server installation, configuration, and maintenance within a z/OS mainframe environment, alongside strong capabilities in infrastructure management, performance tuning, and automation of service delivery. Proficient in collaborating with development teams and applying risk management practices to optimize system performance and security.

Highest-signal resume keywords

CICS Transaction Server ExpertiseZ/OS Operating System KnowledgeInfrastructure Management ExperienceREXX Scripting ProficiencyDisaster Recovery Planning

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

CICS InstallationCICS ConfigurationCICS MaintenancePerformance TuningJCL ScriptingREXX ScriptingSMP/E UsageCloud TechnologiesAutomation ToolsDisaster Recovery Testing

Soft Skills

CollaborationMentoringProblem-SolvingRisk ManagementTechnical Support

Tools & Technologies

RMFIntellimagicBMC MainviewDB2MQJES2IMSTCP/IPRACFCI/CD Pipelines

Certifications & Qualifications

IBM Certified Specialist – CICS Transaction Server for z/OS

Industry Keywords

Mainframe EnvironmentInfrastructure ManagementSystems OperationsBusiness AcumenEmerging Trends

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudTCP/IP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain CICS Transaction Server and related software on z/OS
Apply vendor patches, fixes, and new product releases using tools such as SMP/E
Monitor CICS performance, identify bottlenecks, and tune CICS regions to meet SLAs
Troubleshoot and debug complex system and application issues, including analysis of system dumps
Collaborate with application developers and software vendors to resolve issues
Provide technical support to application development teams
Set up and manage CICS regions and define application resources
Integrate CICS with DB2, MQ, and other mainframe subsystems
Implement and maintain CICS security protocols using RACF
Assist with disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution
Develop automation scripts such as REXX to streamline system management
Create, modify, maintain, and support infrastructure and integrated system components
Balance availability, security, efficiency, and functional requirements to optimize production services
Identify, manage, monitor, and escalate business risks
Design scalable IT system infrastructure and oversee system changes
Automate service delivery and maintenance tasks using software-defined infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines
Resolve complex technology production issues and lead end-to-end troubleshooting
Analyze system failures and recommend solutions to business leaders
Experiment with new patterns and technologies
Establish engineering best practices with peers and the business
Identify innovative product and business solutions
Mentor and coach engineers
Provide after-hours or on-call support as required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree or 4 additional years of experience beyond the minimum requirement in lieu of a degree
6 years of infrastructure experience, including 2 years in a Systems Operations environment supporting complex environment deployment and infrastructure management activities or applicable IT experience
4 years of experience creating, modifying, and maintaining infrastructure and individual system components
Advanced business acumen in business operations, risk management, industry practices, and emerging trends
Proficient understanding of designing scalable IT system infrastructures, implementing system changes, or automating service delivery and maintenance tasks
Demonstrated experience with cloud technologies and tools
Typically 7–10+ years of hands-on CICS Systems Programmer experience in a z/OS mainframe environment
Deep knowledge of CICS Transaction Server, CTG, and CPSM architecture, internals, and system exits
Expertise in CICS installation, configuration, and maintenance, including complex ISV installations and upgrades
Proficiency in JCL, REXX, and other mainframe scripting languages
Experience with SMP/E
In-depth knowledge of z/OS operating systems, including configuration, maintenance, and tuning
Experience with CICS performance tuning and monitoring tools such as RMF, Intellimagic, and BMC Mainview
Understanding of z/OS subsystems including DB2, MQ, JES2, z/OS Connect, IMS, and TCP/IP
Experience with CICS security using RACF or equivalent tools
Familiarity with automation, job scheduling, and monitoring tools
Experience with disaster recovery planning and testing
Understanding of mainframe hardware and architecture
IBM Certified Specialist – CICS Transaction Server for z/OS certification desired
Must not require immigration support or visa sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible work environment with office presence 4 days per week
Relocation assistance
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
401(k)
Pension
Life insurance
Parental benefits
Adoption assistance
Paid time off program
Paid holidays
16 paid volunteer hours
Wellness programs
Career path planning
Continuing education
Potential pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance