We are currently seeking a Application Mgmt. Specialist Advisor to join our team in GDL, MX, Jalisco (MX-JAL), Mexico (MX).
Comprehensive responsibility breakdown, skills matrix and soft skills for **Mainframe IMS Engineer**.
**Years of experience required**: +15 yrs
**Responsibilities**:
**Product InstallUpgrade**
Product installupgradesmaintenance and customization with usermods.
**Supporting Product Support**
Managing supporting software products.
**CICS Configuration**
Configuration of CICS and setting up subsystem connectivity
**System InstallationUpgrades & 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**
**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.
**Troubleshootin**g
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**
**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 ses

📌 Application Mgmt. Specialist Advisor (Guadalajara)
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📍 Guadalajara