Senior Database Administrator - Mainframe

Role Overview : We are looking for an experienced Senior Mainframe DBA to provide 24x7 production support for enterprise Mainframe database environments. The role involves database administration, performance tuning, troubleshooting, and ensuring high availability for mission-critical systems.The ideal candidate will have strong experience working with Mainframe databases in on-premise environments and should be capable of handling database operations, optimization, and automation in a high-availability enterprise setup.Key Responsibilities : - Provide 24x7 production support for Mainframe databases such as DB2 for z/OS, IMS, VSAM, or IDMS through rotational shifts and on-call duties.- Administer, monitor, and maintain Mainframe databases across production and non-production environments.- Implement and manage backup, recovery, performance tuning, high availability, and disaster recovery (DR) strategies.- Conduct routine health checks, identify performance bottlenecks, and optimize database queries and configurations.- Automate routine database operations and reporting using Mainframe utilities, JCL, REXX, Python, or Shell scripting.- Manage database security, user permissions, and compliance with organizational policies.- Coordinate and execute database patching, upgrades, and migrations with minimal downtime.- Collaborate with application and infrastructure teams to support deployments and resolve database issues.- Monitor incidents, perform root cause analysis (RCA), and document resolutions.- Maintain documentation for database configurations, operational procedures, and knowledge sharing.Mandatory Skills : - DB2 for z/OS / IMS / VSAM / IDMS database administration- Experience providing 24x7 production support- Strong knowledge of Mainframe database architecture- Expertise in performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing- Experience with backup, recovery, HA, and DR strategies- Proficiency in JCL and scripting (REXX / Python / Shell)- Knowledge of database security, authentication, and access control- Experience with database monitoring tools (Dynatrace, Azure Monitor, Nagios)- Experience in patching, upgrading, and migrating databasesAdditional Skills : - Exposure to cloud environments (Azure / GCP)- Experience with automation tools such as Ansible or Terraform- Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices- Experience supporting database audits and license managementPreferred Qualifications : - Certifications related to Mainframe DBA technologies- Experience supporting Mainframe modernization or migration projects- Exposure to additional Mainframe technologies such as IMS, CICS, and VSAM- Experience working with automation tools like PowerShell or Shell scripting (ref: hirist.tech)