Darwin, Australia | Posted on 09/03/2026
Data Centre Services (DCS) is seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer to join the Mainframe Technical Services team. This senior technical position is responsible for the stability, performance, and ongoing enhancement of the government's critical mainframe hosting environment.
You will provide expert system programming capability across the z/OS platform, take a leadership role in diagnosing complex issues, and contribute to long‐term mainframe infrastructure planning. This role requires a high degree of autonomy, technical leadership, and the ability to collaborate across multiple technical and business teams.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Support
* Provide senior system programming expertise across mainframe z/OS and associated products.
* Deliver technical leadership and mentoring to members of the Mainframe Technical Services team.
* Diagnose and resolve complex mainframe incidents and problems, collaborating with internal teams, vendors, and service providers.
* Participate in a rostered 24/7 on‐call support arrangement.
Mainframe Platform Management
* Ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of the mainframe environment.
* Manage system changes, maintenance, patching, and upgrades in alignment with enterprise standards.
* Perform advanced capacity planning, performance tuning, and system optimisation.
Governance, Standards & Documentation
* Develop, maintain, and continually improve operational procedures, standards, and documentation.
* Contribute to ITIL‐aligned processes including change enablement, problem management, and incident management.
Strategic & Advisory Functions
* Provide strategic advice on mainframe technologies, trends, vendor roadmaps, and infrastructure planning.
* Support planning, design, testing, and implementation of mainframe‐related projects and technical changes.
Knowledge Transfer & Capability Development
* Mentor staff and uplift team capability in mainframe operations and best‐practice system management.
* Support succession planning activities through structured knowledge transfer and documentation.
RequirementsRequired Skills & Experience
* Extensive experience as a Senior z/OS Systems Programmer supporting enterprise mainframe environments.
* Demonstrated expertise with:
o z/OS operating system
o Mainframe software product suites
o System configuration, performance tuning, and SMP/E
o Mainframe networking, storage, and middleware
* Proven ability to resolve complex mainframe incidents and contribute to high‐availability service delivery.
* Strong understanding of ITIL service management practices.
* Experience providing technical leadership within infrastructure or mainframe support teams.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to advise senior management.
* Demonstrated experience developing standards, operational documentation, and procedures.
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