Senior Software Engineer – IMS TM/DB Application Programmer

• Contribute to the design and development of key components that replicate or extend IMS TM and DB behaviors—including message handling, transaction scheduling, PSB/DBD structures, DL/I call compatibility, and hierarchical database semantics.
• Define and evolve architectural direction for our IMS replatforming runtime, ensuring parity with core IMS concepts where required and embracing modernization opportunities where beneficial.
• Translate IMS internals and application programming patterns into scalable, reliable components on distributed systems.

• Model real-world IMS application scenarios (batch and online) within our modernization stack.
• Provide authoritative guidance on IMS constructs such as:
  • Message queues, scheduling, and transaction regions
  • DBD/PSB design and access paths
  • DL/I call flows, PCB handling, segment structure, and hierarchical locking
  • IMS batch processing interactions with TM and DB
• Partner with product and engineering leadership to ensure features meet enterprise-grade reliability and performance expectations.

• Contribute to cross-team engineering initiatives that impact compilers, runtimes, integration layers, and interoperability features.
• Mentor engineers across teams, helping them understand IMS fundamentals and how those concepts should surface in our implementation.
• Conduct deep technical reviews, troubleshoot complex runtime compatibility issues, and guide performance tuning strategies.

• Influence product roadmap decisions related to IMS replatforming, compatibility, and modernization.
• Engage with customers, field engineering, and support teams to understand real‑world IMS workloads and migration scenarios.

• 10+ years of professional software engineering, including senior‑level ownership of complex system-level components.
• Direct hands-on experience developing or maintaining IMS TM and DB applications on IBM z/OS (essential).
• Deep knowledge of:
  • IMS message-driven architecture
  • Program specification blocks (PSBs), program communication blocks (PCBs), and DBD structures
  • DL/I calls and hierarchical database access
  • IMS transaction scheduling and message queue behavior
• Strong proficiency in C, C++, or similar systems languages.
• Experience delivering high-availability, mission-critical software systems.

• Background implementing or working with IMS exit routines, user exits, scheduling exits, or database utilities.
• Experience with mainframe modernization, replatforming, or emulation technologies.
• Familiarity with COBOL or PL/I application semantics and interactions with IMS environments.
• Exposure to modern distributed systems, cloud-native design, or hybrid runtime architectures (Azure, AWS, Kubernetes).
• Experience building compilers, runtimes, interpreters, or compatibility layers for legacy workloads.

• An experienced engineer with strong domain knowledge IMS application behavior and system fundamentals.
• Skilled at distilling mainframe concepts into modern software architecture.
• Motivated by the challenge of modernizing long-standing, mission-critical platforms.
• A mentor who raises the technical capabilities of the entire engineering organization.

EOE M/F/Vet/Disability.  Rocket Software Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Rocket Software Inc. is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

At Rocket Software, we believe AI is a critical enabler of innovation and productivity. All Rocketeers are expected to actively leverage AI-powered tools and technologies, where appropriate, to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and deliver greater impact in their roles. Embracing continuous learning and the responsible use of AI is an essential part of how we work.

Rocket is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities.  If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please call: 781-577-4321 or send an email to people@rocketsoftware.com.  We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

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If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!