CICS Programmer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s data-driven world, the demand for CICS Programmers is continuously on the rise.

As technology advances, the need for skilled professionals who can develop, maintain, and secure our transactional systems becomes increasingly important.

But what does a CICS Programmer really do?

Whether you are:

• A candidate seeking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect applicant,
• Or just interested in the nitty-gritty of CICS programming,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a fully customizable CICS Programmer job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

CICS Programmer Duties and Responsibilities

CICS Programmers are responsible for programming, debugging, and maintaining systems in the Customer Information Control System (CICS) environment.

They use their expertise in CICS, COBOL, and other mainframe technologies to ensure the smooth running and efficiency of applications.

The following are the duties and responsibilities of a CICS Programmer:

• Develop and modify CICS applications according to project requirements
• Test and debug CICS programs to ensure that they function as intended
• Maintain existing CICS systems, including providing support and troubleshooting as needed
• Work with system analysts and other programmers to understand and implement complex business requirements
• Document all programming and systems changes in accordance with established procedures
• Monitor CICS systems performance and make necessary adjustments to improve efficiency
• Stay up-to-date with the latest CICS technologies and programming techniques
• Assist in system migrations and upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations
• Provide training and guidance to less experienced team members

 

CICS Programmer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled CICS Programmer to design, develop, and maintain CICS-based applications.

The CICS Programmer will be expected to code, debug, test, and troubleshoot programs utilizing the CICS, COBOL, and DB2.

Our ideal candidate is well-versed with CICS, COBOL, DB2, and other related technologies, and has a solid understanding of the software development life cycle (SDLC).

Ultimately, the role of a CICS Programmer is to create effective and efficient CICS-based programs that align with our business needs.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and develop CICS-based applications
• Perform program coding and debugging
• Develop flowcharts, layouts, and documentation to understand requirements and solutions
• Execute full software development life cycle (SDLC)
• Integrate software components into a fully functional software system
• Develop software verification plans and quality assurance procedures
• Document and maintain software functionality
• Troubleshoot, debug and upgrade existing systems
• Comply with project plans and industry standards
• Ensure software is updated with the latest features

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a CICS Programmer or similar role
• Strong knowledge of CICS, COBOL, and DB2
• Experience with software design and development in a test-driven environment
• Excellent knowledge of coding languages and software development methodologies
• Experience developing web applications using at least one popular web framework
• Proficiency in software engineering tools
• Ability to document requirements and specifications
• BSc degree in Computer Science, Engineering or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: CICS Programmer
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Programmer or Software Development Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $95,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a CICS Programmer Do?

A CICS Programmer, or Customer Information Control System Programmer, usually works within the information technology departments of corporations across different industries.

Their primary role is to develop and maintain software applications using IBM’s CICS transaction server.

This involves writing and debugging code, integrating CICS applications with databases, and providing support for these applications to ensure their smooth functioning.

They work closely with other programmers, system analysts, and software testers to design and implement complex business solutions.

They are also responsible for maintaining and updating the existing software systems to meet evolving business needs.

A CICS Programmer plays a vital role in system testing and debugging, ensuring that all CICS components work correctly.

They also troubleshoot any issues that arise in the software applications and implement necessary fixes.

Additionally, they often document their development processes and maintain detailed records of their work.

This documentation helps other developers understand the software applications and assists in future development or updates.

Keeping abreast of the latest updates and advancements in the CICS environment is crucial for a CICS Programmer, as this knowledge can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the systems they develop.

 

CICS Programmer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient CICS programmer must have the skills and qualifications that align with the demands of the role, including:

• Strong knowledge and practical experience in CICS programming and related technologies, such as COBOL, JCL, and DB2.
• Analytical thinking skills to understand user requirements and translate them into effective programming solutions.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to identify and rectify any issues that may arise during the programming, testing, and maintenance stages.
• Superior attention to detail to ensure accuracy and reliability in coding and to prevent potential system errors.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other software developers, testers, and systems analysts, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills to provide clear instructions to team members, explain complex programming concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and interact effectively with clients.
• Time management skills to effectively prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Familiarity with mainframe operating systems and understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) processes.

 

CICS Programmer Experience Requirements

Entry-level CICS Programmers usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in IT development, where they have exposure to CICS (Customer Information Control System) or other transaction processing systems.

These professionals may also gather hands-on experience in related roles such as Systems Programmer, Application Developer, or IT Support roles, where they have the opportunity to work with programming languages like COBOL and systems like JCL and IBM mainframe.

Candidates with over 3 years of experience in CICS Programming will have developed a significant level of technical skills and understanding of complex systems.

They might have also gained experience in designing, testing, and debugging CICS applications.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience in their previous roles, having guided teams or mentored junior programmers.

They are often well-versed in improving system performance and resolving system issues.

This level of experience might make them suitable for a team lead or managerial role within a CICS Programming team.

 

CICS Programmer Education and Training Requirements

CICS Programmers typically require a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field.

They need to have a solid foundation in various programming languages such as Java, C++, Cobol, or Python, with a specific focus on CICS (Customer Information Control System) used for transaction processing in mainframe systems.

Knowledge of database management systems like DB2 and SQL is also important for these professionals.

Some roles may require a master’s degree in a specific IT discipline, or a certification in mainframe or CICS programming.

Practical experience in a similar role or a good understanding of mainframe systems, particularly IBM systems, is also highly desirable.

Advanced courses or certifications in related areas such as system analysis, data processing, and system programming can enhance job prospects and knowledge base.

In addition to the technical skills, CICS programmers should have good problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work as part of a team.

Continuing education is important in this role due to the constant changes and advancements in technology.

 

CICS Programmer Salary Expectations

A CICS Programmer can expect to earn an average salary of $78,670 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can greatly vary based on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of tasks handled, educational background, and the geographical location of the job.

 

CICS Programmer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a CICS Programmer need?

A CICS Programmer needs a strong understanding of COBOL programming and CICS transaction services.

They should have a strong understanding of database principles and be able to work with DB2 or other related databases.

In addition to these technical skills, problem-solving abilities, excellent attention to detail, and good communication skills are essential.

 

What is the educational requirement for a CICS Programmer?

Most CICS Programmers have a degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field.

They should also have a strong background in COBOL programming and CICS, which is often gained through work experience or specialized training courses.

 

What should you look for in a CICS Programmer resume?

A CICS Programmer’s resume should show a solid understanding of COBOL programming, CICS, and relational databases like DB2.

Experience in systems analysis, software development, and debugging is also valuable.

A history of successful projects using these technologies will demonstrate their practical application skills.

Certifications in COBOL or CICS can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good CICS Programmer?

A good CICS Programmer is detail-oriented and has an excellent understanding of complex database systems.

They’re able to troubleshoot problems effectively, have strong analytical skills, and are able to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical team members.

They are also committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advances in their field.

 

Is it difficult to hire a CICS Programmer?

Finding a CICS Programmer can be challenging due to the specialized nature of this role.

It requires a unique blend of skills, including a deep understanding of COBOL programming and CICS, which may not be common among all programmers.

To attract qualified candidates, it may be necessary to offer competitive salaries and benefits, as well as opportunities for further training and development.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we unraveled the intricacies of the dynamic role of a CICS programmer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about maintaining and debugging CICS system.

It’s about shaping the core of business operations, one line of code at a time.

With our comprehensive CICS programmer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step forward.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting accurate job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every line of code contributes to a larger, dynamic system.

Let’s shape this business world. Together.

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