CICS Systems Programmer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the landscape of modern technology, the role of CICS Systems Programmers has become exceedingly crucial.

As technology evolves, the demand for proficient experts who can develop, maintain, and secure our complex computing systems escalifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a CICS Systems Programmer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker seeking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or merely fascinated by the intricate world of CICS Systems Programming,

You’ve landed in the right spot.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

CICS Systems Programmer Duties and Responsibilities

CICS Systems Programmers are responsible for the maintenance, updating, and troubleshooting of Customer Information Control Systems (CICS) within an organization.

They utilize their specialized knowledge to ensure the CICS environment runs smoothly and effectively.

The duties and responsibilities of a CICS Systems Programmer include:

• Install, upgrade and maintain CICS software and related tools.
• Analyze and resolve problems associated with CICS, including debugging and performance tuning.
• Develop and implement system parameters and standards to ensure system performance and reliability.
• Assist application developers with CICS-related issues, providing technical guidance and support.
• Perform capacity planning and management, monitoring system resources to ensure optimal performance.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation related to CICS system configuration, procedures, and processes.
• Conduct regular system reviews and audits, ensuring compliance with internal and external standards.
• Participate in disaster recovery planning and testing, ensuring the CICS environment can be effectively recovered in the event of a disaster.
• Stay abreast of advancements in the field of System Programming, incorporating new technology into the company’s existing systems as appropriate.

 

CICS Systems Programmer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled CICS Systems Programmer to manage and update our CICS systems.

The ideal candidate will handle installation, configuration, and support of extensive CICS infrastructure, including related software products.

CICS Systems Programmer’s responsibilities include analyzing and resolving problems, configuring and tuning CICS systems, and coordinating with other IT staff to ensure optimal system performance.

Our preferred candidates have a keen understanding of CICS systems and are familiar with COBOL, JAVA, and other programming languages.

Ultimately, the role of the CICS Systems Programmer is to ensure that our CICS Systems run smoothly and remain secure, efficient, and up-to-date.

 

Responsibilities

• Install, monitor, upgrade, and maintain CICS systems
• Analyze and resolve system problems
• Implement system enhancements that will improve the performance and reliability of the system
• Manage system security measures
• Prepare and maintain system documentation
• Coordinate with other IT staff to ensure smooth and reliable operation of software and systems for fulfilling business objectives and processes
• Implement disaster recovery and back-up procedures
• Perform capacity planning and performance monitoring

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a CICS Systems Programmer
• Strong knowledge of mainframe hardware systems and CICS software
• Experience with COBOL and JAVA programming languages
• Understanding of DB2 and other database structures
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Experience with disaster recovery, backup procedures, and security analysis
• Ability to document requirements and specifications
• BSc degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or relevant field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: CICS Systems Programmer
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Occasional travel may be required for team meetings or system installations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the IT Director or System Administrator Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $98,000 minimum to $140,000 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 Systems Programmer Do?

CICS Systems Programmers are specialized IT professionals who primarily work in businesses or organizations that require extensive data processing operations.

Their primary role involves the maintenance, configuration, and administration of CICS (Customer Information Control System) mainframe systems.

This includes modifying system parameters, tuning performance, and installing updates or new versions as required.

They are also responsible for debugging any issues, analyzing and resolving system faults, and ensuring system availability and reliability.

They interact with other software components like DB2, MQ, and z/OS, and effectively integrate CICS with them.

CICS Systems Programmers troubleshoot and resolve complex technical problems, and provide support in resolving production issues.

They also assist in capacity planning, designing and implementing system upgrades, and in the development of automation scripts.

They often work closely with other IT professionals, such as System Analysts and Application Developers, to ensure that the CICS environment is robust, secure, and well-optimized for the applications running on it.

In addition, they may also be involved in creating and updating technical documentation, conducting knowledge sharing sessions, and providing training and support to other team members.

 

CICS Systems Programmer Qualifications and Skills

A competent CICS Systems Programmer should possess an array of both technical and soft skills, as well as relevant industry knowledge, to effectively manage and maintain CICS (Customer Information Control System) applications and systems.

This includes:

• Expertise in IBM’s CICS software, enabling them to successfully install, monitor, upgrade, and troubleshoot CICS systems and applications.
• Proficiency in mainframe languages such as COBOL and assembler, enabling them to understand and modify the application code as needed.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for identifying, diagnosing, and resolving system issues swiftly and effectively.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and reliability of CICS systems and applications.
• Communication skills for effectively interacting with other IT professionals, including systems analysts, network administrators, and software developers, as well as non-technical staff.
• Project management skills for planning and executing system upgrades or migrations, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
• A comprehensive understanding of IT security principles to ensure that CICS systems and applications are secure and compliant with relevant regulations.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage several tasks or projects simultaneously without compromising on quality.

 

CICS Systems Programmer Experience Requirements

Entry-level CICS Systems Programmers often have 1 to 2 years of experience, which is usually obtained through internships, part-time roles or even relevant educational projects in computer science or a related field.

They may have experience working with IBM mainframe systems, CICS, and other systems programming environments.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience in the field are often considered intermediate-level professionals.

They may have extensive experience with online mainframe software, like CICS, IBM MQ, DB2, and other mainframe tools.

This experience can be gained through previous employment as a Junior CICS Systems Programmer or similar roles.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience are often senior-level candidates.

They may have been responsible for complex tasks such as CICS performance tuning, problem-solving for mainframe applications, and handling CICS software upgrades and installations.

Their experience could also include leadership or managerial roles, making them suitable for team-lead or managerial positions within the company.

Regardless of the level, a successful CICS Systems Programmer should have practical experience with CICS system programming, problem determination, performance analysis, and tuning.

They should also have experience with IBM’s z/OS operating system, TCP/IP networking, and various software debugging tools.

 

CICS Systems Programmer Education and Training Requirements

CICS Systems Programmers typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering or a related field.

They also need a strong background in programming and should have a good understanding of languages such as Java, COBOL, C++, and others.

The role demands an in-depth knowledge of CICS (Customer Information Control System) – an online transaction processing (OLTP) program developed by IBM.

So, experience or formal training in CICS is crucial.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in a specific IT or systems engineering discipline or a certification in IBM CICS or related technologies.

CICS Systems Programmers should also possess skills in systems analysis and have a thorough understanding of database systems.

Moreover, keeping up with the latest technological advancements in the field, by pursuing advanced courses or certifications, is often encouraged as it signifies a candidate’s commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

In addition to these, the role involves working in complex computing environments; hence, experience in managing and deploying mainframe applications and system troubleshooting can be beneficial.

 

CICS Systems Programmer Salary Expectations

A CICS Systems Programmer can expect an average salary of $79,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, level of expertise, type of industry, and the geographical location.

 

CICS Systems Programmer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a CICS Systems Programmer need?

A CICS Systems Programmer must have a strong foundation in CICS, z/OS, and JCL languages.

They should have proficiency in debugging and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve system issues.

Strong knowledge of IBM mainframe systems and experience with CICS/TS regions is also beneficial.

Additionally, good communication skills are needed to work effectively with team members and other stakeholders.

 

Do CICS Systems Programmers need a degree?

Most CICS Systems Programmers have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

However, some employers might consider candidates with an equivalent combination of education, certifications, and experience in systems programming.

Having a Master’s degree or additional certifications in CICS or mainframe systems can be advantageous.

 

What should you look for in a CICS Systems Programmer resume?

A CICS Systems Programmer resume should highlight the candidate’s experience with CICS systems, mainframe environments, and related programming languages.

Look for specific projects where they’ve used these skills.

Their resume should also show a solid understanding of systems analysis, testing, debugging, and tuning.

Any certifications in CICS or mainframe systems should also be listed.

 

What qualities make a good CICS Systems Programmer?

A good CICS Systems Programmer is detail-oriented and able to identify and solve complex system issues.

They are proactive, staying updated with the latest CICS technologies and programming techniques.

They possess strong analytical skills, enabling them to understand and interpret complex system requirements.

Lastly, they should be team players, capable of collaborating with other professionals in a cross-functional environment.

 

What are the typical responsibilities of a CICS Systems Programmer?

CICS Systems Programmers are responsible for maintaining and improving CICS system performance by carrying out system monitoring, analysis, and tuning.

They install and test CICS software upgrades and patches, and handle problem determination and resolution.

They also collaborate with application developers to ensure the smooth operation of applications within the CICS environment.

Additionally, they may provide on-call support for CICS systems during off-hours.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the intricate details of what it truly means to be a CICS Systems Programmer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about managing system resources.

It’s about architecting the backbone of digital infrastructure, one program at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive CICS Systems Programmer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to dive in.

But don’t stop there.

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating precise job listings or optimizing your resume to its full potential.

Keep in mind:

Every system program is a piece of the larger digital tapestry.

Let’s construct that future. Together.

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