Mainframe System Engineer (Information Technology Specialist I)

Job Description and Duties The salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect reductions in pay in accordance with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program. http://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113 This position serves as a recognized technical expert responsible for supporting, maintaining, and optimizing mainframe Independent Software Vendor (ISV) products and/or IBM DB2 on z/OS database environments. The Mainframe System Engineer provides specialized knowledge in the installation, customization, maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance tuning of ISV software, IBM DB2 on z/OS components, CICS-related software, and core z/OS system elements that support Franchise Tax Board's mission critical business operations. The Mainframe System Engineer works on complex product integrations, software issues for ISV and/or DB2 software assignments. Responsibilities include collaborating with ISV vendors and DB2 technical support resources, troubleshooting product_related or database_related issues, coordinating fixes, patches, upgrades, and ensuring that ISV and DB2 components operate effectively within FTB's enterprise mainframe environment. The position may also provide backup support for additional advanced mainframe technologies within the section. The Mainframe System Engineer communicates regularly with management regarding project status, risks, milestones, and operational impacts. The role requires frequent engagement with team members, technical staff, and business partners to provide technical guidance, resolve challenges, and ensure compliance with departmental Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) procedures and standards. Assignments may include participation in projects of varying sizes and complexity, including those requiring close collaboration with application development teams and enterprise_level system initiatives. The Mainframe System Engineer works effectively with staff across different technical levels, demonstrating strong customer service skills, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering reliable, secure, and high_quality mainframe services. The role contributes directly to the Software Engineering domain within the Infrastructure Bureau. Additional positions may become available (eRPA 2627-00107). Please complete this optional survey letting us know how you heard about this position by clicking here. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please go to www.dhs.gov/e-verify. CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, SECTION 172: All candidates for, appointees to, and employees in the state civil service shall possess the general qualifications of integrity, honesty, sobriety, dependability, industry, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, courtesy, ability to work cooperatively with others, willingness and ability to assume the responsibilities and to conform to the conditions of work characteristic of the employment, and a state of health, consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. Where the position requires the driving of an automobile, the employee must have a valid state driver's license, a good driving record and is expected to drive the car safely. The foregoing general qualifications shall be deemed to be a part of the personal characteristics of the minimum qualifications of each class specification and need not be specifically set forth therein. **IMPORTANT NOTICE** As required by the department's rules of conduct, all employees of the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) must be in compliance with the California Revenue and Taxation Code. During the background investigation portion of the hiring process, FTB will review return information to verify California state income tax compliance. Any failure to comply with the California Revenue and Taxation Code may prevent you from being hired at FTB. You must verify your filing status by calling 1-800-852-5711 to resolve any potential tax compliance issues, prior to submitting your application and seeking employment with FTB. All applicants not currently employed with the Franchise Tax Board will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The investigation will consist of completion of a pre-employment questionnaire, fingerprinting, and an inquiry to the Department of Justice to disclose criminal records. We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Persons with hearing or speech impairments, call TTY/TDD (800) 735-2929. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to clearly demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications and Alternate Range Placement for the position on your State Application (STD Form 678). The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet the Desirable Qualifications identified in this job advertisement. The Classification Specification is located on this Job Announcement Posting under "Minimum Requirements”. We encourage applications regardless of whether you think you meet 100% of these skills below. Please highlight your knowledge, skills, and experience related to the below desirable qualifications in your application package. • Experience installing, supporting, troubleshooting, and performance tuning mainframe Independent Software Vendor (ISV) products and/or IBM Db2 on the z/Operating System (z/OS) platform • Experience using System Modification Program/Extended (SMP/E) or the z/Operating System Management Facility (z/OSMF) to maintain, install, and customize IBM and ISV mainframe software, including expert level administration of ServerPac (Portable Software Instance) and/or Custom Built Product Delivery Offering (CBPDO) deployments • Experience reviewing and securing Resource Access Control Facility (RACF) security profiles • Experience administering and troubleshooting Unix System Services (USS) environments used by ISV software and/or DB2 on z/OS • Experience writing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Job Control Language (JCL), Restructured Extended Executor (REXX), Command List (CLIST), and scripting used for automation • Experience participating in enterprise level mainframe projects and collaborating with application teams and vendors. • Experience identifying, evaluating, and developing technical solutions • Experience gathering information and performing technical research • Experience using change management processes to deploy software changes into production, including rigorous testing and backout procedures • Experience and working knowledge of core z/OS components and tools including z/OSMF, Time Sharing Option (TSO), Interactive System Productivity Facility (ISPF), System Display and Search Facility (SDSF), CLIST, REXX, JCL, IBM utilities, Data Facility Product (DFP), Data Facility Data Set Services (DFDSS), RACF, Systems Network Architecture (SNA), and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) • Experience planning, scheduling, and performing software upgrades and applying fixes • Understanding of mainframe hardware, including Direct Access Storage Devices (DASD), physical and virtual tape storage systems (tape/VTS), general processors, System z Integrated Information Processors (zIIP), and Integrated Facility for Linux (IFL) engines • Understanding of the Initial Program Load (IPL) process • Ability to work independently or collaboratively while maintaining a positive, cooperative attitude; self motivated with excellent written and verbal communication skills • Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining strong customer service with minimal direction • Ability to analyze data and situations logically to troubleshoot problems and make recommendations • Ability to develop strong working relationships and deliver excellent customer service in both independent and team environments • Ability to document clear and precise operational procedures and provide clear oral instructions • Ability to provide on call support on a rotational basis • Ability to work weeknights and weekends to implement changes