_{01st December, 2025}

Systems Analyst
 
For more than three decades, Strategic Data Systems (SDS) has been a software consultancy firm specializing in strategy, technology, and business transformation for Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized firms, and startups. At SDS, we empower our development teams to address our clients' critical business challenges by leveraging cutting edge technologies. If you seek a workplace where your contributions are truly appreciated, then SDS is the company for you. Join us today to work alongside fellow development specialists and become a crucial part of our dynamic and cohesive community.
 
Location: Cincinnati, OH – Hybrid / Onsite depending on team
Role Type: System Analyst / Mainframe SME
Seniority: Mid–Senior Level

About the Role The System Analyst (Mainframe Engineering) plays a mission-critical role in designing, developing, testing, and supporting high-availability mainframe-based applications and platform services. This role combines deep legacy system knowledge with modern programming capabilities to support enterprise-scale workloads, system migrations, and cross-departmental initiatives.
Top Skills (Must Have)

• At least one modern programming language: Java, Go, Python, Ruby
• CICS application development
• COBOL
• JCL (Job Control Language)
• Platform Engineering – Mainframe (z/OS, MVS)
• SQL (DB2 preferred)

Nice to Have

• Git
• Java / JavaScript
• Node.js

What You Will DoMainframe Engineering & Application Development

• Design, develop, test, configure, and support mainframe applications and platform components.
• Develop CICS transaction-driven modules, COBOL programs, JCL jobs, and supporting utilities.
• Ensure systems are stable, scalable, secure, and optimized for high-volume workloads.
• Manage product and application lifecycles to maintain operational availability.

Architecture, Roadmapping & SME Contributions

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for mainframe development tools, languages, and processes.
• Lead infrastructure planning sessions and contribute to long-term technology roadmaps.
• Document and publish standards, engineering guidelines, and modernization playbooks.

Performance, Capacity & Troubleshooting

• Analyze system performance metrics and propose enhancements.
• Conduct root-cause analysis for production defects and performance bottlenecks.
• Lead contingency planning, failover strategy validation, and operational readiness.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with distributed teams to migrate applications, redesign mainframe interfaces, and integrate with modern services/APIs.
• Review vendor proposals, evaluate build-vs-buy options, develop project plans, define critical paths, and execute testing cycles.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, industry peers, and vendor engineering groups.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
• Expert knowledge of z/OS, mainframe hardware, CICS transaction processing, COBOL, and JCL.
• Proven experience in designing and supporting complex mainframe applications.
• Ability to rapidly learn and apply emerging technologies, tools, and modernization patterns.
• Strong documentation capabilities and an engineering mindset focused on reliability and performance.

 
What You'll Get
 
SDS, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
 

• Competitive base salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Optional life and disability insurance provided
• 401(k) with a company match and optional profit sharing
• Paid vacation time
• Paid Bench time
• Training allowance offering
• You'll be eligible to earn referral bonuses!

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