Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems that drive advantage for the world's leading businesses. We are at the heart of progress; with proven expertise and a continuous flow of AI-powered insight, enabling smarter decisions, faster innovation, and a lasting competitive edge. For our people—Kyndryls—that means doing purposeful work that powers human progress. Join us and experience a flexible, supportive environment where your well-being is prioritized and your potential can thrive.

The Role

Application Performance Analysis

Perform detailed application performance diagnostics using:

Strobe (CPU, I/O, storage path analysis)
DB2 Visualizer (SQL activity, statement-level cost analysis)
Exception reporting to identify abnormal CPU, I/O, locking, and DB2 behavior.

Analyze execution profiles to isolate code‑level inefficiencies, high‑cost SQL, and suboptimal DB2 access paths.

SQL, DB2 & Subsystem Tuning

Analyze SQL statements for performance, buffer pool usage, lock/latch contention, and DB2 processing overhead.
Recommend improvements in:

Access paths and indexing
SQL rewrites
DB2 statistics health
Bind‑package tuning

Collaborate with DB2 DBAs to validate performance improvements and test SQL fixes.

Code-Level Application Optimization

Review and tune applications written in COBOL, Java, Python, and Go running in the z/OS environment.
Identify code inefficiencies, excessive loops, unnecessary I/O, poor transaction flows, or inefficient serialization mechanisms.
Support teams in optimizing batch and online workloads for CPU/MSU reduction and throughput improvement.

z/OS Runtime Analysis

Diagnose issues related to:

CPU contention
Memory growth or leakage
VSAM/DB2 I/O bottlenecks
Thread/transaction delays
Program structure overhead

Use RMF/SMF metrics in conjunction with Strobe data to correlate system conditions with application behavior.

Parallel Sysplex Application Behavior

Analyze and tune application performance in Parallel Sysplex environments, including:

Cross-system transaction routing
DB2 data sharing performance
CF structure usage patterns
IRD/HiperDispatch effects on application throughput

Development Support & Best Practices

Partner with development teams to embed performance considerations early in the lifecycle.
Provide guidelines on:

Efficient SQL design
High-performing COBOL and Java patterns
Optimal use of DB2 and subsystem APIs

Mentor developers in interpreting performance traces and reports.

Automation & Scripting

Create utilities and scripts using JCL, REXX, and modern scripting languages (Python/Go) to automate performance data collection and reporting.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

12+ years experience as an Application Performance Engineer on IBM Mainframe.
Expert proficiency with:

Strobe
DB2 Visualizer/DB2 Performance Tools
SMF‑based exception reporting

Strong understanding of SQL, DB2 processing internals, and DB2 performance tuning.
Hands‑on experience with COBOL, Java, and scripting languages such as Python, Go.
Proficiency with JCL, REXX, and z/OS utilities.
Solid working knowledge of Parallel Sysplex architecture and performance considerations.

Preferred Skills

Experience with CICS/MQ transaction performance.
Familiarity with MXG or SAS for SMF data analysis.
Knowledge of WLM policies and workload goal interactions.
Experience in modernizing or refactoring legacy mainframe applications.

Key Competencies

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with ability to isolate subtle performance defects.
Ability to translate technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for developers.
Excellent communication and collaboration with cross‑functional engineering teams.
High attention to detail in diagnostics, documentation, and reporting.

Being You

The Kyn in Kyndryl means kinship, which represents the strong bonds we have with each other, our customers and our communities. We focus on ensuring all Kyndryls feel included and we welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in growth, and we're excited to see what you can bring. At Kyndryl, employee feedback has told us that our number one driver of employee engagement is belonging. That sense of belonging — being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team — is fundamental to our culture and fueling great experiences for our customers. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you the ability to thrive and contribute to our culture of empathy and shared success. That's The Kyndryl Way.

What You Can Expect

Your career with us isn't just a job—it's an adventure with purpose. We offer a dynamic, hybrid-friendly culture that supports your well-being and empowers you to grow. Our Be Well programs are thoughtfully designed to support your financial, mental, physical, and social health—because we know that when you feel your best, you do your best.

From your very first day, you'll dive into impactful work that powers the systems our customers rely on every day. You won't just contribute—you'll make a difference, tackling meaningful projects that sharpen your skills and fuel your growth.

We're here to champion your journey. With powerful tools to chart your career path, personalized development goals aligned with your ambitions, and continuous feedback to keep you inspired and on track, you'll have everything you need to thrive and evolve. You'll develop in-demand skills to grow your career and achieve your ambitions with access to cutting-edge learning opportunities—from certifications with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to coaching and hands-on experiences. And through it all, you'll be part of a culture that values empathy, restless learning, and a devotion to shared success.

We want you to thrive here—and we're committed to helping you do just that. Ready to make an impact Join us and help shape what's next.

Get Referred!

If you know someone that works at Kyndryl, when asked How Did You Hear About Us during the application process, select Employee Referral and enter your contact's Kyndryl email address.

Mainframe Performance Engineer (Application)