Application Developer Software Development
Resume:
NIKHIL KATAKAM
Erie, PA
******.*****@*****.***
Professional Experience Summary
Mainframe Application developer, Having around 7 years of hands-on experience in application development. Extensive experience in the IT industry, involved with full project life cycle, complete Software Development Life Cycle SDLC.
Extensive Knowledge in requirement gathering, analysis, design, development, implementation, testing, documentation, and maintenance of IBM Mainframe applications.
Experience working in the domain of Insurance applications. Extensive hands-on experience on IBM Mainframe Application programming using COBOL, JCL, DB2, CICS, VSAM, REX, SQL.
Supported the deployment and configuration of JCL optimization tools, such as JCLP and JEMM, by verifying their functionality and ensuring compliance with operational standards.
Performed post-installation testing to verify software functionality and performance, using tools like SDSF to monitor job execution and resolve issues.
Conducted JCL regression testing and validated environment-specific parameters to ensure the accurate configuration of newly installed infrastructure software.
Excellent working knowledge in Application design, Development, Testing and Production support.
Excellent working knowledge in DB2 and tools like endevor, Xpeditor, spufi, spool, sort, DFSORT utilities, file manager, JOB track IBM MQ, IBM Data studios, FTP/SFTP protocols, Adabas natural.
Involved in the 24*7 support, if there are any issues with the batch cycle executions or test environment issues.
Monitor, document, and report all the batch cycle execution results and issues.
Ability to work in an agile environment and adapt quickly to changing requirements.
Responsible for all the offshore code changes, batch cycle executions and testing activities.
Access, analyze and resolve P1 and P2 incidents (within defined SLA’s) that do not require Production code changes & collect required additional information.
Requirement Analysis, preparation of Business requirement Documents, Functional Requirement specification documents and Data mapping documents. Creation of the Detail design document to cover all the Business requirements.
Extensive experience in developing REST APIs using Java Spring Boot.
Able to handle multiple projects concurrently.
Strong experience in RDBMS systems like Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and IBM DB2, IMS.
Ability to communicate and coordinate well with teams across different geographic locations.
Experience working on projects built using the Agile Methodology. Involved in the estimate planning, design discussions and daily scrum meetings for the project.
Technical Skills
Operating Systems : Windows, Z/OS and UNIX,
Databases : DB2, SQL Server and DB2, Adabas.
Tools & Utilities : ISPF, SYNCSORT, XPEDITOR, CLIST,SMP, SPF ABEND-AID, File Aid and MQ, Z os connect, Postman,
Version Control Tools : Endevour, CA7, GIT, SVN
Languages : JCL, COBOL, SQL, CICS, VSAM, Store Procedures, Java, Spring boot, java script, Rex, Easytrive
Bug Tracking Tools : JIRA Kanban, Mural
Tools : Service Now, Zendesk
Dev Methodologies : Agile
Project Details
Client: Erie Insurance, PA Nov 2024 to till Date
Role: Sr Mainframe Developer
Erie Insurance is a leading provider of auto, home, business, and life insurance, known for its customer-centric approach and strong financial stability. The company focuses on modernizing its core insurance systems to enhance operational efficiency, streamline claims processing, and ensure regulatory compliance. As part of the technology team, I contributed to optimizing mainframe applications and improving batch processing to support business growth and digital transformation.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Developed and optimized mainframe batch and online applications using COBOL, DB2, and JCL.
Led system modernization efforts by integrating mainframe EDI application processes with Java-based microservices.
Designed and implemented business logic for policy administration and claims processing systems.
Analyzed legacy code and refactored modules to improve performance and maintainability.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth implementation of policy and OLV-related enhancements.
Automated repetitive operational processes using REXX and CLIST, reducing manual intervention.
Ensured data integrity and security by implementing optimized DB2 SQL queries and stored procedures.
Provided technical guidance and mentoring to junior developers on mainframe best practices.
Coordinated and executed disaster recovery testing to validate system resiliency.
Utilized Splunk, service now and monitoring tools for real-time log analysis and proactive issue resolution.
Integrated MQ messaging for seamless communication between mainframe and distributed systems.
Worked closely with business analysts to translate complex requirements into efficient technical solutions.
Environment: COBOL, DB2, JCL, VSAM, Abend Aid, Xpeditor, File Aid, SPUFI, MySQL.
Project Details
Client: Vanguard, PA Mar 2024 to Nov 2024
Role: Senior Developer
Vanguard is a globally recognized investment management company known for its low-cost mutual funds and ETFs. Serving millions of clients worldwide, Vanguard manages assets totaling trillions of dollars. The company is committed to providing investors with a trusted way to grow their wealth and achieve their financial goals.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Analyzing and fixing critical defects raised by the business team as PRB tickets.
Performing unit, regression, and integration testing.
Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in IBM Mainframe system – z/OS.
Expertise in COBOL, Java, JCL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, Table base tables, TSO/ISPF, and Java Spring Boot.
Working with multiple project teams for all the current release activities, testing, and implementations.
Demonstrating expertise in designing, developing, and implementing complex mainframe systems.
Responsible for all offshore code changes and testing activities and providing implementation support.
Involved in production support activities, ensuring the batch cycle gets completed on time and fixing issues within the time mentioned in Service Level Agreements (SLA).
Experience in working with IBM mainframe technologies such as z/OS, CICS, and DB2.
Conducting weekly team meetings and addressing project and team issues/concerns.
Using Bitbucket for version control, ensuring proper code management and collaboration.
Developing and implementing APIs to facilitate seamless data transfer between backend Cobol and front-end applications.
Participating in the planning and execution of DB2 tables migration to AWS, ensuring data integrity and security throughout the process.
Documenting processes, code changes, and best practices to support knowledge sharing and future development efforts.
Staying updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to contribute innovative solutions to development challenges.
Environment: COBOL, DB2, JCL, VSAM, Abend Aid, Xpeditor, File Aid, SPUFI, MySQL.
Client: MetLife (Capgemini) Jan 2021 to Jan 2023
Role: Senior Mainframe System Engineer
MetLife Inc is the holding corporation for metropolitan life insurance company. MetLife is the largest global provider of insurance, annuities, and employee benefit programs with 90 million customers in over 60 countries. The Unified
Disability System processes insurance claims which involve any type of non-permanent disability. The Unified Disability
System (UDS) manages the short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD), Family and Medical Leave Act
(FMLA) claims and payments to claimants.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Analyzing and fixing critical defects raised by business Team as PRB ticket.
Performed unit, Regression, and Integration Testing.
Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in IBM Mainframe system – z/OS
Expertise in COBOL, JCL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, Table base tables and TSO/ISPF
Working with multiple project teams for all the current release activities, testing and implementations.
Demonstrated expertise in designing, developing, and implementing complex mainframe systems.
Responsible for all the offshore code changes and testing activities. Provide implementation support.
Involved in production support activities. Ensured the batch cycle gets completed in time. Also, fixed the issues within the time mentioned in Service Level Agreements (SLA).
Experience in working with IBM mainframe technologies such as z/OS, CICS, and DB2.
Conduct weekly team meetings and address project and team issues/concerns.
Knowledge of JCL, COBOL, and other mainframe programming languages.
Environment: COBOL, DB2, JCL, VSAM, Abend Aid, Xpeditor, File Aid, SPUFI, MySQL.
Client: Farmers Specialty Lines (DXC Technology) Oct 2019 – Dec 2020
Role: Mainframe Consultant
Foremost Insurance, a member of the Farmers Insurance Group, specializes in providing tailored insurance solutions for niche markets in the United States. Renowned for its focus on specialty coverage, foremost caters to individuals with unique needs, offering insurance for items such as mobile homes, motorcycles, boats, and recreational vehicles (RVs). The company also extends its services to homeowners with non-standard properties and businesses with distinctive insurance requirements. As a key player in the specialty insurance sector, foremost has established itself as a reliable choice for those seeking personalized coverage in specific categories, contributing to the diversity of options within the U.S. insurance industry.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Analyzing and fixing critical defects raised by Business Team.
Support for batch modules using COBOL/DB2/VSAM/ASSEMBLER.
Collaborated with Mainframe System Programmers (SYSPROGs) to assist in the installation and configuration of infrastructure software using SMP/E, ensuring seamless integration into the mainframe environment.
Gained hands-on experience in reviewing and validating SMP/E installation logs, ensuring successful application of SYSMODs (PTFs, APARs, and User Mods) to maintain software integrity and compatibility.
Supported the installation and setup of JCL optimization tools like JCLP and JEMM, verifying their functionality and ensuring adherence to operational standards.
Conducted post-installation testing to validate software functionality and performance, utilizing tools such as SDSF to monitor job execution and debug issues.
Ensured proper configuration of newly installed infrastructure software by running JCL regression tests and validating environment-specific parameters.
Extensive experience in system-level programming, including device control, interrupt handling, and operating system routines.
Strong understanding of computer architecture, memory management, and I/O operations
Working with multiple project teams for all the current release activities, testing and implementations.
Responsible for all the offshore code changes, batch cycle executions and testing activities in Assembler.
Assisted in the diagnosis and resolution of system-level issues, including Assembler debugging, and troubleshooting hardware-related problems.
Proven track record of troubleshooting and resolving mainframe system issues.
Interact with DB2 DBAs administrators for any release admin changes or any security issues.
Monitor, document, and report all the batch cycle execution results and issues.
Defect management, which involves understanding and assigning relevant teammates for further follow up.
Ability to work in an agile environment and adapt quickly to changing requirements.
Conduct weekly team meetings and address project and team issues/concerns.
Experienced in working with mainframe storage systems, including tape and disk.
Familiarity with mainframe security protocols and tools.
Environment: JCL, COBOL, DB2, VSAM, Abend Aid, Xpeditor, File Aid, SPUFI, MySQL, MQ.
Client: TESCO ( Sopra Steria ) Aug 2018 – Sep 2019
Role: System Engineer
TESCO is a British Multinational grocery and general merchandise retailers; The third largest retailer in the world measured by profits and the fifth largest retailer in the world measured by revenues having Stores in 8 countries across Asia and Europe was founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen.
The Sopra Steria team works closely with the TESCO Bangalore team, who enhances, develops, and maintains, along with providing support to all the applications for Tesco rewrite.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Involved in requirement gathering of business enhancements and development.
Validating the enhancements, integration testing of various systems.
Production issue fixing and deployment activities.
Was part of transition activities with client and onsite team.
Worked as Primary Production support from dev team.
Involved in Daily/Weekly Status reporting, issue resolutions and escalations.
Environment: JCL, COBOL, Endeavor, Xpeditor, DB2, QMF, VSAM, Windows7 and Z/OS
Educational Details:
Master’s in computer science from Pace university(2023 – 2024 )
Bachelor’s from JNTUH, 2018
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