1

Cobol Language Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

... COBOL JCL (Job Control Language) CICS DB2 VSAM IMS (preferred) TSO/ISPF IBM z/OS File-AID Endevor, Changeman, or ISPW SDSF SPUFI Database DB2 SQL Version Control Endevor Changeman Git (preferred ...

Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

... COBOL JCL (Job Control Language) CICS DB2 VSAM IMS (preferred) TSO/ISPF IBM z/OS File-AID Endevor, Changeman, or ISPW SDSF SPUFI Database DB2 SQL Version Control Endevor Changeman Git (preferred ...

Sr Mainframe Developer / Support

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Exposure to Job control language program execution Exposure to COBOL DB2 program coding, Application development using CICS Exposure to Processing VSAM datasets and Dataset allocation, ISPF/PDF

Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

... COBOL JCL (Job Control Language) CICS DB2 VSAM IMS (preferred) TSO/ISPF IBM z/OS File-AID Endevor, Changeman, or ISPW SDSF SPUFI Database DB2 SQL Version Control Endevor Changeman Git (preferred ...

... COBOL, SAS or another language. A viable candidate must also have strong DB2 database experience, some Oracle experience helpful. Additional Information Veredus, A Hays Company is the leader in ...

Sr. Java Developer

Reston, VA · On-site

$76 - $81/hr

Must have application development experience using the COBOL programming language and environments (CICS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, ChangeMan, Topaz, etc). * Must have ability to understand and work with code ...

Cobol Language information

What is a COBOL developer?

COBOL developers are specialized programmers who write, maintain, and optimize applications using COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language), a programming language that has been widely used in business, finance, and administrative systems for decades. Their responsibilities often include updating legacy mainframe systems, debugging code, and ensuring data integrity in large-scale enterprise environments. COBOL developers typically work in industries like banking, insurance, and government, where critical business applications still rely on COBOL. With the continuing need to modernize or maintain these legacy systems, COBOL developers remain in demand.

What are the typical challenges faced by COBOL developers when working with legacy systems?

COBOL developers often encounter challenges such as understanding and maintaining decades-old codebases, which may lack proper documentation or have been modified by numerous developers over time. Integrating COBOL programs with modern technologies and ensuring compatibility with current hardware or software environments can also be complex. Additionally, troubleshooting bugs in legacy systems often requires a deep understanding of both COBOL and mainframe architectures, making collaboration with experienced team members and cross-functional IT staff important for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a COBOL developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a COBOL Developer, you need a strong understanding of COBOL programming, legacy mainframe systems, and experience with debugging and maintaining large-scale business applications, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with mainframe environments such as IBM z/OS, JCL (Job Control Language), DB2 databases, and tools like TSO/ISPF is essential. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and handling complex, mission-critical systems. These skills ensure reliability, maintainability, and seamless integration of essential legacy systems in organizations that depend on COBOL-based solutions.

What is the difference between Cobol Language vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectCobol LanguageMainframe Developer
Required CredentialsKnowledge of COBOL, programming skillsCOBOL, JCL, DB2, and mainframe tools
Work EnvironmentLegacy systems, mainframe environmentsMainframe systems, enterprise IT
Industry UsageFinancial, insurance, governmentFinancial institutions, government agencies
Common Search IntentLearning COBOL, coding in COBOLDeveloping or maintaining mainframe applications

While COBOL Language refers to the programming language itself, a Mainframe Developer specializes in building and maintaining applications on mainframe systems using COBOL and related tools. The two are closely linked, with the developer role requiring expertise in COBOL along with other mainframe technologies.

Are Cobol language jobs still in demand?

Cobol language jobs are still in demand in industries such as banking, finance, and government, where legacy systems rely on Cobol for critical operations. Many organizations seek experienced Cobol programmers for maintenance, modernization, and migration projects, often requiring knowledge of mainframe environments and related tools.

What job categories do people searching Cobol Language jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Cobol Language jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cobol Language jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Cobol Language job openings:

Infographic showing various Cobol Language job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, and 46% Contract. Highlights an 65% In-person, and 35% Remote job distribution.

Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA • On-site

Delan Associates, Inc.
Engineering Professional Services • 51 - 200 employees

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Contractor

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Position: Mainframe Developer (Banking Domain)
Location: McLean, VA (Onsite, 5 days/week)
Note: This position is open to local candidates in McLean, VA only. Face-to-face (F2F) interviews are mandatory, so candidates must be available to attend an in-person interview.
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Developer with strong expertise in the Banking domain to design, develop, maintain, and support mission-critical mainframe applications. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience with COBOL, JCL, DB2, CICS, VSAM, and IBM mainframe technologies, along with a solid understanding of banking processes such as deposits, loans, payments, cards, or core banking.
Key Responsibilities
Design, develop, test, and maintain IBM Mainframe applications
Analyze business and functional requirements and convert them into technical solutions
Develop and enhance applications using COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, and VSAM
Create and modify JCLs for batch processing and job scheduling
Perform code reviews, unit testing, integration testing, and production support
Troubleshoot production issues and perform root cause analysis
Optimize application performance and improve batch processing efficiency
Work with business analysts, QA teams, and stakeholders throughout the SDLC
Participate in system upgrades, migrations, and application modernization initiatives
Maintain technical documentation and follow development standards
Required Skills
Mainframe Technologies
COBOL
JCL (Job Control Language)
CICS
DB2
VSAM
IMS (preferred)
TSO/ISPF
IBM z/OS
File-AID
Endevor, Changeman, or ISPW
SDSF
SPUFI
Database
DB2
SQL
Version Control
Endevor
Changeman
Git (preferred)
Scheduling Tools
CA-7
Control-M
OPC/TWS (preferred)