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Cobol Programmer Government Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Applications Dev Sr Prin

Sterling, VA · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

BAE Systems and our customer are looking for Senior level Cobol Developers. These developers would ... S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves ...

New

Prescient Edge

Senior Computer Programmer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

... government client. Benefits & Compensation: At Prescient Edge , we believe that acting with ... The programming languages most often used are C, C++, and Java, with Fortran and COBOL used less ...

Prescient Edge

Mid Computer Programmer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... Government client. Benefits & Compensation: At Prescient Edge , we believe that acting with ... The programming languages most often used are C, C++, and Java, with Fortran and COBOL used less ...

Prescient Edge

Mid Computer Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

... Government client. Benefits & Compensation: At Prescient Edge , we believe that acting with ... The programming languages most often used are C, C++, and Java, with Fortran and COBOL used less ...

Prescient Edge

Senior Computer Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

... government client Benefits & Compensation: At Prescient Edge , we believe that acting with ... The programming languages most often used are C, C++, and Java, with Fortran and COBOL used less ...

B&A

PeopleSoft Senior Developer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

PeopleCode, COBOL 11, ASP, JavaScript, SQR, HTML Desired Skills: * AWS Certified Solutions ... Our service extends through federal, state, and local Government, the private sector, and higher ...

USM

Locals Only Urgent Need ETL Datastage Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$51.50 - $67.50/hr

We are a project-driven firm that reliably meets the IT needs of our State and Government customers ... JCL, Cobol, SAS. * Strong analytical and development skills required to trouble the issues and ...

Prescient Edge

Senior Computer Scientist

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

... government client. Benefits & Compensation: At Prescient Edge , we believe that acting with ... The programming languages most often used are C, C++, and Java, with Fortran and COBOL used less ...

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All JobsCobol Programmer Government JobsCobol Programmer Government Jobs in Virginia

Cobol Programmer Government information

What is the difference between Cobol Programmer Government vs Cobol Developer?

AspectCobol Programmer GovernmentCobol Developer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a government-specific security clearance and relevant certificationsUsually requires a general programming certification or experience, not necessarily security clearance
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, federal or state institutions with strict compliance standardsPrivate sector companies, financial institutions, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in government projects maintaining legacy systemsAcross various industries including finance, insurance, and technology
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared based on security clearance and government-specific requirementsCompared based on industry versatility and project scope

In summary, Cobol Programmer Government roles focus on maintaining legacy systems within government agencies, often requiring security clearances. Cobol Developers work across multiple industries with broader project scopes, typically without government-specific credentials.

How much are COBOL programmers paid?

Cobol programmers working for government agencies typically earn between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and security clearance requirements. Salaries may be higher for those with specialized skills or certifications in mainframe environments and legacy system maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a COBOL programmer in government?

To thrive as a COBOL Programmer in government, you need strong proficiency in COBOL programming, mainframe environments, and a solid understanding of legacy systems, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as IBM z/OS, JCL, and databases like DB2, along with any relevant security clearances or certifications, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are vital soft skills for maintaining critical government applications and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the reliability, security, and continued operation of essential government systems that often run on legacy platforms.

Are Cobol programmers still in demand?

Cobol programmers are still in demand for maintaining and updating legacy systems in government, finance, and insurance sectors. These roles often require knowledge of mainframe environments and skills in debugging, testing, and modernization of Cobol applications.

What are some typical challenges faced by COBOL programmers working in government agencies?

COBOL programmers in government settings often encounter challenges such as maintaining and updating legacy systems that are critical to operations but may lack comprehensive documentation. They frequently work on integrating these older systems with modern technologies, which requires both technical expertise and careful coordination with cross-functional IT teams. Additionally, strict compliance and security standards can add complexity to projects, requiring diligence to ensure all updates adhere to regulatory requirements. Despite these challenges, the role offers stable employment and opportunities to become a subject matter expert in legacy technologies vital to public services.

What is a COBOL programmer in government?

COBOL Programmers in the government sector are IT professionals who specialize in writing, maintaining, and updating software systems using the COBOL programming language. Many government agencies still rely on legacy systems built in COBOL for critical operations such as tax processing, social security, and benefits administration. These programmers ensure that these systems run smoothly, remain secure, and are updated to meet new policy requirements. Their expertise is essential for maintaining continuity and reliability in government services.
What are popular job titles related to Cobol Programmer Government jobs in Virginia? For Cobol Programmer Government jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cobol Programmer Government jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Cobol Programmer Government jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cobol Programmer Government jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Cobol Programmer Government job openings:
Cobol Programmer Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer Government job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Applications Dev Sr Prin

BAE Systems

Sterling, VA • On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description


BAE Systems and our customer are looking for Senior level Cobol Developers. These developers would support a multi-year project in the Dulles, VA area with our customer.
You do NOT need to currently possess security clearance to apply for this role, but you must be able to obtain a high level security clearance in order to onboard with the company.
Required Skills and Education
  • 10+ years overall experience in an environment utilizing COBOL
  • Recent expertise in COBOL development/programming (within last 5 years, preferably current)
  • SQL and PL/SQL experience.
  • Experience in program documentation/writing procedures
  • Willing to be submitted for top level security clearance
  • Willing to start work on-site in northern VA within 45 days of security clearance completion
  • Willing to work completely on-site (no remote work)
  • Looking to work at least 5 years after receiving clearance

About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do-from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Preferred Skills and Education
  • BS Degree is Preferred
  • Experience supporting HR/Payroll/Financial systems
  • Experience with Jira & Confluence
  • Agile/scrum experience
  • Good working in a team environment
  • Experience with Infor Lawson

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