Freelance Mainframe Applications Developer Jobs in New York

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Applications Developer with strong expertise in COBOL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, and JCL to support and enhance critical enterprise mainframe applications. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience working across both batch and online processing environments, providing application development, maintenance, troubleshooting, and production support. This role requires strong analytical skills, technical leadership, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams while mentoring junior developers.
In this role, you will:
• Design, develop, enhance, and maintain mainframe applications using COBOL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, and JCL.
• Analyze business and technical requirements and translate them into scalable application solutions.
• Develop and support online transaction processing systems utilizing CICS.
• Create, modify, and troubleshoot batch processing jobs and workflows using JCL.
• Design and optimize DB2 database queries, stored procedures, and data access components.
• Perform application debugging, root cause analysis, and issue resolution across production and non-production environments.
Work model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a client office in Morris Plains, NJ. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.
Please note: A few of our roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.
What you need to have to be considered
• Minimum 8+years of experience in hands-on development using COBOL programming within a mainframe environment.
• Solid experience with DB2, including SQL development, stored procedures, query optimization, and performance tuning.
• In-depth knowledge of VSAM file structures, access methods, and file handling techniques.
• Experience developing and supporting applications using CICS.
• Strong proficiency in JCL for batch processing, job scheduling, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience working across both batch and online mainframe applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
Salary and Other Compensation:
The annual salary for this position is between $ 60,000 to $ 93,500 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.