Freelance Mainframe Applications Developer Jobs in Ohio

Assume a vital position as a key member of a high-performing team that delivers infrastructure and performance excellence. Your role will be instrumental in shaping the future at one of the world's largest and most influential companies.

As a Lead Infrastructure Engineer at JPMorganChase within the Infrastructure Platfroms and Mainframe Compute, you apply deep knowledge of software, applications, and technical processes within the infrastructure engineering discipline. Continue to evolve your technical and cross-functional knowledge outside of your aligned domain of expertise.

Job responsibilities

• Uses enterprise-authorized AI capabilities within the work environment to accelerate infrastructure analysis and design documentation, validating outputs and handling operational data according to sensitivity and security requirements.
• Applies reuse-first, AI-assisted practices within delivery and automation routines to identify recurring issues and validate remediation options, ensuring changes are traceable/auditable and aligned to resiliency and security expectations.
• Develop and execute a forward-looking vision and strategy for mainframe network engineering, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and technology roadmaps.
• Lead and mentor a team of mainframe network engineers, fostering a high-performance culture focused on technical excellence, innovation and professional growth.
• Oversee the end-to-end design, implementation, and maintenance of mainframe network infrastructure, with a focus on connectivity, security, performance and operational efficiency.
• Ensure the highest levels of availability, disaster recovery and business continuity for all mainframe network operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including application development, infrastructure and security—to support integration, modernization and transformation initiatives.
• Establish, document, and enforce best practices, standards, and compliance requirements for mainframe network engineering.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends and regulatory changes to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge.
• Allocate resources and oversee project timelines to ensure successful delivery of mainframe network engineering initiatives.
• Provide clear, concise and actionable reporting and communication to senior leadership on mainframe network performance, risks and strategic initiatives.

Required qualifications, capabilities, and skills

• Formal training or certification on infrastructure engineering concepts and 5+ years applied experience
• Advanced understanding of TLS protocols, especially TLS 1.3, and their application in securing mainframe network communications. Also understanding of AT-TLS and be able to create solutions with it.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in mainframe network engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or lead engineering role.
• Deep expertise in mainframe network technologies, including IBM z/OS, VTAM, TCP/IP, OSPF, SNA and network security.
• Strong understanding of packet analysis (Wireshark knowledge) and troubleshooting techniques for mainframe network environments.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale mainframe network projects and engineering teams and in-depth knowledge of enterprise IT architecture, infrastructure and operations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with regulatory compliance, risk management and disaster recovery planning.
• Proven ability to drive innovation, adapt to evolving technology‐to be...
• Demonstrated experience using enterprise-authorized AI capabilities within the work environment to support infrastructure engineering workflows with strong validation habits and awareness of data sensitivity.
• Ability to review and validate AI-assisted recommendations before implementation, escalating when uncertain and ensuring outcomes align to resiliency, security and auditability expectations.

Preferred qualifications, capabilities, and skills

• Experience working in financial services, banking, or other highly regulated industries, with a strong understanding of industry‑specific compliance and security requirements.
• Hands‑on experience with cloud integration and mainframe modernization strategies, including hybrid environments.
• Professional certifications in relevant technologies (e.g., IBM Certified Network Professional, Cisco, CompTIA).
• Practical experience with mainframe network services and tools such as Connect:Direct, TPX, Supersession, or Netmaster, including configuration, optimization and troubleshooting.
• Deep familiarity with Agile methodologies, including experience leading teams in Agile environments, driving iterative delivery and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to anticipate issues, assess risks and develop effective solutions for complex network challenges.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with a track record of delivering projects on time.