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Junior Mainframe Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Java Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$57 - $72.50/hr

... mainframe operating systems for IBM mainframes that queries and retrieves data using SQL, JNDI ... junior/mid-level developers. • All other duties as assigned or directed. Qualifications

Junior Mainframe Operator information

What is a junior mainframe operator?

A Junior Mainframe Operator is responsible for monitoring and maintaining mainframe computer systems to ensure smooth operation. They assist in running batch jobs, troubleshooting system issues, and performing routine maintenance tasks under supervision. Their role often includes responding to system alerts, maintaining logs, and escalating problems to senior operators or IT teams. This position is typically entry-level and provides a foundation for advancing into more technical mainframe roles.

What does a junior mainframe operator do?

As a Junior Mainframe Operator, your daily responsibilities typically include monitoring system performance, running batch jobs, troubleshooting minor errors, and escalating complex issues to senior team members. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that scheduled processes execute correctly, assisting with backups, and maintaining detailed records of system events. Collaboration with other IT professionals, such as system administrators and application support teams, is common to ensure seamless business operations. Over time, you'll have opportunities to take on greater responsibilities, such as handling advanced troubleshooting or learning to script automated tasks. This role provides a strong foundation for advancing into more senior mainframe or systems administration positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior mainframe operator?

To thrive as a Junior Mainframe Operator, you need a foundational understanding of computer systems, basic programming or scripting knowledge, and a high school diploma or associate degree in IT or a related field. Familiarity with mainframe environments such as IBM z/OS, job control language (JCL), and monitoring tools like TSO/ISPF or SDSF is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills will help you excel in this role. These skills ensure efficient mainframe operations, minimize downtime, and facilitate productive teamwork within IT departments.

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For Junior Mainframe Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Mainframe Operator jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Mainframe Operator jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Junior Mainframe Operator jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Junior Mainframe Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Mainframe Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Mainframe Computer Operator - High-Speed Print Operations

Connexus Hub

Washington, DC • On-site

$41.15/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

About the role
Connexus Hub is building a team to run mainframe data center operations for a federal agency in downtown Washington, DC. This is hands-on production operations work in a high-volume print environment, not a help desk and not a systems engineering role. The Lead runs the shift: same duties as the operators, plus responsibility for how the shift goes.


Shift 1: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Mon-Fri | Shift 2: 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM, Mon-Fri

Location: Washington, DC 20401. On-site, 100%. Not remote or hybrid


What you will do
Operate and maintain high-speed laser printers, impact printers and bursters in a mainframe data center
Set up printers from mainframe console instructions; load paper, toner and developer; swap forms and media
Submit, schedule, monitor and track jobs using JCL within TSO; troubleshoot in TSO/ISPF
Monitor and respond to console and error messages, and restart or recover jobs as needed
Pull, organize and distribute completed print output to end users on schedule
Communicate directly with the operating system and printer maintenance vendors when hardware or system faults occur
Unload paper and form stock, keep the printer area clean and organized, and notify the baling room when recycle bins fill
Support Production Control staff and provide day-to-day leadership, training and coverage decisions on shift


What you need
Direct hands-on experience with high-speed laser printers, impact printers and burster equipment.
Working command of TSO/ISPF and JCL for job submission, monitoring, restart and recovery
Experience leading or training junior operators on a shift
Reliable attendance on a fixed shift, including the 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM swing shift
High school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree preferred
Able to lift and move boxes of paper and form stock, and to stand and walk for most of a shift
US work authorization and ability to pass a federal suitability check and badging


Nice to have
Prior work in a federal or government print or publishing operation
z/OS, JES2 or JES3 exposure
Experience with report distribution systems and forms management