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Lead Mainframe Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Mainframe Developer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$53.75 - $69/hr

They are seeking a Lead Mainframe Developer to oversee the implementation and management of large-scale mainframe systems within the financial services industry, ensuring high performance and ...

Lead Mainframe Developer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$53.75 - $69/hr

Responsibilities : • Lead the implementation and management of mainframe systems, ensuring high performance, reliability, and scalability. • Utilize expertise in mainframe technologies such as ...

Lead Mainframe Developer

New York, NY · On-site +1

$126K - $159K/yr

We are looking for a Lead Mainframe Developer to join our amazing Intelligent z Optimization & Transformation group (IZOT) in the AMI data for Db2 Team (fully remote in either US or Canada; we're ...

Mainframe Developer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$51.25 - $65.75/hr

... turn="assistant"> Mainframe developer Remote Required Skills & Experience * 8?12+ years of ... Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor a technical team in a fast-paced, milestone-driven delivery ...

COBOL/Mainframe Developer

Albany, NY · On-site

$48.75 - $62.50/hr

Job Title: COBOL/Mainframe Developer Location: Albany, NY (Onsite) We are currently seeking ... Proven track record as a Lead Programmer, responsible for guiding development teams and overseeing ...

... Programming and Enterprise Mainframe Architecture Deep understanding of Mainframe licensing ... Lead Mainframe Solutions Architect Mainframe Technical Sales Leader Mainframe Consulting Director ...

Mainframe Developer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe SME to lead the mainframe code analysis and reverse engineering phase of large-scale modernization and transformation programs. The ...

Mainframe Developer

New York, NY · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe SME to lead the mainframe code analysis and reverse engineering phase of large-scale modernization and transformation programs. The ...

Mainframe Developer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$51.25 - $65.75/hr

Sr Mainframe developer with Technical Stewardship of defining and enforcing coding standards ... standards lead rigorous code reviews and maintain comprehensive documentation for legacy ...

Mainframe Developer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$120 - $156/hr

Role SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe SME to lead the mainframe code analysis and reverse engineering phase of large-scale modernization and transformation programs. The ...

Lead development, maintenance, and support of tax reporting applications. * Collaborate with ... Design, review, test, and deploy mainframe-based reporting solutions. * Ensure application ...

Mainframe Developer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Write and debug COBOL, JCL, and other mainframe-based programming languages * Perform system ... Lead by experts in the IT industry with a proven record of delivering software solutions ...

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Lead Mainframe Developer information

See salary details

$80.5K

$131K

$171K

How much do lead mainframe developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead mainframe developer in the United States is $131,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead mainframe developer?

Lead Mainframe Developers are senior IT professionals who design, develop, and maintain applications on mainframe computer systems, typically using languages such as COBOL, JCL, or Assembler. They often oversee a team of developers, providing technical guidance, reviewing code, and ensuring best practices are followed. Their responsibilities may also include system analysis, troubleshooting, performance optimization, and collaborating with other teams to ensure mainframe solutions meet business requirements. Lead Mainframe Developers play a crucial role in keeping legacy systems running smoothly and integrating them with modern technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead mainframe developer?

To thrive as a Lead Mainframe Developer, you need deep expertise in mainframe programming languages (such as COBOL, JCL, and PL/I), systems architecture, and a strong background in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with mainframe tools like IBM z/OS, DB2, CICS, and relevant certifications (e.g., IBM Certified System Programmer) are typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills are essential for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure the reliable maintenance, modernization, and integration of critical enterprise systems central to organizational operations.

What are some common challenges faced by lead mainframe developers when coordinating large-scale modernization projects?

Lead Mainframe Developers often encounter challenges such as integrating legacy mainframe systems with modern technologies, ensuring minimal downtime during migrations, and maintaining data integrity throughout the process. They must also manage cross-functional teams, balancing the needs of business stakeholders with technical requirements. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential to navigate these complexities and deliver successful modernization outcomes.

What is the difference between Lead Mainframe Developer vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectLead Mainframe DeveloperMainframe Developer
ResponsibilitiesOversees project teams, designs architecture, mentors staffDevelops, tests, and maintains mainframe applications
Required SkillsAdvanced programming, leadership, project managementCore COBOL, JCL, DB2, basic problem-solving
CertificationsIBM certifications, COBOL certifications often preferredSimilar certifications, but less emphasis on leadership
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, collaboration with multiple departmentsIndividual coding and debugging tasks

The main difference between a Lead Mainframe Developer and a Mainframe Developer lies in their responsibilities and experience level. The Lead typically manages projects, mentors team members, and designs system architecture, while the Mainframe Developer focuses on coding, testing, and maintaining mainframe applications. Both roles require strong COBOL and mainframe skills, but the Lead position demands additional leadership and project management expertise.

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What cities are hiring for Lead Mainframe Developer jobs?

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What states have the most Lead Mainframe Developer jobs?

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Infographic showing various Lead Mainframe Developer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 69% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,025 per year, or $63 per hour.

Lead Mainframe Developer

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

PROLIM Global Corporation
IT Services • 201 - 500 employees

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

Contractor

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Lead Mainframe Developer
Location: Indianapolis, IN / Plano, TX / Boston, MA / Portsmouth, NH/ Seattle, WA - onsite
Duration: 6 months Contract
JD:
Mainframe Application Developer with Strong experience in IBM mainframes, Cobol, IMS DB, DB2, JCL, MQ series & Xpeditor, minimum with 5 to 8 years of experience, No production support profiles.
- Design, Code, test and maintain applications
- Assist Quality Assurance teams in testing applications
- Peer review code and technical documents for other team members
- Participate in On-call rotation to resolve applications failures
- Assist in research and issue resolution for processing of business data
- Monitor and trouble-shoot system performance, resolve issues (on-call issues, performance issues, etc.) and coordinate with respective support teams to resolve software and hardware issues.
- IBM mainframes, Cobol, IMS DB, DB2, JCL, MQ series & Xpeditor
- Self-starter with exceptional initiative.
- Willing to go after work to stretch skill breadth/depth and support team.
- Goes after (pulls) opportunities rather than sitting back waiting for push.
- Strong testing experience (unit, integration, contract)
- Strong communication skills.
- Willing to ask questions; offer recommendations; participate/lead in virtual environment
- Demonstrated quick learner
- Should have good working knowledge of Spring Boot and Git