ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Mainframe Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

US Bank

z/OS Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Lead projects and efforts across multiple teams. Responsibilities Include * Lead the installation ... Administer and support critical mainframe subsystems including JES2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and Db2

Siri InfoSolutions Inc

Pega Test Lead

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

... mainframe environments. ⦁ Strong understanding of claims lifecycle, business rules, and ... Agile, DevOps, and CI/CD environments. ⦁ Excellent communication and stakeholder management ...

Broadcom

R&D Software Engineer

Lisle, IL

The person in this role is expected to technically lead a small team, advising, mentoring, and ... Has mastered the basics of operating as a developer in the IBM mainframe environment; * Experience ...

Info-Ways

Hadoop Developer

Riverwoods, IL

The Senior/Lead Hadoop Developer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, tuning and ... systems/mainframe and vice-versa. 3+ years' experience in Importing and exporting the data using ...

Broadcom

Senior-level Technical Writer

Lisle, IL

Mainframe systems are at the heart of the digital economy, with 80% of the world's structured ... Effectively lead a writing team and coordinate communication with one or more project teams.

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Mainframe Developer JobsLead Mainframe Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Lead Mainframe Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$82.9K

$135K

$176.2K

How much do lead mainframe developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead mainframe developer in Chicago, IL is $134,975.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,500.00 and $149,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Mainframe Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Lead Mainframe Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Mainframe Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Mainframe Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Lead Mainframe Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Mainframe Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 56% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,975 per year, or $64.9 per hour.

Java Tech Architect/Lead (Permanent / Full time )

TecTammina

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Tech Tammina LLC

Job Description

Relevant Experience (Yrs):

7+

Technical/Functional Skills:

At least 7+ years of experience in planning, designing, developing, and maintaining systems on Java, J2EE, Webservices and MVC Solutions. Commercial Insurance background is a plus.


Roles & Responsibilities:

7+ years of IT extensive experience as Architect /Tech Lead / Developer involving analysis, design and implementation of project requirements. 

Experience of integrating applications across variety of technology stack, vendor products, Java/J2EE applications, mainframe applications, etc 

Comprehensive knowledge of Web / Client Server Development using n-tier Architecture. 

Extensive experience in OOAD Techniques developing Class Diagrams, Sequence diagrams, Use Case Diagrams and Activity Diagrams. 

Extensive experience on Java, J2EE, Spring, Struts, Swings ,ESB, Web Services, Ajax, EAI , Web2.0 , Integration and J2EE Design patterns . 

Experience on Hibernate (Object relational Mapping Tool). 

Experience of integrating applications across variety of technology stack, vendor products, Java/J2EE applications, mainframe applications, etc 

Experienced in SOA and Web services using WSDL, SOAP and UDDI, MQ Series, ActiveMQ. 

Experience in Websphere Message Broker 

Experience in J2EE related technologies such as EJB, Servlets, JSP, JMS, JAAS, JTA JAXP, XML and XSLT. 

Experience in Application Servers Web Sphere, JBoss and Web Servers like Tomcat, Sun Java Web server, etc.   

Good understanding in Software Configuration Management using Version Control Software such as PVCS, Rational Clear Case, and responsible for various software version releases.   

Extensive experience on Rapid Application Development using IDE such as, STS (Spring Tool Suite), Eclipse, Borland JBuilder. 

Should have full system life cycle hands-on experience: analysis design, coding, testing, performance tuning, installing, documenting, maintaining, and end-user training. 

Knowledge of Insurance domain will be a added benefit

Generic Managerial/Soft Skills :

Should be an excellent Team player, self-starter, multi tasked, detail oriented. 

Excellent Communication skills.



Qualifications

please share your profile to mdanish(at)1stitsolutions.com

Additional Information

Job Status: Full Time / Permanent
Eligibility: EAD GC/ GC/ US Citizen
Share the Profiles to mdanish(at)1stitsolution.com
Contact: 703 349 1004
Keep the subject line with Job Title and Location

Apply