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

Lead Data Scientist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

... Linux, PC, and mainframe computing platforms. * You will deliver analytic insights and ... Advanced programming skills; mastery of a statistical language such as R or SAS; experience using ...

Lead Data Scientist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

... Linux, PC, and mainframe computing platforms. * You will deliver analytic insights and ... Advanced programming skills; mastery of a statistical language such as R or SAS; experience using ...

Lead Data Scientist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

... Linux, PC, and mainframe computing platforms. * You will deliver analytic insights and ... Advanced programming skills; mastery of a statistical language such as R or SAS; experience using ...

... Linux, PC, and mainframe computing platforms. * You will deliver analytic insights and ... Advanced programming skills; mastery of a statistical language such as R or SAS; experience using ...

... Linux, PC, and mainframe computing platforms. * You will deliver analytic insights and ... Advanced programming skills; mastery of a statistical language such as R or SAS; experience using ...

This role collaborates with data scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders to understand ... The incumbent supports various mainframe, Lotus Notes, stand-alone applications, divisional ...

This role collaborates with data scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders to understand ... Produces requirements for mainframe reports, time lines, and graphics using advanced functions of a ...

This role collaborates with data scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders to understand ... Produces requirements for mainframe reports, time lines, and graphics using advanced functions of a ...

Global Senior IT Auditor

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

... lead all aspects of end-to-end internal audits to validate that controls are adequate and ... mainframes and midrange operating systems, middleware, networks, software/source code, data ...

Global Senior IT Auditor

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

... lead all aspects of end-to-end internal audits to validate that controls are adequate and ... mainframes and midrange operating systems, middleware, networks, software/source code, data ...

Showing results 41-59

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 7, 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 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:
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.

Lead Data Scientist

Trans Union LLC

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

TransUnion's Job Applicant Privacy Notice
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Team Overview
This role reports into a Director of Data Science & Analytics. The Financial Services Analytics team is an industry recognized, client-facing department that rewards an entrepreneurial spirit. We have deep technical expertise and an established reputation as an analytic solutions provider in the Financial Services industry. We have a wealth of data and industry experience within our large group of highly-trained analysts, statisticians, engineers, and economists. We also have a modern computing environment based on best-in-class "big data" technologies and the freedom to explore new data sources and statistical and machine learning methodologies. All of these resources will enable you to help us deliver next-generation analytic solutions for our customers.
This position is responsible for developing credit risk management and business intelligence analytic solutions through consulting engagements and research serving TransUnion's clients. This position requires an understanding of US consumer lending and credit risk management practices. This is a hybrid position and involves regular performance of job responsibilities virtually as well as in-person at an assigned TU office location for a minimum of two days a week.
Role Overview and Core Responsibilities
  • You will partner with internal and external cross-functional teams to drive new business initiatives and deliver long term value-added product propositions for B2B customers in the US financial services segment at TransUnion. This includes but is not limited to the development of predictive risk management and business intelligence solutions for credit card issuers, auto & mortgage lenders, collections agencies and retail banks.
  • You will lead analytic client engagements involving descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analysis through the consumer lending portfolio lifecycle, leveraging a variety of techniques (e.g., segmentation, logistic regression, survival analysis, principal component analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, scenario and sensitivity analysis).
  • You will design and write programs for data extraction, segmentation and statistical analysis on large population datasets using languages such as R, SAS, SQL, Hive, and Pig on Linux, PC, and mainframe computing platforms.
  • You will deliver analytic insights and recommendations in succinct and compelling presentations for internal and external customers and an executive audience.
  • You will develop project proposals, sales presentations and promotional collateral to enable the adoption of integrated customer solutions supported by TransUnion.
  • You will identify strategies and opportunities for customers to test and adopt TransUnion's analytic products and services.
  • You will provide mentorship and training to junior colleagues and maintain progress on all initiatives under limited direct supervision.
  • You will foster a high performance culture and cultivate an environment that promotes excellence and reflects the TransUnion brand.

Required Knowledge and Experiences
  • Master's or PhD degree in statistics, applied mathematics, financial mathematics, engineering, operations research, or another highly quantitative field. A track record of academic excellence
  • At least four (4) years of professional experience performing analytic work in Financial Services or related industries
  • Multiple examples of demonstrated success in client-facing roles over a period of at least three (3) years
  • Advanced programming skills; mastery of a statistical language such as R or SAS; experience using other programming and data manipulation languages (SQL, Hive, Pig, Python, C/C++, Java); familiarity with relational, MPP, and/or Hadoop data management frameworks; proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
  • Versatile interpersonal and communication style with the ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels within and outside the organization; ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments effectively

We're also looking for the preferred skills below. Whether you are proficient or could use some brushing up, we're happy to support your development in :
  • An understanding of current industry challenges and trends at the level needed to proactively identify customers' analytical needs and related business opportunities

Pay Scale Information :
The U.S. base salary range for this position is $100,000 - $160,000 annually. *The salary range for this position reflects a reasonable estimate of the range of compensation for this job. At TransUnion, actual compensation is based on careful consideration of additional factors such as (but not limited to) an individual's education, training, work experience, job-related skill set, location, and industry knowledge, as well as the scope and responsibilities of the position and market considerations.
Regular, fulltime non-sales positions may be eligible to participate in TransUnion's annual bonus plan. Certain positions may be also eligible for long-term incentives and other payments based on applicable company guidance and plan documents.
Benefits that support every part of your life:
At TransUnion, we design benefits to help you feel well, do well, and plan well-from day one.
For Your Health: Enjoy day-one eligibility for medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus supplemental plan options. Spousal, domestic partner, and other eligible dependent coverage is available on select plans. Choose tax-advantaged HSA and FSA accounts to make everyday care more affordable.
For Your Protection: We've got your back with company-paid basic life and AD&D, optional voluntary life and AD&D for you and your family, and short- and long-term disability. You can also opt into a legal plan, pet insurance, and travel accident coverage.
For Your Family: From adoption assistance and fertility planning coverage to caregiver support, we're here for every chapter. Access Dependent Care FSA for possibility of an employer match, a complimentary Care@Work membership, and up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave with eligibility for a thoughtful, gradual return.
For Your Future: Build toward what's next with our 401(k) with employer match and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Tap financial wellness resources, career coaching, and optional long-term care insurance to plan confidently.
For You: Grow and recharge with tuition reimbursement, flexible time off for exempt employees or paid time off for nonexempt employees, up to 12 paid holidays per year, commuter benefits, employee discounts, charitable gift matching, and paid volunteer time off, plus corporate volunteer events that make it easy to give back.
For Your Wellness: Access 24/7 support including professional therapy, coaching, and emotional well-being programs alongside guided meditation and resources that support physical, mental, social, and financial wellness.
We are committed to being a place where diversity is not only present, it is embraced. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, TransUnion takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in all levels of employment and develops annual affirmative action plans. Components of TransUnion's Affirmative Action Program for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are available for review to any associate or applicant for employment upon request by contacting .
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.
Adherence to Company policies, sound judgment and trustworthiness, working safely, communicating respectfully, and safeguarding business operations, confidential and proprietary information, and the Company's reputation are also essential expectations of this position.
TransUnion Overview:
At TransUnion, we encourage and are committed to creating a real, positive impact and shared sense of purpose within our Workforce for Good, which empowers our people to grow, innovate and contribute to a better future for our communities and customers. We strive to build an environment where our associates are in the driver's seat of their professional development- while having access to help along the way. We recognize that success comes when our associates thrive both professionally and personally; that's why we prioritize work/life flexibility and offer resources for our teams across the globe to collaborate and drive excellence.
Be a part of our Workforce for Good - you'll work with great people, pioneering products and cutting-edge technology.
TransUnion's Internal Job Title:
Sr Consultant, Data Science and Analytics
Company:
TransUnion LLC