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Mainframe Application Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Java Architect

Naperville, IL · On-site

$63 - $85/hr

Job Summary : RIT Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Java Architect to modernize a legacy mainframe application. The role requires significant experience in Java and modern system architecture ...

Mainframe Developer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$51.25 - $65.75/hr

... structures, architectural design patterns and best practices • Banking domain expertise ... Mainframe DB2 - Application Development~IT IS_AMS_Mainframe_DB2 Administration Experience Required ...

Java Architect

Naperville, IL · On-site

$63 - $85/hr

RIT Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Java Architect to modernize a legacy mainframe application. The role involves working closely with offshore teams and executives, designing systems to replace hybrid ...

You'll be in good company amongst our global community of experts leading the future of mainframe ... Create and maintain documentation surrounding the software architecture, application design ...

Application Architect

Lexington, MA · On-site

$250K - $400K/yr

Senior Dynamics 365 Architect Hybrid - Greater Boston, MA About the Opportunity Join a privately ... mainframes. Their engineering bar is exceptionally high and employee tenure is long. They ...

Experience working on various platforms including mainframes, minis, and micros. Responsibilities ... Skills: * Application Development. * System Architecture. * Business Model Analysis. * Logical ...

Minimum 7 years of experience with Client (Application Productivity System) and CICS in a mainframe ... architecture and design for complex tax accounting systems, with a strong focus on COBOL ...

At least 4 years of experience in Mainframe application development, maintenance and testing. * At ... At least 4 years of experience in Design and architecture review. * Ability to analyze, design ...

Preferred At least 4 years of experience in Mainframe application development, maintenance and ... At least 4 years of experience in Design and architecture review. Ability to analyze, design ...

At least 4 years of experience in Mainframe application development, maintenance and testing. * At ... At least 4 years of experience in Design and architecture review. * Ability to analyze, design ...

Preferred At least 4 years of experience in Mainframe application development, maintenance and ... At least 4 years of experience in Design and architecture review. Ability to analyze, design ...

At least 4 years of experience in Mainframe application development, maintenance and testing. * At ... At least 4 years of experience in Design and architecture review. * Ability to analyze, design ...

Preferred At least 4 years of experience in Mainframe application development, maintenance and ... At least 4 years of experience in Design and architecture review. Ability to analyze, design ...

Showing results 41-60

Mainframe Application Architect information

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$10

$60

$77

How much do mainframe application architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe application architect in the United States is $60.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59.38 and $68.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe application architect?

A Mainframe Application Architect is an IT professional responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the architecture of software applications that run on mainframe computers. They ensure that applications are scalable, secure, and efficient, while integrating with legacy systems and new technologies. This role often involves collaborating with business analysts, developers, and system administrators to align application architecture with organizational goals. Mainframe Application Architects also play a key role in modernizing mainframe environments and supporting digital transformation initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe application architect?

To thrive as a Mainframe Application Architect, you need deep expertise in mainframe systems (such as IBM z/OS), application design, and programming languages like COBOL or PL/I, usually backed by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools like IBM DB2, CICS, JCL, and experience with modernization frameworks or mainframe-to-cloud migration tools is often required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help architects collaborate across teams and drive complex projects forward. These competencies are crucial to ensure reliable, scalable, and future-ready mainframe solutions that meet evolving business needs.

What are some common challenges mainframe application architects face when modernizing legacy systems?

Mainframe Application Architects often encounter challenges such as integrating legacy mainframe applications with newer technologies, ensuring minimal downtime during migrations, and maintaining data integrity. Balancing the need for modernization with strict security and compliance requirements is also critical. Additionally, coordinating with cross-functional teams—including business analysts, developers, and operations staff—is vital to ensure successful outcomes and smooth transitions.

What is the difference between Mainframe Application Architect vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectMainframe Application ArchitectMainframe Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field; certifications like IBM Certified Specialist are commonSimilar educational background; certifications like IBM Certified Developer are beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesigns and oversees mainframe application architecture in enterprise settingsDevelops, codes, and tests mainframe applications based on specifications
Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, banking, insurance, and government agenciesCommonly employed in same industries for application development and maintenance

The Mainframe Application Architect focuses on designing and planning mainframe systems, while the Mainframe Developer implements and codes these applications. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What cities are hiring for Mainframe Application Architect jobs?

Cities with the most Mainframe Application Architect job openings:

What states have the most Mainframe Application Architect jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mainframe Application Architect jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Application Architect jobs?

For Mainframe Application Architect jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Application Architect job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,263 per year, or $60.2 per hour.

Mainframe Developer

Jersey City, NJ • On-site

Tata Consultancy Service Limited
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$95K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Tata Consultancy Services rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Must Have Technical/Functional Skills
• Strong hands-on experience with COBOL, JCL, and VSAM for batch application development and maintenance.
• Extensive experience with CICS (online transaction processing), including program design and support.
• Very good working knowledge of DB2 and SQL, including usage of stored procedures.
• Proficient in mainframe file utilities such as IDCAMS, SORT, and IEBGENER.
• Experience using debugging and diagnostic tools such as Fault Analyzer for issue resolution.
• Hands-on experience with job schedulers (CA-11) and batch job monitoring.
• Working knowledge of version control and configuration management tools such as Endevor and ISPW.
• Experience with integration technologies including MQ, Web Services, and z/OS Connect.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end mainframe application architecture, including batch, online, and integration components.
• Ability to work in a multi-technology environment and willingness to understand upstream and downstream systems.
• Good communication skills and ability to collaborate with multiple teams across business and technology.
Roles & Responsibilities
• Gather status updates on assigned deliverables and report progress, risks, and issues to the management team.
• Promptly identify and escalate risks or issues and proactively drive them to resolution.
• Coordinate and facilitate delivery routines such as kick-off meetings, status reviews, and stakeholder discussions.
• Participate in coordination discussions to establish priorities and timelines for deliverables.
• Design, develop, enhance, and support mainframe applications using COBOL, CICS, DB2, and JCL.
• Perform production deployments and provide technical support for applications in production environments.
• Collaborate closely with QA teams, business analysts, project managers, and other technical teams.
• Conduct code reviews, ensure adherence to coding standards, and contribute to application design decisions.
• Support defect resolution, performance tuning, and production issue troubleshooting.
• Work within an Agile delivery model, participating in ceremonies and continuous improvement initiatives.
TCS Employee Benefits Summary:
Discretionary Annual Incentive.
Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Medical & Health, Dental & Vision, Disability Planning & Insurance, Pet Insurance Plans.
Family Support: Maternal & Parental Leaves.
Insurance Options: Auto & Home Insurance, Identity Theft Protection.
Convenience & Professional Growth: Commuter Benefits & Certification & Training Reimbursement.
Time Off: Vacation, Time Off, Sick Leave & Holidays.
Legal & Financial Assistance: Legal Assistance, 401K Plan, Performance Bonus, College Fund, Student Loan Refinancing.
Salary Range: $95,000 - 115,000 a year

What Tata Consultancy Services employees say

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About Tata Consultancy Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that delivers real results to global business, ensuring a level of certainty no other firm can match. TCS offers a consulting-led, integrated portfolio of IT, BPO, infrastructure, engineering, and assurance services. This is delivered through its unique Global Network Delivery Model™, recognized as the benchmark of excellence in software development. TCS delivers a level of certainty that no other firm can match--to our clients and to our employees. Come join us and experience certainty in your career. TCS a global Consulting and IT Services firm that is ranked in the top quartile by industry analysts. Our 2021 fiscal revenues topped $25 B and our market capitalization is over $170+B, yet we have a deep and large history of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. Now approaching 600K of the best IT professionals and consultants, we are a trusted advisor, guiding our clients' enterprises through growth and transformation journeys - helping them to become agile, intelligent, automated and on the cloud. We are devoted to DEI and are recognized as a top employer and place to work.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Edison, NJ, US