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Mainframe Applications Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Morristown, NJ · On-site

$50.50 - $64.75/hr

NAVA Software solutions is looking for a Sr. Mainframe Engineer Details: Role: Sr. Mainframe ... Be responsible for building Mainframe applications Qualifications: * 5 - 8 years of relevant ...

Mainframe Developer

Malvern, PA · On-site

$48 - $61.75/hr

Our client is currently seeking a Mainframe Developer 1+ Year Contract Opportunity Malvern, PA ... Experience with debugging across front end applications thru to backend processes and data ...

Senior COBOL /Mainframe Developer

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

Senior COBOL /Mainframe Developer Location: Trenton, NJ (On site) Position Type: Contract In Person ... Perform ongoing maintenance and enhancements to batch and online mainframe applications

New

Mainframe IMS & CICS Developer Location: Wilmington, DE (100% Onsite - 5 Days/Week) Pay Rate: $45 ... Design, develop, maintain, and support enterprise mainframe applications using COBOL, IMS/DB, and ...

Mainframe Assembler

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

... Assembler programming, z/OS, and the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). This role involves developing, maintaining, and optimizing enterprise mainframe applications while ensuring system ...

Showing results 21-40

Mainframe Applications Developer information

See salary details

$10

$48

$66

How much do mainframe applications developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe applications developer in the United States is $48.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.51 and $56.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe applications developer?

A Mainframe Applications Developer is an IT professional who designs, develops, and maintains software applications that run on mainframe computers. Mainframes are powerful computing systems used by large organizations for critical applications, such as banking, insurance, and government systems. These developers typically work with programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and CICS, and ensure that mainframe applications are efficient, secure, and reliable. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting issues, optimizing performance, and supporting system integration with modern technologies.

How does a mainframe applications developer typically collaborate with business analysts and other IT teams during a project?

Mainframe Applications Developers regularly work with business analysts to clarify requirements, translate business needs into technical specifications, and ensure that solutions meet organizational objectives. They often participate in cross-functional meetings with infrastructure, quality assurance, and operations teams to coordinate deployments, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as developers must align their code with broader system architectures and adhere to change management processes. This teamwork ensures smooth project delivery and ongoing system reliability.

What is the difference between Mainframe Applications Developer vs Mainframe Systems Analyst?

AspectMainframe Applications DeveloperMainframe Systems Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like IBM Certified DeveloperBachelor's in Computer Science, certifications like IBM Certified Specialist
Work EnvironmentDevelops and codes mainframe applications, often in COBOL or PL/IAnalyzes system requirements, designs solutions, and supports mainframe systems
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, large corporationsSame industries, focusing on system analysis and optimization
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding development roles in mainframe environmentsUnderstanding analysis and support roles in mainframe systems

The Mainframe Applications Developer primarily focuses on coding and building mainframe applications, while the Mainframe Systems Analyst concentrates on analyzing, designing, and supporting mainframe systems. Both roles are essential in mainframe environments, often working together to ensure system efficiency and functionality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe applications developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Applications Developer, you need strong programming skills in COBOL, JCL, and related legacy languages, along with a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with mainframe operating systems like IBM z/OS, database systems such as DB2, and tools like CICS or IMS is typically required, and certifications from IBM can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for debugging complex code and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are crucial to maintain, modernize, and ensure the reliability of mission-critical mainframe applications in large organizations.
More about Mainframe Applications Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Applications Developer jobs? The most popular types of Mainframe Applications Developer jobs are:
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What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Applications Developer jobs? For Mainframe Applications Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Applications Developer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,800 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Mainframe Application Engineer, Senior

Imagine One Technology & Management Ltd

Charleston, SC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Imagine One Technology & Management, Ltd. is seeking a Senior Mainframe Application Engineer, contingent upon award of the associated work. This position will be based in Charleston, SC.

The Senior Mainframe Application Engineer is responsible for analyzing, planning, designing, and documenting changes to mainframe software applications written in COBOL that execute in batch or online CICS environments within a z/OS-based environment. The engineer formulates or updates Business Information System (BIS) architectures and assists mainframe software sustainers with implementation and testing activities supporting Marine Corps enterprise manpower systems.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Analyze, design, and document updates to COBOL-based mainframe applications.
  • Implement changes to batch and CICS applications within z/OS environments.
  • Architect solutions based on government-provided design requirements.
  • Perform unit testing and support peer reviews.
  • Support Production Trouble Reports (PTRs), SCRs, and FCRs.
  • Provide hour estimates for Software Releases and Standalone SCRs.
  • Analyze and translate DoD pay and personnel business rule logic into secure code.
  • Develop operational and system-level architecture views.
  • Support engineering efforts aligned with MCAAP or other RMF implementations.

Desired Experience:

  • 6+ years engineering enterprise-scale mainframe software applications.
  • 6+ years implementing and updating DoD pay and personnel business rule logic.
  • 4+ years engineering systems within MCAAP or other Risk Management Framework implementations.
  • Experience developing operational and system-level architecture views.

Security Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen.
  • Active Secret clearance required.

Imagine One offers a full package of benefits and competitive salary, excellent group medical, vision, and dental programs. 401K savings plan; $4K annual tuition reimbursement ($5K if pursuing master’s degree); employee training, development, and education programs; profit sharing; advancement opportunities; and much more!

ISO 9001:2015, ISO 20000-1:2018, ISO 27001:2022
CMMI Development and Services - Maturity Level 3
CMMC Level 2 (C3PAO)
An Employee-Owned Business

EEO/Vets/Disabled