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Mainframe Architect Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SYSVIEW, OPS/MVS, NetMaster, Mainframe Application Tuner, etc., that is, a specialist of the ... architectural design and development of applied systems and software services. Additional ...

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Mainframe Architect information

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$76

How much do mainframe architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe architect in California is $59.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58.61 and $68.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe architect?

Mainframe Architects are IT professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the architecture of mainframe computer systems within an organization. They ensure the mainframe's reliability, scalability, and security to support critical business operations. Their role often includes evaluating new technologies, optimizing system performance, and coordinating integration with other IT systems. Mainframe Architects work closely with developers, system administrators, and business stakeholders to align mainframe strategies with organizational goals.

What is mainframe architecture?

Mainframe architecture is the design of mainframe computers used for large-scale computing applications, such as data storage or customer statistics, as well as processing other types of bulk information. As a mainframe architect, your primary duties include designing mainframes (including servers) and ensuring that hardware and software work in harmony. The career typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer architecture, or a similar field and relevant work experience. You may also obtain professional certification, such as from the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), to demonstrate your expertise and boost your job prospects. Additional qualifications include strong programming skills and analytical problem-solving ability.

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

To thrive as a Mainframe Architect, you need deep expertise in mainframe systems (such as IBM z/OS), enterprise architecture principles, and extensive experience in legacy modernization or integration, usually backed by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools like COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, and modern middleware, as well as certifications such as IBM Certified System Architect, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help you navigate complex environments and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial to ensure efficient, secure, and scalable mainframe solutions that align with business goals.

How does a mainframe architect typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale modernization projects?

Mainframe Architects play a central role in modernization projects by acting as a bridge between legacy mainframe teams, application developers, and business stakeholders. They frequently host technical workshops, contribute to strategy sessions, and ensure that mainframe integrations align with broader enterprise architecture goals. Effective collaboration involves translating business requirements into scalable technical designs and mentoring teams on best practices for mainframe and hybrid environments. This collaborative approach helps streamline project delivery and fosters a culture of continuous learning within the organization.

What is the difference between Mainframe Architect vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectMainframe ArchitectMainframe Developer
Required CertificationsIBM Certified Solution Architect, z/OS certificationsIBM Certified Application Developer, z/OS certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigns and oversees mainframe systems, works on architecture and planningDevelops, codes, and tests mainframe applications
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, large enterprisesFinancial services, insurance, retail, and other sectors using mainframes

The Mainframe Architect focuses on designing and planning mainframe systems, ensuring they meet organizational needs. In contrast, the Mainframe Developer implements these designs by coding and testing applications. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in industries relying on mainframe technology, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

Are mainframe architect jobs in demand?

Mainframe architect jobs are in demand due to the continued reliance of large organizations on legacy systems for critical operations. These roles require expertise in mainframe technologies, system architecture, and often involve managing COBOL, JCL, and mainframe security. The demand persists as many companies maintain mainframe environments for stability and compliance, though the overall market is gradually evolving with emerging technologies.

What does a mainframe architect do?

A mainframe architect designs, develops, and maintains large-scale mainframe systems used by organizations for critical applications. They analyze business requirements, create system architecture, and ensure the stability, security, and performance of mainframe environments, often working with tools like COBOL, JCL, and z/OS. Strong knowledge of system integration, security protocols, and relevant certifications are typically required.

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Architect jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Architect jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Architect job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,623 per year, or $59.4 per hour.

Sr Mainframe Technical Consultant

Broadcom

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Broadcom rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 161 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Please Note:

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Job Description:

A senior individual of the highest technical skill and experience in a broad range of mainframe infrastructure software. Displaying a broad range of disciplines, environments, and best practices within the mainframe operations practice or, the individual may possess skills and highly technical experience in Broadcom Software mainframe products e.g. SYSVIEW, OPS/MVS, NetMaster, Mainframe Application Tuner, etc., that is, a specialist of the highest technical caliber. The senior consultant provides assistance and recommendations to management and clients on infrastructure topics pertaining to the architectural design and development of applied systems and software services. Additional capabilities such as REXX, COBOL, or HLASM coding to enhance further capabilities/exits of the Sr. consultant is a requirement for this position. Ability to travel to client sites is required for this position.

Key Responsibilites:

This position must be seen by the customer as bringing tangible value in terms of experience, knowledge and expertise. This is achieved through a combination of broad real-world experience and IT industry-specific certifications. Overall, this position is responsible for delivering positive, quantifiable results for Broadcom measured across five primary areas:

Customer Focus: Effectively and compellingly communicate Broadcom's key capabilities to address customer and partner needs

Financial Targets: Meet or exceed Broadcom's stated financial quotas and targets

Internal Business Processes: Demonstrate mastery with Broadcom's internal processes, systems and support structure

Professional Development: Demonstrate high-level proficiency and skill

Leadership, Teamwork and Planning:Collaborate with, and effectively run virtual team(s)

Customer Focus

  • Assist the Broadcom Account Director, Solution Architect, and/or Partner Account Director in technically qualifying solutions and their benefits to customers and/or partners.
  • Work closely with the account team and the customer or partner to obtain a deep understanding of the customer's technology needs or partner's offerings and architect a solution to meet them.
  • Build relationships across customer's or partner's IT silos and offerings to understand, build, document and share our knowledge of their infrastructure, challenges and potential technical impact of planned projects.
  • Understand and act as a valued resource early and often within the customer's decision- making process (e.g.: during the idea or conceptual stages).
  • Execute and/or coordinate complex product integration demonstrations and proofs of concept, customizing the demonstrations as necessary to address the customer's specific needs and environment.
  • Maintain a deep technical knowledge of the products developed by the mainframe division of Broadcom.
  • Provide technical specifications and requirements documentation as necessary to support the proposed solution.
  • Effectively position and present the benefits of Broadcom's solutions and specifically how our solutions will support the client's technical and functional requirements.
  • Provide technical leadership and oversight during Trials, Proof-of-Concept (POCs), complex demos, etc., as warranted.
  • Ensure technical requirements required by the proposed solution are clearly communicated to and understood by the client and meet the client's expectations.
  • Effectively communicate Broadcom's key competitive differentiators, by solution as defined by Broadcom product groups.
  • Foster and build relationships with customers and partners to develop references.
  • Strive to constantly improve the quality of all customer interactions.

Primary Functions:

  • Analyzes user and data requirements and provides related solution modeling and implementation.
  • Reviews proposed solution plans for Broadcom Software infrastructure products and related actionable results.
  • Evaluates solution design, upgrade, conversion from other infrastructure products and implementation approaches.
  • Conducts hardware/software comparative evaluations as they relate to infrastructure solutions.
  • Technical solution trouble shooter and post implementation support.
  • Possess in principle, an understanding of the major subsystems such as JES, CICS, MQ series, DB2, IMS, and VSAM.
  • Possess in principle, an understanding of the enterprise security managers such as ACF2, TSS, and RACF.
  • Acts as consultant in studying and recommending actions on a wide variety of technical areas regarding infrastructure management, providing guidance to customer management and technical resources.
  • Communicates current innovations and trends in infrastructure management solutions.
  • Technical consultant and reference source.
  • Ability to implement or upgrade a broad range of Broadcom Software infrastructure products such as SYSVIEW, OPS/MVS, NetMaster, Mainframe Application Tuner, Common Services, etc.
  • Ability to script or code quick implementation to solve conversion from other products

Technical Skills:

  • Understanding of mainframe infrastructure management concepts and practice
  • Understanding and implementation of Broadcom Software mainframe products or similar.
  • Proficient with REXX and/or HLASM programming languages
  • 10+ years' experience with Broadcom Software mainframe products or similar
  • 10+ years' experience with z/OS
  • Familiarity with BMC, IBM, and Rocket mainframe products a plus
  • Experience with z/VSE and z/VM a big plus but not required

Communication Skills:

Ability to listen to client requirements and organize them into a list of business needs and objectives

Ability to provide written communication back to the project manager and customer regarding build and integrate instructions, assigned task status, and ability to communicate through channels such as knowledge transfer instructions to run the solution after implementation is complete.

Ability to follow a communication plan established by the project manager

Ability to document clearly all the aspects listed above and ability to clearly communicate in writing project statuses, task status and communicate in writing build and integration result from implementations.

Ability to do technical presentations and product demonstrations internally and externally

Key Requirements:

Bachelors and 8+ years of related experience; at this level postgraduate coursework may be desirable or Masters degree and 6+ years of related experience

Additional Job Description:

Compensation and Benefits

The annual base salary range for this position is$100,000 - 160,000

This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in accordance with relevant plan documents, and equity in accordance with equity plan documents and equity award agreements.

Broadcom offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401(K) participation including company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company paid holidays, paid sick leave and vacation time. The company follows all applicable laws for Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

Broadcom is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability status, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We will also consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records consistent with local law.

If you are located outside USA, please be sure to fill out a home address as this will be used for future correspondence.


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