ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mainframe Architect Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sonsoft Inc

Blue Prism Architect

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Blue Prism Architect with excellent communication skill. Should have designed and delivered project ... mainframe, java, .NEt and ETL. * Worked in onshore and offshore model Qualifications Basic ...

Sonsoft Inc

Blue Prism Architect

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Blue Prism Architect with excellent communication skill. Should have designed and delivered project ... mainframe, java, .NEt and ETL. * Worked in onshore and offshore model Qualifications Basic ...

Broadcom

Mainframe QA Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Key Responsibilities: QA Strategy Architect: o Develop and execute a comprehensive QA strategy that ... Work Experience: 5+ or more years of experience in Mainframe software development or a related ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsMainframe Architect JobsMainframe Architect Jobs in California

Mainframe Architect information

See California salary details

$9

$59

$76

How much do mainframe architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.
More about Mainframe Architect jobs

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Architect jobs in California?

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

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:

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Architect jobs in CA?

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

Mainframe Architect jobs near you
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.

Mainframe Database Administrator (DBA)

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Downey, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Mainframe Database Administrator (DBA)
Downey, CA
12+ months
Position Description:
A Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA is responsible for leading and/or supporting the most complex database upgrade projects, modification, installation, testing, implementation, maintenance and enhancements of new or existing system software products. This classification must plan, install, configure, test, implement and manage core database products, software products in support of the County's database architecture and business needs. Special organizational or functional industry position titles for Systems Programmer/DBA include, but are not limited to, DB2 Systems Programmer/DBA, IMS Systems Programmer/DBA and ADABAS/NATURAL Systems Programmer/DBA.
Skills Required:
The Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA for Legacy Systems manages different types of databases, such as hierarchical (IMS), relational (DB2), and file-based (ADABAS), and is responsible for planning and upgrading the database environments on a County-established basis; verifying the health of all the databases; database administration technical consulting for application and operations teams for the purpose of project planning/development; maintenance on production database systems; performance of technical reviews for existing systems that utilize one of the following database management systems (DBMS): ADABAS, DB2 or IMS; performance of evaluations for the purposes of selecting new or fine-tuning existing DBMS software; consultation with project development teams to provide recommendations on database design; development of logical and physical database designs; creation of overviews of logical database designs; creation of physical databases; database capacity planning; development and use of backup and recovery procedures for databases; database performance monitoring; database space monitoring; database reorganizations; database replication; database compression and database partitioning. The following technology skill sets are required to perform in this classification. IBM: Z/OS, IMS, DB2, ADABAS, SMP/E, JCL, IMS DB/DC, CICS, ACF2, ASSEMBLER/COBOL/REXX, IBM FILE MANAGER, DELTA/IMS, NATURAL/ SUPERNAT, ENTIREX, CA SPOOL, IMS & DB2 BMC Tools, N20/TRIM.
This classification must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a Systems Programming/ DBA, with at least three (3) years of that experience in a lead role.
This classification requires the possession of a bachelor's degree in an IT-related or engineering field.
Skills Preferred:
Z/OS 2.4,HCD/IODEF , Z13S,Z15,SMP/E, ASSEMBLER, JCL, COBOL,ACF2,SYSPLEX coupling facility,, HMC (Processor Interface), OSA (Networking Interface), ICC (Integrated Console Controller), FICON (Fiber connectivity to peripheral devices),z/OS Open System and Unix Systems Services (USS) on the Mainframe. ,CLIST, REXX,, FICON switch configuration and definition in HCD, Server Time Protocol (STP) configuration.
Z/OS upgrade experience, Mainframe hardware upgrade, HCD & HMC Experience, mainframe storage experience are preferred.
Regards
Naresh Damagalla
West Advanced Technologies, Inc
E: naresh.d@wati.com

Apply