1

Mainframe Architect Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Mainframe Systems Engineer III candidate must have experience in one or more of the following ... architectural governance, standards and policies. Key responsibilities include facilitating ...

Basic knowledge of mainframe operational tools (Tivoli, CA-Sysview, Omegamon) * Experience with distributed, multi-platform architecture * Experience with high volume production systems * 1-5 years ...

USPS Solutions Architect

Saint Paul, MN

$63.75 - $84/hr

IBM Mainframe systems programming and administration experience within the past five years. * Strong experience with DT storage. * DLM experience is required. Required Qualifications: * Performs ...

New

... architectural best practices; considers scalability, reliability and performance of systems ... Experience with COBOL development, debugging, and maintenance across complex mainframe applications

Participate in the design and management of IP addressing, network architecture, and mainframe integration with enterprise infrastructure. * Support software implementation, maintenance, and upgrades ...

AVP, Infrastructure

Duluth, MN · On-site

$185 - $195/hr

... Architecture, and other technology teams to reduce engineering bottlenecks and accelerate delivery. Provide strategic oversight for managed services and modernization initiatives within the Mainframe ...

Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$75.75 - $94.69/hr

Provide additional engineering capacity for Mainframe Data Archival and Retention of entire ... Experience with modular monorepo architecture * Experience working on framework-free codebases

Computer literate (PC and/or computer mainframe/architecture). * Proficiency in soldering and circuit board repairs. * Some Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools and suite. * Fluency in English

Software Engineer I - Mainframe (Cobol)

Hopkins, MN · On-site

$49.75 - $64/hr

... to architectural best practices; considers scalability, reliability and performance of systems/contexts affected when defining technical designs - Performs analysis on failures, propose design ...

Showing results 21-40

Mainframe Architect information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$58

$76

How much do mainframe architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe architect in Minnesota is $58.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58.17 and $67.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 companies seek to modernize while maintaining their core mainframe infrastructure.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Mainframe Architect jobs in Minnesota? For Mainframe Architect jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Architect jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Architect jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Architect job openings in Minnesota 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 $122,684 per year, or $59 per hour.

Director of Architecture - Card Processing Platform

US Bank

Hopkins, MN • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


U.S. Bank rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 171 rated banks


Job description

At U.S. Bank, we're on a journey to do our best. Helping the customers and businesses we serve to make better and smarter financial decisions and enabling the communities we support to grow and succeed. We believe it takes all of us to bring our shared ambition to life, and each person is unique in their potential. A career with U.S. Bank gives you a wide, ever-growing range of opportunities to discover what makes you thrive at every stage of your career. Try new things, learn new skills and discover what you excel at-all from Day One.

Job Description

Job Summary

U.S. Bank is seeking a highly experienced technology leader to serve as the Director of Architecture for a critical card processing platform supporting Consumer and Small Business customers in a highly regulated, always-on environment.

This role leads the architecture function, overseeing a team of architects responsible for designing and guiding complex payment solutions across a hybrid technology landscape. The Director will drive architecture strategy, solution design, and feasibility decisions across new product initiatives and business opportunities.

This is a technical leadership role, focused on architecture design and decision-making-not engineering execution-requiring strong expertise across mainframe and modern technology stacks (distributed systems, cloud, APIs, and microservices).

What You'll Do

Architecture Leadership

  • Lead and develop a team of architects responsible for end-to-end architecture across ICS initiatives
  • Establish architectural direction across mainframe, API, distributed systems, and cloud environments
  • Drive consistency, quality, scalability, and governance in architecture practices

Solution Design & Feasibility

  • Oversee high-level solution design, feasibility assessments, and effort sizing for new products and business initiatives
  • Partner with business and technology stakeholders to define scalable, viable architecture approaches prior to development

Cross-Platform Architecture & Strategy

  • Drive architecture across a hybrid, multi-technology environment, including:
    • Mainframe platforms (core system of record)
    • Distributed systems and application services
    • API and integration architecture
    • Cloud and microservices-based platforms
  • Ensure solutions balance modernization, scalability, resiliency, and platform stability

Cross-Functional Partnership

  • Collaborate closely with Product, Engineering, and Business leaders to shape solutions
  • Translate business needs into clear, scalable architectural designs
  • Partner with Enterprise Architecture and platform teams to ensure alignment to broader strategy

Technical Leadership & Decision-Making

  • Provide oversight of conceptual architecture design across systems and integrations
  • Drive technical tradeoff decisions and long-term architecture strategy
  • Influence senior stakeholders through clear, executive-level communication

Basic Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in software engineering, architecture, or related roles
  • Experience leading architecture teams or senior-level architects
  • Deep expertise in designing across:
    • Mainframe systems (required)
    • Distributed systems and application architectures
    • APIs and integration patterns
    • Cloud, microservices, and modern architecture patterns (e.g., domain-driven design, event-driven architecture)
  • Experience supporting complex, high-availability platforms (e.g., payments, financial services, or similar)
  • Ability to lead across legacy and modern technology environments simultaneously
  • Experience with solution feasibility, sizing, or pre-development architecture work

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Experience supporting payments or card processing platforms
  • Experience in highly regulated, mission-critical environments
  • Exposure to cloud transformation and hybrid architecture strategies
  • Strong executive communication and stakeholder influence skills

What Sets This Role Apart

  • Leads architecture strategy and design, not delivery execution
  • Owns architecture across both legacy and modern platforms
  • Operates at the intersection of technology, product, and business strategy
  • Plays a critical role in modernizing a core, enterprise-scale platform

Location Expectation

This role requires working from a U.S. Bank location three (3) or more days per week.

If there's anything we can do to accommodate a disability during any portion of the application or hiring process, please refer to ourdisability accommodations for applicants.

Benefits:

Our approach to benefits and total rewards considers our team members' whole selves and what may be needed to thrive in and outside work. That's why our benefits are designed to help you and your family boost your health, protect your financial security and give you peace of mind. Our benefits include the following:

  • Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)

  • Basic term and optional term life insurance

  • Short-term and long-term disability

  • Pregnancy disability and parental leave

  • 401(k) and employer-funded retirement plan

  • Paid vacation (from two to five weeks depending on salary grade and tenure)

  • Up to 11 paid holiday opportunities

  • Adoption assistance

  • Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 80 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law

Review our full benefits available by employment status here.

U.S. Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, and other factors protected under applicable law.

E-Verify

U.S. Bank participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program in all facilities located in the United States and certain U.S. territories. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about theE-Verify program.

The salary range reflects figures based on the primary location, which is listed first. The actual range for the role may differ based on the location of the role. In addition to salary, U.S. Bank offers a comprehensive benefits package, including incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase 401(k) contribution and pension (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). Pay Range: $143,905.00 - $169,300.00

U.S. Bank will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment. U.S. Bank conducts background checks consistent with applicable local laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act as well as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. U.S. Bank is subject to, and conducts background checks consistent with the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA). In addition, certain positions may also be subject to the requirements of FINRA, NMLS registration, Reg Z, Reg G, OFAC, the NFA, the FCPA, the Bank Secrecy Act, the SAFE Act, and/or federal guidelines applicable to an agreement, such as those related to ethics, safety, or operational procedures.

Applicants must be able to comply with U.S. Bank policies and procedures including the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and related workplace conduct and safety policies.

Posting may be closed earlier due to high volume of applicants.


What U.S. Bank employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


U.S. Bank logo

About U.S. Bank

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

U.S. Bank is a reputable and established financial institution that plays a significant role in the banking sector. With a history spanning over 150 years, U.S. Bank has built a strong foundation of trust and reliability. As a comprehensive bank, they offer a wide array of financial products and services to cater to the diverse needs of their customers, including individuals, businesses, and communities. Customer satisfaction is of utmost importance to U.S. Bank. They prioritize delivering exceptional service and fostering long-term relationships with their clients. Through their extensive network of branches and advanced digital banking platforms, U.S. Bank ensures convenient access to their services, empowering customers to manage their finances efficiently and securely.

Industry

Banking and credit intermediation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1863

Social media