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Mainframe Developer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

leeenterprises

Application Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

Lee Enterprises is seeking a skilled Application Developer to design, build, and maintain applications that support our subscription, payment, circulation, and news systems . This role is focused on ...

leeenterprises

Application Developer

Davenport, IA

Lee Enterprises is seeking a skilled Application Developer to design, build, and maintain applications that support our subscription, payment, circulation, and news systems . This role is focused on ...

Lee Enterprises

Application Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

Lee Enterprises is seeking a skilled Application Developer to design, build, and maintain applications that support our subscription, payment, circulation, and news systems . This role is focused on ...

NCR Atleos

Field Service Technician II

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Field Engineer? Service Technician? Or do you want to become a member of this field? Are you tech ... Familiarity with large servers, mainframe computers, and imaging software. * A+ Certification ...

United Fire Group

Application Developer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site +1

United Fire Group is looking for an application developer to join our growing organization. This position will play a critical role in the review, design, development and modification of applications.

Collabera

Application Developer.

Ankeny, IA

Application Developer. Length: 6 month Location: Ankeny, IA, 50021 Description This role is responsible for designing, coding and modifying applications, from layout to function and according to a ...

Bitco Corporation

Senior Software Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site +1

$48.25 - $63.75/hr

BITCO is looking for a Sr. Software Developer to join our fast-paced, forward-thinking Applications Development team. This is more than just a coding job - it's a chance to be on the team that ...

Bitco Corporation

Senior Software Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site +1

$48.25 - $63.75/hr

BITCO is looking for a Sr. Software Developer to join our fast-paced, forward-thinking Applications Development team. This is more than just a coding job - it's a chance to be on the team that ...

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Mainframe Developer information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$50

$67

How much do mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe developer in Iowa is $50.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.23 and $56.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the salary of a mainframe developer?

The salary of a mainframe developer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe security may earn higher compensation.

What is the difference between Mainframe Developer vs Mainframe Analyst?

AspectMainframe DeveloperMainframe Analyst
Primary RoleDesigning, coding, and testing mainframe applicationsAnalyzing and maintaining existing mainframe systems
Skills & CertificationsCOBOL, JCL, DB2, certifications like IBM Certified DeveloperCOBOL, JCL, system analysis, troubleshooting skills
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding in mainframe environmentsSupport teams, system analysis, user support
Industry UsageFinancial services, insurance, government agenciesFinancial institutions, healthcare, government agencies

While Mainframe Developers focus on creating and implementing mainframe applications, Mainframe Analysts primarily analyze, troubleshoot, and maintain existing systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and often work within the same industries, but their core responsibilities differ in development versus support and analysis.

Is mainframe hard to learn?

Mainframe development can be challenging for beginners due to its specialized programming languages like COBOL and its unique environment. However, with dedicated training and practice, many developers can acquire the necessary skills to work effectively on mainframe systems.

What are some common challenges Mainframe Developers face when integrating legacy systems with modern applications?

Mainframe Developers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy systems and newer technologies, managing data migration without disrupting business operations, and maintaining the security of sensitive data. Effective communication with cross-functional teams, such as application developers and infrastructure engineers, is essential to address these challenges. Staying updated on both mainframe and modern programming practices helps ease integration and ensures long-term system reliability.

Is mainframe still in demand?

Mainframe developers are still in demand due to the continued reliance of many large organizations on mainframe systems for critical operations. Skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe security are valuable, and demand persists in industries like finance, insurance, and government. However, the overall number of roles is smaller compared to other modern development environments.

What are Mainframe Developers?

Mainframe Developers are specialized software engineers who design, develop, maintain, and troubleshoot applications on mainframe computer systems, such as IBM's z/OS. They typically work with languages like COBOL, JCL, and CICS, and are responsible for ensuring the performance, security, and reliability of mission-critical business applications. Mainframe Developers are commonly employed in industries like banking, insurance, and government, where large-scale, high-volume transaction processing is essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Developer, you need expertise in programming languages such as COBOL, JCL, and SQL, along with a strong understanding of mainframe operating systems and batch processing concepts. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, DB2, CICS, and version control systems is typically required, and certifications from IBM or related organizations can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help Mainframe Developers excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for maintaining, optimizing, and modernizing legacy systems that are vital to many large organizations’ operations.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe developers work with large-scale, legacy systems that require specialized knowledge of mainframe environments, programming languages, and security protocols. While AI can automate certain tasks like code analysis and testing, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframe developers due to the complexity and critical nature of mainframe systems. Instead, AI tools are used to augment their work and improve efficiency.
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What cities in Iowa are hiring for Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Mainframe Developer job openings:
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Mainframe Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Developer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,283 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Application Developer - Display Systems

Application Developer - Display Systems

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an Entry-Level to Experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Application Developer - Display Systems
This position is associated with the design and development of advanced system displays and the applications each display would contain. Various roles are available that require use of C, C++, QT/QML, and virtual machines that run Linux based operating systems. The developer will be creating robust operating system driven software for advanced displays in conjunction with the display systems team and product testing team.
** Note: This is not an embedded software engineering opportunity.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain software applications and frameworks for Linux-based operating systems that power advanced machine display systems.
  • Implement features, graphical interfaces, and system controls using C, C++, and Qt/QML.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical, systems, and test engineers to define software requirements and system behavior.
  • Work within an Agile development environment to plan, implement, test, and deliver iterative software improvements.
  • Perform peer code reviews, troubleshoot issues, and provide solutions to both software and hardware interface challenges.
  • Develop and execute unit and system-level tests to validate software functionality and performance.
  • Utilize modern development tools such as VS Code, Git, and Linux-based build environments to manage and deliver quality software releases.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of software processes, tools, and practices.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum 2 years of industry experience in software development.
  • Proficiency in Object Oriented Programming. (C++, Java, or C# Preferred)
  • Experience developing in Linux environments using VS Code or similar IDEs.
  • Practical experience with Git or equivalent version control systems.
  • Understanding of UI/UX development principles and application design.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills for both software and system-level issues.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, including cross-functional and international collaboration.
  • Ability to interpret requirements and translate them into efficient, maintainable software solutions

Desired Skills and Attributes
  • Experience with 2D/3D graphics rendering and visualization.
  • Knowledge of OpenGL or OpenCV for display rendering or image processing.
  • Working knowledge of JavaScript or Python for scripting or automation.
  • Experience developing graphical user interfaces using Qt/QML.
  • Exposure to Full Stack Development concepts and frameworks.
  • Familiarity with CAN protocol or other machine communication interfaces.
  • Understanding of MQTT or similar message-based communication systems.
  • Passion for creating innovative software solutions that enhance operator experience in rugged, real-world environments.
  • Collaborative mindset with a proactive approach to learning new technologies and tools.

VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
Salary Range: $65,000-$95,000/year commensurate with experience
Why work for RFA?
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided machine design and engineering services to industry leading customers dating back to 1943. Our primary focus is project based product development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, MN, Satellite office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
We Offer Competitive Benefits:
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plans for Medical Expenses and Dependent Care
  • Extra Time Bonuses
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Holiday Pay
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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