1

Mainframe Developer Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Manager

Toronto, ON · Remote

CA$70K - CA$165K/yr

At Capgemini Engineering, the world leader in engineering services, we bring together a global team ... About the Job You're Considering We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Manager to lead and ...

Software Engineer II (Mainframe)

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$81K - CA$115K/yr

May also be accountable for complex programming / coding. * Requires IBM Mainframe applications systems knowledge and business knowledge. Ability to support a range of initiatives varying in size ...

You hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Architecture, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field, and have expertise in mainframe platforms, cloud technologies, and ...

Support developers with regards to database topics (SQL-queries, IMS DLI calls, tools usage etc ... Knowledge of Mainframe programming languages and MQ and/or Db2 Connect * Scripting experience with ...

Support developers with regards to database topics (SQL-queries, IMS DLI calls, tools usage etc ... Knowledge of Mainframe programming languages and MQ and/or Db2 Connect * Scripting experience with ...

Support developers with regards to database topics (SQL-queries, IMS DLI calls, tools usage etc ... Knowledge of Mainframe programming languages and MQ and/or Db2 Connect * Scripting experience with ...

Support developers with regards to database topics (SQL-queries, IMS DLI calls, tools usage etc ... Knowledge of Mainframe programming languages and MQ and/or Db2 Connect * Scripting experience with ...

We are seeking a skilled Mainframe "File-Manager" Expert to join our dynamic team and contribute to the development of a comprehensive course. The ideal candidate will have in-depth expertise in File ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Mainframe Developer information

See Ontario salary details

$29

$50

$69

How much do mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe developer in Ontario is $50.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.79 and $56.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Ontario? The most popular types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Ontario are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Developer jobs in Ontario look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Developer jobs in Ontario are:
What cities in Ontario are hiring for Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities in Ontario with the most Mainframe Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Developer job openings in Ontario as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,312 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Software Engineer (Mainframe)

Sun Life Financial

Toronto, ON • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 260 rated insurance


Job description

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you'll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

We're evolving how we attract and engage with our clients, and as a Mainframe Software Engineer on our team, you'll design, develop, support, and analyze large-scale applications and systems. This is a hands-on role focused on building high-quality solutions while growing your technical depth and contributing to meaningful client experiences.

This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment, values learning and continuous improvement, and can adapt to changing priorities while maintaining delivery quality.

Own Your Contributions

  • Break down and analyze application requirements into well-scoped work items
  • Design and develop mainframe applications under the guidance of senior engineers
  • Identify risks and raise them early to protect delivery timelines
  • Make sound technical decisions aligned with team standards and long-term maintainability
  • Contribute to maintaining the health, reliability, and evolvability of existing systems

Build and Learn

  • Contribute to end-to-end application development using modern mainframe tools (IBM IDz, zDevOps, VS Code, Zowe, GitHub Copilot)
  • Write production-quality COBOL code with appropriate testing and documentation
  • Learn and apply lightweight engineering practices that balance speed and quality
  • Stay current with emerging technologies and AI-assisted development tools

Collaborate Effectively

  • Work with peers, senior engineers, and stakeholders to deliver solutions
  • Clearly communicate progress, risks, and trade-offs
  • Contribute to improving client and developer experience through collaboration
  • Share knowledge with peers and contribute to improving team practices and standards

What You Bring

  • 3 - 5 years of experience in mainframe application development
  • Working knowledge of zOS / OS/390 environments
  • Experience with TSO/ISPF, DB2, IMS, JCL, and COBOL
  • Understanding of MQ and middleware concepts
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills
  • Familiarity with Git, Bitbucket, Jenkins, and zDevOps pipelines is a plus
  • Experience with agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban is an asset
  • As this position is posted in several locations, we specify that bilingualism (French, English, both oral and written) is required for Quebec only for the frequent interactions with English and French-speaking colleagues or internal partners across Canada or worldwide.

Product Mindset

  • You think in terms of client and business outcomes
  • You're comfortable learning through iteration and feedback
  • You value ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement

Why This Role

  • Opportunity to contribute to systems that support clients' well being
  • Work within a collaborative and inclusive engineering culture
  • Ongoing learning through coaching, training, and hands-on experience
  • Access to modern development tooling and a supportive team environment

Notes / Operational Expectations

Occasional offhours or weekend support may be required during key production activities; participation in an oncall rotation may apply

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors. In addition to Base Pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance. Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results.

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our Clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to thebrightside@sunlife.com.

We are proud to be a hybrid organization that offers our employees the choice and flexibility to work from both the office and virtually based on the needs of the business, our Clients and you! Several work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

We may use artificial intelligence to support candidate sourcing, screening, interview scheduling.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Salary Range:

65,000/65 000 - 105,000/105 000

Job Category:

IT - Application Development

Posting End Date:

11/06/2026

What Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom