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Mainframe Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Java Mainframe Developer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$57.50 - $73.25/hr

Java Developer Location: Remote Type: Contract Responsibilities * Design, develop, and enhance complex software applications supporting mission-critical, time-sensitive initiatives focused on ...

Mainframe Platform Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.75 - $63.75/hr

C. is seeking a Senior Mainframe Platform Engineer to act as the client-side technical SME for the enterprise mainframe platform. The role involves governance, operational oversight, change ...

Mainframe Platform Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.75 - $63.75/hr

Alpha Consulting Corp. is seeking a Senior Mainframe Platform Engineer to act as the client-side technical SME for the enterprise mainframe platform. The role involves governance, operational ...

Senior Mainframe Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site +1

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 7 years of work experience in mainframe CICS and / or WebSphere MQ systems programming. This position is eligible for the TalentQuest employee referral ...

Senior Mainframe Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 7 years of work experience in mainframe CICS and / or WebSphere MQ systems programming. This position is eligible for the TalentQuest employee referral ...

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Mainframe Infra Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$61 - $65/hr

Mainframe Infra Engineer Location: McLean, VA Duration: TBD Employment Type: Contract role on W-2 through Above and Beyond Talent Acquisition, Inc. (A&B Talent) Work Arrangement : Hybrid - McLean, VA ...

Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$48.50 - $62.25/hr

Engineering as a Service provides complete design, implementation, and technology operations ... As an experienced Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager ,you will have the ability to share new ideas ...

Senior Mainframe Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 7 years of work experience in mainframe CICS and / or WebSphere MQ systems programming. This position is eligible for the TalentQuest employee referral ...

Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager

Mclean, VA · Hybrid

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Engineering as a Service provides complete design, implementation, and technology operations ... As an experienced Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager ,you will have the ability to share new ideas ...

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Mainframe Developer information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$52

$71

How much do mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe developer in Virginia is $52.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.73 and $60.05 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.
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Developer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Developer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Mainframe Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Developer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,074 per year, or $52.9 per hour.
Mainframe Programmer 5-Natural

Mainframe Programmer 5-Natural

Ask IT consulting

Richmond, VA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Position : Programmer 5 - Natural (489807)

Location : Richmond, VA

Duration: 12 + Months

Only local candidates as F2F interview is required

Short Description: DMV Programmer 5 - Natural.

Complete Description: *local candidates strongly preferred

*ONLY in-person interviews will be conducted, NO Skype, NO exceptions

*please only submit candidates who have not previously interviewed at DMV for a previous Natural position

Natural coder in mainframe environment. Code from spec/analyst description. May meet with business user on smaller projects to learn requirements, develop and implement solution.

Manage, define, develop and maintain application software supporting DMV's mission. Objectives include creating new functions, maintaining performance and accuracy levels. All application software based on the main processor products support traditional customer based activity and additional interfaces as required; e.g. Internet/Intranet/Extranet, on-line dealer, Select inter-agency systems and National systems. Ensure the integrity and security of main processor software as the repository for DMV's automated business records and critical business functions

Code is on mainframe computer using NATURAL/ADABAS; interfaces use EntireX; batch TSO/IBM JCL.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.


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About Ask IT Consulting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ask IT Consulting, based in Holtsville, NY, US, is a dynamic player in the IT and business solutions industry. Their services portfolio, as outlined on their official website (askitc.com), spans across a broad spectrum which includes IT consulting, talent management, digital and technology solutions. Founded with the goal to provide clients with the highest quality IT services, the company has steadily evolved and expanded as a leading resource, maintaining a powerful presence in the fields of information technology and business solutions alike. Ask IT Consulting believes firmly in its core values, which pivots upon integrity, excellence, respect, commitment, and diversity. As part of its mission, the company strives to deliver innovative and effective solutions for their clients that are tailored to meet their unique needs and objectives.

Industry

It services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Holtsville, NY, US

Year founded

2008

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