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Mainframe Developer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Columbia, MD · Remote

$56.25 - $71.75/hr

Role: Mainframe z/OS System Programmer Location: Remote Duration: 12+ Months Contract Task Description: As an US Citizen and as a Senior System Programmer (Mainframe) supporting IBM z15 and z16 ...

Duties include setting up printers based on instructions from mainframe computer consoles, loading paper, toner, and developer, and promptly removing and organizing completed print jobs for customer ...

Mainframe Computer Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$55.25 - $71/hr

Load and unload paper, toner, and developer; ensure proper supply management. \n * Remove, organize ... Familiarity with mainframe console operations. \n * Ability to operate and maintain high\-speed ...

Mainframe CICS Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

The Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer/Engineer is responsible for all phases of CICS engineering, system and software maintenance, and CICS related operational functions. The candidate must be ...

New

Mainframe - HOGAN

Washington, DC · On-site

$55.50 - $71.25/hr

Mainframe - HOGAN Tech Lead Washington DC Good programming experience in COBOL, JCL, VSAM At least 3 years' experience on Hogan Core Banking Platform Design, code, new programs for online and batch ...

Mainframe Cobol Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.75 - $63.75/hr

Syntricate Technologies is seeking a Mainframe Cobol Developer to develop COBOL code for application solutions. The role involves unit testing, code reviews, and ensuring quality technical solutions ...

Mainframe - HOGAN

Washington, DC · On-site

$55.50 - $71.25/hr

Company Description Mainframe - HOGAN Tech Lead Washington DC Good programming experience in COBOL, JCL, VSAM At least 3 years' experience on Hogan Core Banking Platform Design, code, new programs ...

MainFrame

Mclean, VA · On-site

It provides strategic business consulting, technology, engineering and outsourcing services to help ... Qualifications MainFrames,Cobol,JCL,ISPW Additional Information All your information will be kept ...

... Programmer reviews all products and processes to verify the requirement of compatibility maintenance, schedule and implement changes as required and performs routine maintenance on mainframe systems.

Mainframe System Programmer

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

... Programmer reviews all products and processes to verify the requirement of compatibility maintenance, schedule and implement changes as required and performs routine maintenance on mainframe systems.

... engineering and systems integration. Our tightly integrated offerings are tailored to each clients ... Title: Mainframe Tester Location: Mclean VA and Alpharetta, GA No of Positions: 2 Position type:

Mainframe Computer Operator Work Location: Washington, DC Shift Options: Shift 1: 7:00 AM-3:30 PM ... Load and replenish paper, toner, developer, and other required printing media. * Remove, organize ...

Showing results 41-60

Mainframe Developer information

See Washington salary details

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How much do mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe developer in Washington is $60.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.37 and $68.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe developer?

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?

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 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 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 a mainframe developer a good career?

A mainframe developer is a specialized IT professional who maintains and develops applications on mainframe systems, which are used by large organizations for critical data processing. The role offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities to work with legacy technologies like COBOL and JCL, but it may require ongoing learning of evolving mainframe tools and certifications. Overall, it can be a good career for those interested in enterprise computing and system stability.

Is a mainframe developer hard to learn?

Mainframe developers typically need to learn specialized programming languages like COBOL and understand mainframe environments, which can have a steep learning curve for beginners. However, with prior programming experience and training, acquiring the necessary skills is achievable, and many employers offer on-the-job training or certification programs.

Is mainframe developer still in demand?

Mainframe developers are still in demand in industries such as finance, insurance, and government, where legacy systems remain critical. They typically work with COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments, and demand depends on the organization's reliance on mainframe technology and ongoing maintenance needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Developer jobs in Washington?

For Mainframe Developer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Developer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Developer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Mainframe Developer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Mainframe Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Developer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,748 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Creative G C

Columbia, MD • Remote

$56.25 - $71.75/hr

Contractor

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Details:
Role: Mainframe z/OS System Programmer
Location: Remote
Duration: 12+ Months Contract
 
Task Description:
 
As an US Citizen and as a Senior System Programmer (Mainframe) supporting IBM z15 and z16 mainframe and z/OS 2.5 or higher operating system. As part of IBM zCloud resource pool, supporting the zCloud Offering which consist of the following clients Federal Retirement Investment Board (FRTIB), Bureau of the Fiscal Service (Fiscal), JP Morgan Chase, and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) clients. Primary tasks being MVS systems programming activities such as system security compliance to Federal government Security Technical Implementation Guidelines (STIG), system performance, problem determination and resolution, and RACF/ACF2/Top Secret security administration and System Automation support. Other day to day activities include managing tasks in ServiceNow (SNOW) creating change requests for implementation and peer reviewing changes. Knowledge of mainframe storage and backup.  Hands on experience of IBM mainframe IPL processes managing multiple z/OS LPARs as required by the client.
 
Required skills/Level of Experience :
  • 10+ years of experience installing, customizing, and maintaining z/OS operating system.
  • 5+ years of experience Supporting a stabilized IBM mainframe system environment.
  • Experienced with SMP/E and Mainframe Software Maintenance with performance, problem determination and resolution skills.
  • Perform systems planning, installation/decommission, configuration/customization, and patching.
  • Reporting for MVS, familiar with security reports.
  • MVS system level parameters and user ID definition process.
  • Experience defining and validating data encryption methods and security requirements.
  • Experience monitoring and managing security reporting ensuring systems are compliant.
  • Assist systems programmers in the design and management of ACF2 / RACF / TSS for all regions and LPARs.
  • Executes regulatory and operational control activities related to user provisioning, de-provisioning and access re-certification.
  • Proficient in Audits
 
Nice to have skills:
  • Knowledge of Federal DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGS).
  • Knowledge of ServiceNow and ITSM processes