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Mainframe Developer Jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

MAINFRAME DEVELOPER Location: Chicago, IL (Full Onsite, Open to Relocating Candidates) Visa: Any visa except H1B We're looking for a Mainframe Developer to join our team! If you're experienced with ...

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Mainframe Developer (12+ YEARS) Location: Chicago, IL * Required Years of Experience: At least 12+ years of relevant experience * 12+ years of experience as a Mainframe Developer Required Skills:

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Atlanta, GA / Vienna, VA / Chicago, IL - First Preference Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Developer with 12-15 years of experience in COBOL ...

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Experience with Mainframe technologies (Mainly PL/1, IMSDB, DB2, JCL) etc. * Very good ... engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data ...

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

... programming concepts software design and software development principles. Works autonomously with minimal supervision. Able to act as a key contributor in a complex environment, lead the activities ...

Sr. Software Engineer (Mainframe - Cobol)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

The candidate will be adept with the agile software development lifecycle and DevOps principles. Essential Responsibilities: * Design, develop, test, debug, document, and maintain complex Mainframe ...

New

Mainframe Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

RACF Mainframe Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$70K - $140K/yr

The RACF Mainframe Security Engineer is accountable for delivery and implementation of IAM technologies across the bank. Duties & Responsibilities: * Deliver business value by delivering and ...

Mainframe CICS Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/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 ...

Tandem Developer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

Tandem Developer Job Location: Rolling Meadows,IL Job Type: Contract Technical Skills: * Strong ... CICS,JCL,Mainframe Enterprise Cobol,Mainframe DB2,Z/OS,CICS Admin,Mainframe - COBOL/JCL/CICS ...

Employee The primary role of the Mainframe System Security Engineer is to create, modify and maintain security access on internal and external userids and security rules access for mainframe systems.

CICS/MQ Systems Programmer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$56.75 - $72/hr

CICS /MQ MAINFRAME SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER CICS ~~ MQ ~~ Z/OS MAINFRAME SYSTEMS ~~ SMP/E ~~ JES 2 ~~ CICSPLEX ~~ INFRASTRUCTURE REMOTE !!~~ REMOTE!! ~~~~FULL TIME WITH BENEFITS/ANNUAL BONUS OPPORTUNITY~

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Mainframe Developer information

See Buffalo Grove, IL salary details

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$54

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How much do mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe developer in Buffalo Grove, IL is $54.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.32 and $62.12 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 popular job titles related to Mainframe Developer jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL?

For Mainframe Developer jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Developer jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Developer jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL are:

What cities near Buffalo Grove, IL are hiring for Mainframe Developer jobs?

Cities near Buffalo Grove, IL with the most Mainframe Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Developer job openings in Buffalo Grove, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,862 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL • On-site

Kanak Elite Services Inc
Software Development • 51 - 200 employees

$50.50 - $65/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Role: MAINFRAME DEVELOPER

Location: Chicago, IL (Full Onsite, Open to Relocating Candidates)

Visa: Any visa except H1B
We're looking for a Mainframe Developer to join our team! If you're experienced with mainframe technologies and meet the requirements below, we'd love to connect.
What we're looking for:
·      12+ years working with Mainframe technologies
·      Strong experience in NAT/ADABAS
·      COBOL, CICS, DB2, JCL, CA7
·      Financial industry experience is a bonus
 

Thanks & Regards,

Technical Recruiter

Anjali Sonkar

Email : Anjali08@kanakits.com