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

The Role We are seeking an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to support IBM Z virtualization environments and Linux on Z platforms. This role is responsible for provisioning, maintaining ...

Employee Ensono is a leading, large-scale provider of mainframe and infrastructure services serving ... Work closely with Sales Engineering and the customer on solution, value, and pricing scenarios

SAS developer with 10+ year experience in base SAS plus Proc SQL Experience in SDTM standards ... and Mainframe applications. Interprets process, data modules, and business requirements into ...

Enterprise Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$71 - $91.75/hr

... Engineering & Systems Archicture • Experience in legacy and current technology platforms (Unix, AIX, Windows, Mainframe, Linux) • Experience architecting the solution from ground up as well as re ...

Monitor, analyze, and resolve complex mainframe networking issues involving multiple protocols, connectivity layers, and distributed platforms. * Participate in the design and management of IP ...

Serves as Field Engineer for large, complex clients and across the range of company products and ... Tests and certifies mainframes, servers and other infrastructure associated with networks and ...

Showing results 41-60

Mainframe Developer information

See Buffalo Grove, IL salary details

$10

$54

$74

How much do mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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.

Principal Cloud Data Architect - Channels Data Platforms and Analytics

Addison, IL • On-site

Bank of America
Finance and Insurance • 10K+ employees

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Define and communicate the solution intent and architectural vision across Business, Data, Application, and Technology domains.

  • Build and maintain a multi year modernization roadmap for Channels Data Platforms, including mainframe, Hadoop, ETL, and analytics components.

  • Lead transformation from Informatica, on prem databases, Hadoop, and mainframe based reporting into cloud native architectures (Azure, Databricks/Delta, Snowflake, Event Hubs/Kafka).


Bank Of America rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description:

At Bank of America, we are guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better through the power of every connection. We do this by driving Responsible Growth and delivering for our clients, teammates, communities and shareholders every day.
Being a Great Place to Work is core to how we drive Responsible Growth. This includes our commitment to being an inclusive workplace, attracting and developing exceptional talent, supporting our teammates' physical, emotional, and financial wellness, recognizing and rewarding performance, and how we make an impact in the communities we serve.
Bank of America is committed to an in-office culture with specific requirements for office-based attendance and which allows for an appropriate level of flexibility for our teammates and businesses based on role-specific considerations.
At Bank of America, you can build a successful career with opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact. Join us!

Position Summary:

The Principal Cloud Data Architect serves as the architectural authority for Channels Data Platforms and Analytics. This leader defines the target state architecture, drives modernization from legacy technologies to cloud native platforms, and ensures security, resiliency, performance, and compliance across the data and analytics ecosystem. The role provides strategic and technical oversight for the Payment Tracker and guides the transformation of large scale engineering teams and platforms, including mainframe based reporting systems.

The Principal Cloud Data Architect will lead the architecture, modernization, and transformation of the Channels Data Platform, which today includes on prem data warehouses, Informatica ETL, Hadoop ecosystems, mission critical mainframe processing, and legacy reporting workloads. The role will evolve this platform toward a cloud native, scalable, resilient architecture leveraging Azure, Databricks, Snowflake, Kafka, APIs/microservices, and modern engineering patterns.

  • Define and communicate the solution intent and architectural vision across Business, Data, Application, and Technology domains.
  • Build and maintain a multi year modernization roadmap for Channels Data Platforms, including mainframe, Hadoop, ETL, and analytics components.
  • Establish target operating models, architectural patterns, and guardrails to support evolving capabilities and regulatory expectations.
  • Drive enterprise alignment by collaborating with Enterprise Architecture, Platform Architecture, Information Governance, Risk, and Product.
  • Lead transformation from Informatica, on prem databases, Hadoop, and mainframe based reporting into cloud native architectures (Azure, Databricks/Delta, Snowflake, Event Hubs/Kafka).
  • Define migration paths for mainframe jobs, batch interfaces, and legacy ledger/reporting logic into scalable modern architectures.
  • Implement CI/CD for data, Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/Bicep), observability (logs/metrics/traces), and cost/performance governance.
  • Ensure platform resiliency, scalability, and operational readiness (HA/DR, autoscaling, performance tuning, traffic management).
  • Provide end to end architectural oversight for Payment Tracker, including UI, APIs/microservices, data models, analytics layers, and dashboards.
  • Guide design for real time and near real time insights, data marts, and advanced analytics embedded in Payment Tracker experiences.
  • Ensure adherence to NFRs (performance, security, maintainability, reliability) and integrated monitoring/alerting for application and data services.
  • Lead design and code reviews; resolve architectural blockers; ensure compliance with the Bank's Risk Framework, data privacy, entitlements, masking, and audit expectations.
  • Partner with delivery teams to translate strategy into actionable technical backlogs and architecture epics.
  • Drive the creation of reusable accelerators, libraries, templates, migration playbooks, and modernization frameworks.
  • Mentor engineers and elevate engineering excellence across Channels Technology.
  • Own R\&D for the data and analytics portfolio: evaluate emerging tools, run POCs/Pilots, benchmark performance, publish decision records, and set technology adoption standards.

Required Qualifications

  • 12+ years in data/software engineering with 8+ years designing enterprise data platforms or large distributed architectures.
  • Demonstrated leadership in cloud modernization (Azure preferred), including Databricks (Spark/Delta), Snowflake, Kafka/Event Hubs.
  • Strong background in modernizing legacy systems, including Informatica ETL, Hadoop/Big Data systems, and mainframe workloads (batch pipelines, reporting interfaces).
  • Deep expertise in NFR driven design: resiliency, security, performance, scalability, observability, and operational excellence.
  • Strong proficiency in SQL and Python (Scala or Java a plus).
  • Proven ability to influence senior leaders, drive enterprise alignment, and deliver outcomes in highly regulated environments.
  • Strong communication skills-capable of translating complex engineering concepts for executive, business, and technical audiences.
  • Strong background in modernizing legacy systems, including Informatica ETL, Hadoop/Big Data systems, and mainframe workloads (batch pipelines, reporting interfaces).
  • Experience with microservices, containers (Kubernetes/OpenShift), API gateways, and integration patterns.

Representative tools/technologies :

Azure (ADLS Gen2, Event Hubs, Key Vault), Databricks, Snowflake, Informatica, Kafka, Mainframe/Z Series job orchestration, Oracle/Postgres, Python, SQL, Java/Scala (optional), Git, Azure DevOps/Jenkins, Docker/Kubernetes/OpenShift, Collibra, AppDynamics/Splunk/Grafana.Starburst

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience in Payments, Channels, CashPro, or analytics driven applications.
  • Knowledge of semantic layers (dbt, LookML), data quality frameworks (Great Expectations/Deequ), and data governance (Purview, Collibra).
  • FinOps experience with cost optimization for cloud data workloads.
  • Advanced understanding of streaming, event driven architectures, and ML/AI integration.

Job Description:
This job is responsible for defining and leading the engineering approach for solutions at the program or portfolio level, to deliver significant business outcomes. Key responsibilities include continuously improving the design, quality, and reuse of the solution and delivering technology enablers that improve development efficiencies for the solution. Job expectations include familiarity with at least one area of engineering, acting as a "go to" reference across the organization, and applying knowledge to improve technical competencies through recruitment and development activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Develops the engineering approach for the entire program/portfolio solution and works with Architecture, to develop/analyze/deliver the implementation of technical enablers
  • Leads the planning, definition, and design of the complex features which span multiple teams and explore solution alternatives
  • Creates ideas on designing complex technology and solution development approaches
  • Leads the technical oversight for teams in solution development including design reviews and code within own domain
  • Defines the technology tool stack for the solution within ranged of internally approved and supported technologies
  • Explores state-of-the-art technologies to improve development efficiencies, quality of test/QA coverage, and release management
  • Leads and is responsible for the end-to-end test strategy/creation/adherence, and the integration between teams for a program/portfolio solution

Skills:

  • Automation
  • Influence
  • Result Orientation
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Technical Strategy Development
  • Application Development
  • Architecture
  • Business Acumen
  • Risk Management
  • Solution Design
  • Agile Practices
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Collaboration
  • Data Management
  • Solution Delivery Process

Shift:

1st shift (United States of America)

Hours Per Week:

40

Pay Transparency details

US - NJ - Jersey City - 101 Hudson St - 101 Hudson (NJ2101)Pay and benefits informationPay range$156,500.00 - $230,000.00 annualized salary, offers to be determined based on experience, education and skill set.Discretionary incentive eligibleThis role is eligible to participate in the annual discretionary plan. Employees are eligible for an annual discretionary award based on their overall individual performance results and behaviors, the performance and contributions of their line of business and/or group; and the overall success of the Company.BenefitsThis role is currently benefits eligible. We provide industry-leading benefits, access to paid time off, resources and support to our employees so they can make a genuine impact and contribute to the sustainable growth of our business and the communities we serve.

What Bank Of America employees say

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Bank Of America logo

About Bank Of America

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Bank of America, we are guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better through the power of every connection. Responsible Growth is how we run our company and how we deliver for our clients, teammates, communities and shareholders every day. One of the keys to driving Responsible Growth is being a great place to work for our teammates around the world. We're devoted to being a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. We hire individuals with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences and invest heavily in our teammates and their families by offering competitive benefits to support their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

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