1

Mainframe Developer Jobs in Harrisburg, PA (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Engineer

Boiling Springs, PA · On-site

$47.50 - $61/hr

Health insurance BVA Bears IT Solutions is seeking a Mainframe Engineer This is a full-time, remote role with travel 2 days onsite per week at Riverdale, MD. The average workday is 8 hours and the ...

Java Developer

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$50.25 - $65.25/hr

The Java team is a part of a developer pool with Java, Mainframe and a few other skill-sets. These developers will work on small projects to start and eventually both large and small depending on ...

... Developer 2. SQL Server - SQL Server 2018 studio - Microsoft Management Studio, SQL Server, Integration Services, Performance Tools (Database Engine Tuning Advisor & SQL Profiler) 3. 7+ years ...

We are seeking an experienced Senior Software Developer to join our dynamic team. You will play a key role in designing, developing, and maintaining scalable, high-performance software applications.

Job Summary : eTeam is a company seeking a Vue.js Developer to join their team in Mechanicsburg, PA. The role involves designing, developing, and supporting web-based applications, as well as ...

Sr. Software Developer

Mechanicsburg, PA · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

Software Developer Senior serves as Sustainment Lead or Sustainment Subject Matter Expert (SME). Provides expert-level knowledge of sustainment life cycle management activities for programs and ...

Sr. .Net Developer

Harrisburg, PA · Remote

$55.75 - $73.75/hr

Role: Sr. Developer Location: Remote (Candidates must be willing to go onsite in Harrisburg, PA as needed) Type: Contract Required Skills & Experience: * Broad software development experience on ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Mainframe Developer information

See Harrisburg, PA salary details

$9

$52

$71

How much do mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe developer in Harrisburg, PA is $52.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.54 and $59.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 operations. The role offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and requires skills in languages like COBOL and tools such as JCL. Demand remains steady in industries like finance and government, making it a viable career choice for those with relevant expertise.

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.

Is mainframe developer still in demand?

Mainframe developers are still in demand in industries such as finance, government, and insurance that rely on legacy systems. They typically work with COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments, and demand remains steady due to the ongoing need for system maintenance and integration. However, the overall job market is gradually shifting toward modern technologies, so acquiring skills in related areas can enhance job prospects.

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 the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Harrisburg, PA?

The most popular types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Harrisburg, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Developer jobs in Harrisburg, PA?

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

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Developer jobs in Harrisburg, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Developer jobs in Harrisburg, PA are:

What cities near Harrisburg, PA are hiring for Mainframe Developer jobs?

Cities near Harrisburg, PA with the most Mainframe Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Developer job openings in Harrisburg, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,619 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Mainframe Engineer

BVA Bear's IT Solutions

Boiling Springs, PA • On-site

$47.50 - $61/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Health insurance

BVA Bears IT Solutions is seeking a Mainframe Engineer. This is a full-time, remote role with travel 2 days onsite per week at Riverdale, MD. The average workday is 8 hours and the window in which those 8 hours may be scheduled is between 6:00am hours and 6:00pm hours eastern time, Monday through Friday except for Government Holidays with the core hours (9am to 3pm) being covered.  
As a Mainframe Engineer will play a key role in developing, maintaining, and optimizing mission-critical mainframe applications supporting the University of Maryland’s operational and research activities. This position requires strong technical expertise in COBOL, CICS, TSO, and JCL, along with proven problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a hybrid environment.
Key Responsibilities
Application Development & Maintenance
 
  • Design, code, test, and implement mainframe-based solutions using COBOL and CICS.
  • Maintain and enhance existing programs and batch job processes.
  • Develop, modify, and manage JCL for batch job scheduling and execution. 
Systems Support & Troubleshooting 
  • Diagnose and resolve system errors, job failures, and performance issues.
  • Work closely with operations and support teams to ensure system stability.
Optimization & Quality 
  • Review and optimize code for efficiency and performance improvements.
  • Ensure adherence to development standards and security guidelines. 
Collaboration 
  • Partner with cross-functional teams, including analysts, system administrators, and project managers.
  • Participate in requirements gathering, design discussions, and peer reviews.
Other Duties 
  • Perform additional related tasks within the scope of the role as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications
  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in mainframe development.
  • Proficiency in COBOL, CICS, TSO, and JCL.
  • Demonstrated experience in batch job processing.
  • Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with CA-IDEAL and CA Datacomm.
  • Experience working in higher education or research environments.
  • Knowledge of best practices in mainframe performance tuning and modernization.

U.S. Citizenship Requirement:

This position is restricted to U.S. citizens only in accordance with federal contract requirements. Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization) prior to employment. Non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), are not eligible for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

BVA Bears IT Solutions is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Flexible work from home options available.