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Mainframe Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division (MSD) is looking for a talented and motivated Software ... The R&D Software Engineer 4 will perform complex code modification, testing, and debugging tasks ...

Mainframe developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Overview: Client primarily looking for assembler development experience Skills Required: 10+ years of experience required in the following areas: IBM Mainrame experience JCL DB2 Strong SQL Skills ...

... development and support of technology infrastructure Preferred Skills/Experience: Extensive experience in: -Mainframe technologies including hardware -Technical troubleshooting of z/OS issues ...

Experience in working with managed services, hosting, mainframe, security and outsourcing is required * Broad relationship development and people networking experience, including leveraging existing ...

Managing Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $207K/yr

Experienced in Assessment and Strategy Development by evaluating mainframe application landscape, identifying legacy systems, and analyzing their technical debt. * Defining a comprehensive ...

Experienced in Assessment and Strategy Development by evaluating mainframe application landscape, identifying legacy systems, and analyzing their technical debt. * Defining a comprehensive ...

... development role * Strong understanding of the managed service marketplace with technologies spanning legacy infrastructures such as mainframe and iSeries systems as well as both private and public ...

... development role * Strong understanding of the managed service marketplace with technologies spanning legacy infrastructures such as mainframe and iSeries systems as well as both private and public ...

Java/J2EE Architect

Chicago, IL

$65 - $87.50/hr

Assists the Chief Technology Officer in the control and projected use of resources, particularly mainframe and web-oriented tools and the development and production hardware and software environments ...

Attunity Knowledge of SDLC + Agile methodologies Qualifications Development & Testing Experience in IBM Mainframe, Should Have Strong Documentation Skills - REQUIRED Additional Information All your ...

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Mainframe Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$54

$74

How much do mainframe development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe development in Chicago, IL is $54.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.56 and $62.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mainframe developer do?

A mainframe developer designs, codes, tests, and maintains applications running on mainframe computers, often using languages like COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler. They work in environments that require high reliability and security, and typically use tools such as IBM z/OS and JCL to manage batch and online processing tasks.

What is the difference between Mainframe Development vs Mainframe Testing?

AspectMainframe DevelopmentMainframe Testing
Primary FocusDesigning, coding, and maintaining mainframe applicationsVerifying and validating mainframe applications for bugs and performance
Required SkillsCOBOL, JCL, DB2, CICSTesting tools, scripting, debugging, knowledge of mainframe environments
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding in mainframe environmentsQuality assurance teams, testing labs, mainframe systems
CertificationsCOBOL certifications, IBM mainframe certificationsISTQB, mainframe testing certifications

While Mainframe Development involves creating and maintaining mainframe applications, Mainframe Testing focuses on ensuring those applications work correctly and efficiently. Both roles require knowledge of mainframe environments and related skills, but they serve different stages in the software lifecycle.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe development involves maintaining and programming large-scale, reliable computing systems used in industries like finance and government. While AI can automate certain tasks and improve efficiency, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframes due to their specialized hardware, security requirements, and high availability needs. Mainframe skills remain valuable for managing legacy systems and integrating new technologies.

Is mainframe still in demand?

Mainframe development remains in demand in industries such as finance, insurance, and government, where large-scale transaction processing and data security are critical. Skilled mainframe programmers with knowledge of COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments are sought after for maintaining and modernizing legacy systems. The demand is steady due to the high cost and complexity of replacing mainframe infrastructure.

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 tools may earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
Infographic showing various Mainframe Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,373 per year, or $55 per hour.
R&D Software Engineer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Broadcom rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

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Job Description:

Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division (MSD) is looking for a talented and motivated Software Engineer with a passion for building high-quality applications using agile practices to join our Mainframe Security and Compliance team. In this role, you will be a key member of the development team and will focus on building, testing, and supporting leading-edge Mainframe Security solutions used by many of the world's largest companies.
The R&D Software Engineer 4 will perform complex code modification, testing, and debugging tasks, as well as provide high-level analysis related to software design and development. The person in this role is expected to technically lead a small team, advising, mentoring, and coaching more junior developers and partnering with stakeholders such as Product Owners, Solution Architects, etc.

Work Location:

Lisle, IL


What you will be doing in a typical week:

  • Applying your past experience to inform the product roadmap;
  • Experimenting with new technologies that improve our software;
  • Adopt a test-first approach to software development in which, where possible, the test is developed before the code;
  • Participate in design and code reviews with other engineers;
  • Participate in test plan reviews;
  • Mentor Junior team members;
  • Perform unit/module testing of software;
  • Actively support and contribute to end of iteration demos;
  • Responsible for assigned integration, testing, and deployment tasks;
  • Actively foster continuous team improvement in self and team:
  • Contribute to team retrospectives; help to identify and resolve team impediments;
  • Take ownership of problems and continuously strive to become a better problem solver;
  • Write and maintain documentation to describe program development, logic, coding, testing, changes, and corrections.

Qualifications:
At the end of the day, the main things we're searching for are talent and passion. However, experience in one or more of these areas could make you a great addition to our team:

  • At least 8+ years of experience testing modern large-scale software and complex test configurations;
  • Has mastered the basics of operating as a developer in the IBM mainframe environment;
  • Experience debugging with tools like XDC, IPCS;
  • Experience in software development using IBM Assembler/Metal C on the mainframe (zOS or zVSE) platform;
  • Experience in implementing JCL to execute batch processes in zOS or zVSE;
  • Additional experience in one or more of the following programming languages: IBM C, ISPF CLIST, REXX, RESTful APIs and Object-Oriented programming;

Business Travel and Physical Demands

  • No (or minimal) business travel is expected for this position.
  • Office environment. No special physical demands are required.

Education
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or higher or global equivalent in a software-related field.

Work Experience
8+ years of experience in software development or a related field.

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required

Additional Job Description:

Compensation and Benefits

The annual base salary range for this position is$108,00 - $172,800

This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in accordance with relevant plan documents, and equity in accordance with equity plan documents and equity award agreements.

Broadcom offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401(K) participation including company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company paid holidays, paid sick leave and vacation time. The company follows all applicable laws for Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

Broadcom is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability status, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We will also consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records consistent with local law.

If you are located outside USA, please be sure to fill out a home address as this will be used for future correspondence.


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