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Mainframe Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kanak Elite Services Inc

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 ...

Kanak Elite Services Inc

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 ...

Two95 International Inc.

Mainframe Developer

Rosemont, IL

$49.25 - $63.50/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Rosemont,IL Duration: Fulltime Mainframe-L2 (Mandatory) As a Lead, you are responsible for managing a small team of analysts, developers, testers or engineers and drive ...

Two95 International Inc.

Mainframe Developer

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$49.25 - $63.50/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Rosemont,IL Duration: Fulltime Mainframe-L2 (Mandatory) As a Lead, you are responsible for managing a small team of analysts, developers, testers or engineers and drive ...

Two95 International Inc.

Mainframe Developer

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$49.25 - $63.50/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Rosemont,IL Duration: Fulltime Mainframe-L2 (Mandatory) As a Lead, you are responsible for managing a small team of analysts, developers, testers or engineers and drive ...

vaaridatech

Mainframe Developer -W2

Chicago, IL

$50.50 - $65/hr

Role - Mainframe Developer Location - Riverwoods, IL (onsite) Job Type- W2 Contract Below * Develop, test, and maintain mainframe applications using COBOL and related technologies. * Write, modify ...

Broadcom

Mainframe Software Development Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

Required : • Bachelor's in Engineering and 5+ years of related experience or Master's degree in Engineering and 3+ years of related experience • At least 5+ years of experience of mainframe ...

Broadcom

Mainframe Software Development Engineer

Lisle, IL

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

Mainframe debugging skills using IPCS, VM Trace, XDC, etc. * Bachelors in Engineering and 8+ years of related experience; at this level postgraduate coursework may be desirable or Masters degree in ...

Collabera

System Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68 - $75/hr

Mainframe Programming Analyst Contract: 3 months Location: Chicago, IL - 60606 Pay Range: $68/hr - $75/hr Job overview and responsibilities: DB2 Systems professional responsible for DB2 for z/OS and ...

United Airlines

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL

$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 ...

Capgemini

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 ...

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All JobsMainframe Engineer JobsMainframe Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Mainframe Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$55

$74

How much do mainframe engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe engineer in Chicago, IL is $55.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.56 and $62.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are mainframe engineers in demand?

Mainframe engineers are in steady demand due to the continued reliance of large organizations on mainframe systems for critical operations. Skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe security are highly valued, and many companies seek experienced professionals to maintain and modernize legacy systems.

What is the difference between Mainframe Engineer vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectMainframe EngineerMainframe Developer
Primary RoleMaintains, supports, and optimizes mainframe systems and infrastructureDesigns, codes, and tests mainframe applications and software
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of mainframe hardware, OS, and system tools; certifications like IBM Certified System AdministratorProficiency in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe programming; similar certifications often applicable
Work EnvironmentSystem support teams, data centers, enterprise IT departmentsDevelopment teams, software projects, application environments
Industry UsageFinancial services, government, large enterprisesFinancial institutions, insurance, large corporations

While both roles work within mainframe environments, Mainframe Engineers focus on maintaining and supporting the infrastructure, whereas Mainframe Developers primarily design and develop mainframe applications. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ.

How much does a mainframe engineer make?

Mainframe engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe security can command higher salaries.

What is a Mainframe Engineer?

A Mainframe Engineer is an IT professional who specializes in maintaining, configuring, and optimizing mainframe computer systems. These engineers ensure the reliability, security, and efficiency of mainframes, which are large, powerful computers used by organizations for critical applications such as banking, government, and large-scale data processing. Their responsibilities include system upgrades, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, performance tuning, and implementing security protocols. Mainframe Engineers often work with legacy systems and must be proficient in mainframe-specific operating systems and languages like COBOL, JCL, and z/OS.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Engineer, you need strong expertise in mainframe systems (such as IBM z/OS), programming languages like COBOL and JCL, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like TSO/ISPF, DB2, CICS, and industry certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer are typically expected. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills that help in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure reliable system performance, quick issue resolution, and seamless integration with modern IT environments.

What are some common challenges Mainframe Engineers face when integrating legacy systems with modern technologies?

Mainframe Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating legacy systems with newer platforms, such as ensuring compatibility, maintaining data integrity, and minimizing downtime during migrations. Navigating differences in programming languages, data formats, and security protocols requires careful planning and strong problem-solving skills. Collaboration with application developers, database administrators, and IT security teams is typically essential to achieve seamless integration and support business continuity.

What do mainframe engineers do?

Mainframe engineers design, develop, and maintain large-scale computer systems used by organizations for critical applications. They work with mainframe hardware, operating systems like z/OS, and programming languages such as COBOL and PL/I, often ensuring system security, performance, and reliability. These roles typically require knowledge of system administration, troubleshooting, and sometimes certifications in mainframe technologies.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe engineers work with large-scale, legacy computing systems that handle critical enterprise data. While AI can automate certain tasks like data analysis and system monitoring, it does not currently replace the core functions of mainframes or the specialized skills of mainframe engineers. Instead, AI is often integrated to enhance mainframe operations and improve efficiency.
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Mainframe Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Mainframe Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,463 per year, or $55 per hour.

Mainframe Developer

Kanak Elite Services Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 29 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