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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 ...

Purple Drive Technologies

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Chicago, IL & Richardson, TX Experience: Expert Level Employment Type: Contract * Expert-level proficiency in Mainframe technologies including COBOL, JCL, VSAM, DB2 ...

Innover Global Inc

E Commerce Web Developer

Dallas, TX · Remote

$50 - $60/hr

E-commerce Web Developer Location: USA / Canada We are looking for an experienced E-commerce Web Developer based in the US or Canada with strong hands-on expertise in BigCommerce, Magento, and ...

Innover Global Inc

E Commerce Web Developer

Dallas, TX · Remote

$50 - $60/hr

E-commerce Web Developer Location: USA / Canada We are looking for an experienced E-commerce Web Developer based in the US or Canada with strong hands-on expertise in BigCommerce, Magento, and ...

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 ...

Seven Seven Software

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Expert knowledge on mainframe programming languages and technologies namely COBOL, DB2, JCL, CICS, Mainframe MQ, VSAM and NDM * Strong understanding of the concept of relational databases with ...

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 ...

Seven Seven Software

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

12+ years of experience as a Mainframe Developer Required Skill Set : * COBOL * CICS * NATURAL AND ADABAS * CA7 needs to be advanced level - Someone who can develop Batch Automation Scripts from ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Mainframe Developer

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

The Mainframe Developer will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and maintaining mainframe applications along with supporting batch processing, production stability, and system integrations.

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 ...

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All JobsMainframe Engineer JobsMainframe Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Mainframe Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$54

$74

How much do mainframe engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe engineer 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 is the role of a mainframe engineer?

A mainframe engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting large-scale mainframe computer systems that support critical business operations. They work with mainframe operating systems like z/OS, utilize programming languages such as COBOL and JCL, and often hold certifications to ensure system reliability and security. Their role involves optimizing system performance, implementing updates, and ensuring data integrity in enterprise environments.

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, along with certifications, can enhance job prospects as many companies maintain legacy systems requiring specialized expertise.

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 a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe security can command higher salaries. Compensation also varies based on the industry and the complexity of the mainframe environment managed.

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.

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 required to maintain them. Mainframes remain essential for high-volume, secure, and reliable processing in many industries.
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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, and 69% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,373 per year, or $55 per hour.

Mainframe Developer

Kanak Elite Services Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Contractor

Posted 2 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