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Mainframe Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vytwo

Mainframe Developer

Prosper, TX · On-site

$50/hr

Mainframe Developer Location : Malvern, PA - Hybrid Responsibilities: * A Mainframe Developer required in developing and maintaining applications on mainframe systems, typically using languages like ...

Centraprise Corp

Mainframe Developer

Newark, DE · On-site

$48 - $61.75/hr

Mainframe Developer Job Location : Newark, DE (ONSITE) Job Type : Full-Time Mainframe Developer: Proven hands-on experience (7-10 years) Mainframe developer with COBOL 370, EZTrieve Plus, JCL/PROCS ...

Qualis1 Inc

Mainframe Developer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

Role: Mainframe Developer Location of work: Omaha, NE , Onsite Duration: 6+ months Description Need Mainframe Developer

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 ...

Centraprise

Mainframe Developer

Newark, DE · On-site

$48 - $61.50/hr

Mainframe Developer Job Location : Newark, DE (ONSITE) Job Type : Full-Time Mainframe Developer: Proven hands-on experience (7-10 years) Mainframe developer with COBOL 370, EZTrieve Plus, JCL/PROCS ...

Calance US

Mainframe Developer

Torrance, CA

$66.65/hr

We are hiring Mainframe Developer for a Contract position in Torrance, CA CALL US NOW for immediate consideration! Click Apply on Web or Apply Now to view our recruiter s contact info and reach out ...

Saige Partners

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

Our Davenport, IA client has an immediate opening for a talented Mainframe Developer. If you are interested, please send your resume to Dani at dedgington@saigepartners.com As our client continues to ...

Tata Consultancy Services

Mainframe Developer

Newark, DE · On-site

$48 - $61.50/hr

Tata Consultancy Services is seeking a Mainframe Developer with extensive experience in mainframe technologies. The role involves developing and supporting applications using various mainframe tools ...

360 IT Professionals

Mainframe Developer

Harrisburg, PA

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Harrisburg, PA Qualifications Mainframe Developer - Harrisburg, PA (Deer Path Road) * Responsible for analysis, design, programming, testing and implementation for new ...

Tata Consultancy Services

Mainframe Developer

Newark, DE · On-site

$48 - $61.50/hr

Tata Consultancy Services is a leading technology company, and they are seeking a Mainframe Developer. The role requires extensive experience in mainframe technologies and the ability to work in an ...

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Mainframe Engineer information

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$10

$53

$72

How much do mainframe engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe engineer in the United States is $53.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $60.58 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.
More about Mainframe Engineer jobs
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What states have the most Mainframe Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Mainframe Engineer jobs include:
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Mainframe Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,026 per year, or $53.4 per hour.
Mainframe Engineer with AI & Git Exp

Mainframe Engineer with AI & Git Exp

Staffingine LLC

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Mainframe Engineer with AI & Git Exp
Job Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Job Type: Contract

Job Description:

  1. Provides application software development services or technical support in more complex situations.
  2. May also be responsible for requirements gathering and BRDSRD preparation.
  3. Has thorough knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle.
  4. Conducts reviews of the test Plan and test Data.
  5. May allocate coordinate work within a team project.
  6. The job holder leads the technical design development and documentation of cross functional multiplatform application systems.
  7. Analyzes defines and documents requirements for data workflow and logical processes and interfaces with other systems.
  8. Ensures that expected application performance levels are achieved by coordinating coding testing implementation and documentation.
  9. Programming well designed testable efficient code.
  10. Analyze design and develop tests and test automation suites.
  11. Develop flowcharts layouts and documentation to satisfy requirements and solutions.
  12. Maintain software functionality and currency technical debt and gain.
  13. Actively participate in code reviews Integrate software components into a fully functional software system.
  14. Apply security and privacy principles.
  15. Execute full lifecycle software development Develop software verification plans and quality assurance procedures.
  16. Troubleshoot debug and upgrade existing systems Ensure software is updated with latest features.
  17. Participate in deployment process following all change controls.
  18. Provide ongoing maintenance support and enhancements in existing systems and platforms.
  19. Provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
  20. Active learning engagement Complete all required mandatory training policy awareness curricula on time.
  21. Use learning tools such as Pluralsight to complete both recommended and aspirational targets set in personal development plans.
  22. Demonstrate team work Leverage existing products functionality and promote reuse.
  23. Work alongside other engineers on the team to elevate technology and consistently apply best practices.
  24. Collaborate closely with all the other members of the team to take shared responsibility for the overall efforts that the team has committed to Collaborate cross functionally with data engineers business users project managers and other engineers to achieve elegant solutions.
  25. Utilize local meetups to gain and share knowledge Compiles documentation written by more senior developers of all procedures used in system.
  26. Acts as mentor to junior level engineers.
  27. Prior experience with using a specific application development toolkit and knowledge of a mainframe development language required ie COBOL DB2 CICS.
  28. Communications and organization skills team work skills Contributes to the achievement of related teams objectives

Skill requirement:

  1. AI Assisted Development
  2. COBOL JCL CICS DB2 VSAM
  3. Object-oriented programming concepts
  4. DevOps tools and concepts including GIT branching strategies pull merge
  5. Agile Tools including JIRA Zephyr Scale Confluence

Skills

Mandatory Skills: CICS, JCL, Mainframe, DB2, Mainframe Enterprise Cobol, VSAM, Generative AI/Open AI/Vector DB, Git