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Mainframe Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apex Systems

Mainframe Engineer Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$300K - $400K/yr

Job#: 3030056 Director of Mainframe Engineering Location: New York, New York (4 days in office NYC - 1 remote) *Can also sit in Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Jersey City, and San Francisco*

System One

Be Seen First

Senior Mainframe/Assembler Developer - remote

Vienna, VA · Remote

$74 - $92/hr

Support mission-critical financial systems and transaction processing environments This is a highly technical role for an experienced enterprise mainframe engineer with strong financial services ...

Vytwo

Mainframe Developer

Prosper, TX · Hybrid

$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 ...

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

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Purple Drive Technologies

Mainframe Developer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Onsite - Omaha, NE / Remote Experience Required: 10+ Years Employment Type: Contract Role Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Mainframe Developer to support ...

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 ...

SmallArc, Inc

Mainframe Developer

Westlake, TX

$47 - $60.50/hr

Experience : 6 to 9 Years in Mainframe Mainframe Developer to work in Westlake, TX! The Role This ... The engineer will be responsible for responding to Code, Analyze new requirements and Debug ...

Purple Drive Technologies

Mainframe Developer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$47.25 - $60.75/hr

Job Title Mainframe Developer - DB2 & CICS Location Columbus, OH Experience 6-8 Years Job Overview We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Developer with strong expertise in DB2 application ...

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 ...

Saige Partners

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA

$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 ...

Cynet Systems

Lead Mainframe Developer

Holmdel, NJ

$50 - $55/hr

We are looking for a Lead Mainframe Developer for our client in Holmdel, NJ Job Title: Lead Mainframe Developer Job Location: Holmdel, NJ Job Type: Contract Job Overview: Pay Range: $50hr - $55hr ...

New

SmallArc, Inc

Mainframe Developer

Westlake, TX

$47 - $60.50/hr

Experience : 6 to 9 Years in Mainframe Mainframe Developer to work in Westlake, TX! The Role This ... The engineer will be responsible for responding to Code, Analyze new requirements and Debug ...

DTCC

Lead Mainframe Engineer

Coppell, TX · Hybrid

Being a member of IT CSS - Equities Delivery team, the Lead Mainframe Engineer is responsible for creating, designing, deploying, and supporting applications, programs, and software solutions. May ...

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 ...

Prophecy Technologies

Mainframe Developer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$46.25 - $59.50/hr

Role Name Mainframe Developer REQUIREMENT_CITY Tampa, FL or Jersey City, NJ EXPERIENCE: 8-12 Years JOB SUMMARY: We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Developer to design, develop, enhance, and ...

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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 May 31, 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.

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 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 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.

More about Mainframe Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Mainframe Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Mainframe Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Mainframe Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Mainframe Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Engineer jobs are:
Mainframe Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 1% As Needed, 11% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 49% Contract. Highlights an 7% Physical, 28% Hybrid, and 65% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,026 per year, or $53.4 per hour.
Senior IMS Mainframe Systems Programmer

Senior IMS Mainframe Systems Programmer

Wabash Solutions Inc

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$51 - $64.75/hr

Contractor

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Location: Remote (100%)
Job Type: Contract 
Experience Level: Senior (12+ years)
 
Job Summary

We are hiring a Lead IMS Mainframe Systems Programmer with deep experience in IMS V15.5 or later, SMP/E installations, and z/OS system environments. The ideal candidate will be responsible for configuring, maintaining, and optimizing IMS database systems while serving as the primary technical contact for enterprise clients.

Responsibilities

  • Perform installation, configuration, and maintenance of IMS database systems.

  • Execute SMP/E and non-SMP/E installations for IBM and ISV software.

  • Lead IMS upgrades to version 15.5 or higher.

  • Manage IMS Database Objects, PSB, ACB, and SYSGEN processes.

  • Support related systems: z/OS, CICS, Storage, Disaster Recovery.

  • Utilize monitoring and management tools: CA Database Tools, IBM Database Tools, Sysview, Omegamon, Mainview.

  • Serve as lead technical resource during client transitions and system migrations.

  • Collaborate with system programming and operations teams to implement best practices.

Requirements

  • 12+ years of experience as an IMS Mainframe Systems Programmer.

  • Expertise in IMS Database Administration and Configuration.

  • Experience with IMS V15.5 or later upgrades and SMP/E processes.

  • Strong knowledge of PSBGEN, SYSGEN, and subsystem configuration.

  • Familiarity with z/OS, CICS, Storage, and Disaster Recovery concepts.

  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Mainview, Omegamon, or other performance monitoring tools.

  • Proven ability to lead projects and mentor junior staff.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation and long-term contract potential.

  • Work with a highly skilled team of mainframe professionals.

  • Opportunity to lead modernization and optimization projects across enterprise environments.

✅ Search Optimization Tags:
IMS Systems Programmer, z/OS Mainframe Engineer, IMS Database Administrator, Mainframe Systems Specialist, SMP/E Installation, IBM Mainframe, IMS V15.5, Omegamon, Mainview