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Mainframe Focus Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... focus on COBOL programming, IBM DB2 database management, and application performance analysis ... Mainframe Environment Experience ATS Optimization KeywordsHard Skills * COBOL * IBM DB2 for LUW

... for an IBM mainframe environment. * Demonstrated System programmer experience managing and ... Ability to learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, make ...

Mainframe System Programmer

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

... for an IBM mainframe environment. * Demonstrated System programmer experience managing and ... Ability to learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, make ...

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mainframe z/VM System programmer to support and ... focus on the administration of the z/VM environment. Key Responsibilities * z/VM System ...

Mainframe Developer

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

... FOCUS We are looking for a Mainframe Developer to support the design, development, testing ... maintenance, and production support of critical applications. This position will be a contract and ...

As the Mainframe Systems Programmer, you will provide support for on-going projects that require ... Key Areas of Focus for this Role * Participate in On-call Schedule * Incident / Problem resolution ...

As the Mainframe Systems Programmer, you will provide support for on-going projects that require ... Key Areas of Focus for this Role * Participate in On-call Schedule * Incident / Problem resolution ...

Mainframe Developer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Write and debug COBOL, JCL, and other mainframe-based programming languages * Perform system ... focus more on their core business. Triunity Culture Our core value is our people and our teams . We ...

Senior Mainframe Developer We're Concentrix. The intelligent transformation partner. Solution ... Maintain a strong focus onfirst-time-right deliveryandzero defects in production. * Collaborate ...

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Mainframe Focus Programmer information

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$38

$54

$66

How much do mainframe focus programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe focus programmer in the United States is $54.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $63.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe focus programmer?

Mainframe Focus Programmers are IT professionals who specialize in developing, maintaining, and troubleshooting applications that use the FOCUS programming language on mainframe computer systems. FOCUS is a fourth-generation language (4GL) designed for data access, reporting, and analytics, commonly used in large organizations for managing vast amounts of data. These programmers work with legacy mainframe environments, write and optimize FOCUS code, and often collaborate with business analysts to create custom reports and data solutions. Their expertise helps organizations leverage mainframe data efficiently for business intelligence, compliance, and operational needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe focus programmer?

To thrive as a Mainframe Focus Programmer, you need strong programming skills in FOCUS, COBOL, or related mainframe languages, along with experience in mainframe environments and a relevant degree in computer science or information technology. Proficiency with tools such as IBM z/OS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, and database systems like DB2 is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure reliable, efficient mainframe applications that support critical business operations.

How does a mainframe focus programmer typically collaborate with other IT teams within an organization?

Mainframe Focus Programmers frequently work alongside business analysts, database administrators, and other application developers to ensure that data processing applications run efficiently and meet business requirements. Collaboration often involves participating in project meetings to gather requirements, troubleshooting cross-system issues, and coordinating system upgrades or integrations. Strong communication skills are essential, as programmers must translate technical details for non-technical stakeholders and ensure seamless data flow across various platforms. This teamwork helps maintain the stability and scalability of mission-critical mainframe applications.

What is the difference between Mainframe Focus Programmer vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectMainframe Focus ProgrammerMainframe Developer
CredentialsTypically requires COBOL, JCL, and mainframe certificationsSimilar certifications, often including COBOL and mainframe tools
Work EnvironmentPrimarily on IBM z/OS systems, mainframe centersSame, often in large enterprise IT departments
Industry UsageUsed in banking, insurance, government agenciesCommon in same industries, focusing on application maintenance
Job FocusMaintaining and coding mainframe applicationsDeveloping, testing, and implementing mainframe solutions

The Mainframe Focus Programmer and Mainframe Developer roles share many credentials and work environments, often overlapping in large enterprise settings. The main difference lies in scope: Mainframe Focus Programmers typically concentrate on maintaining existing applications, while Mainframe Developers may be involved in creating new solutions. Both roles are essential in industries relying on mainframe technology.

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Focus Programmer jobs?

For Mainframe Focus Programmer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Focus Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,558 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Mainframe Architect

Albany, NY • On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Lead technical architecture and design activities for the IAS Modernization Project
Analyze existing mainframe applications, databases, interfaces, and batch processes
Support conversion of legacy mainframe systems to new technology platforms
Develop and maintain complex tax accounting applications
Design and optimize database structures in IBM DB2 for z/OS and DB2 for LUW
Participate in application development, data conversion, integration, system testing, and implementation
Conduct application performance analysis, troubleshooting, and performance tuning
Support large-scale databases containing one terabyte or more of data
Collaborate with technical teams, business stakeholders, and end users
Provide technical leadership, architectural guidance, maintenance support, and issue resolution for complex taxation systems

Requirements
  • Minimum 7 years of experience working with a government taxation organization, including technical design, development, maintenance, and end-user support for complex tax accounting systems
  • Minimum 7 years of COBOL programming experience in an IBM mainframe environment
  • Minimum 3 years of experience with IBM DB2 for LUW, including databases of one terabyte or larger and XQuery
  • Minimum 7 years of experience with IDMS and DMLO in a mainframe environment
  • Minimum 7 years of experience with Client (Application Productivity System) and CICS in a mainframe environment
  • Minimum 7 years of experience with IBM MQ Series
  • Minimum 7 years of experience with IBM DB2 for z/OS, including complex database structures
  • Minimum 7 years of experience with IBM MVS JCL
  • Minimum 7 years of experience with TSO
  • Minimum 7 years of application performance analysis and tuning experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field
  • U.S. Citizens, Green Card Holders, EAD Holders, and H-1B transfer candidates are encouraged to apply
  • New H-1B visa petitions cannot be sponsored
  • Preferred: Adobe Certified AEM Developer credentials; Edge Delivery Services and Franklin/HLX; Adobe Experience Platform; multi-region or multi-brand AEM deployments; commerce platform integrations
Core Competencies

Demonstrates extensive experience in technical architecture and design for complex tax accounting systems, with a strong focus on COBOL programming, IBM DB2 database management, and application performance analysis. Proven ability to lead modernization projects and collaborate effectively with technical teams and stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • COBOL Programming
  • IBM DB2 for z/OS
  • Application Performance Analysis
  • Technical Leadership
  • Mainframe Environment Experience
ATS Optimization KeywordsHard Skills
  • COBOL
  • IBM DB2 for LUW
  • IDMS
  • DMLO
  • CICS
  • IBM MQ Series
  • IBM MVS JCL
  • TSO
  • XQuery
  • Application Performance Tuning
Soft Skills
  • Collaboration
  • Problem-Solving
  • Technical Guidance
Certifications & Qualifications
  • Adobe Certified AEM Developer
Industry Keywords
  • Tax Accounting Systems
  • Government Taxation Organization
  • Legacy System Conversion
  • Database Optimization
  • Complex Database Structures
Tools & Technologies
  • IBM DB2
  • Mainframe Systems
  • Application Productivity System
  • Adobe Experience Platform
  • Edge Delivery Services
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