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Mainframe Lead Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Application Architect II on Mainframe side Work with the client's SME Ideal candidate is someone ... These individuals can lead a tool evaluation effort, including the definition of the evaluation ...

• Application Architect II on Mainframe side • Work with the client's SME • Ideal candidate ... These individuals can lead a tool evaluation effort, including the definition of the evaluation ...

Senior Mainframe Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$112.72 - $146.54/hr

Lead assessment of legacy mainframe applications, batch workloads, interfaces, databases, dependencies, and infrastructure components * Conduct application inventory, complexity analysis, dependency ...

Mainframe Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

Lead the design, development, and modernization of mainframe applications, enforcing best practices and architectural standards. * Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization ...

Senior Mainframe DevOps Architect

Lisle, IL · On-site

$127K - $173K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a Senior Mainframe DevOps Architect to lead solution design and own end-to-end architecture for enterprise customers-translating complex business requirements into ...

RACF Mainframe Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$70K - $140K/yr

The RACF Mainframe Security Engineer is accountable for delivery and implementation of IAM ... Lead the response to RACF-related security incidents and implementing any necessary corrective ...

RACF Mainframe Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$70K - $140K/yr

The RACF Mainframe Security Engineer is accountable for delivery and implementation of IAM ... Lead the response to RACF-related security incidents and implementing any necessary corrective ...

Lead Mainframe Architect DevOps Modernization Role Description Seeking an experienced Lead Mainframe Architect with strong expertise in IBM Z DevOps and enterprise modernization. The role focuses on ...

Pega Test Lead

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Pega Test Lead Must Have Technical/Functional Skills ⦁ Expertise in Pega PRPC, functional and ... mainframe environments. ⦁ Strong understanding of claims lifecycle, business rules, and ...

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Mainframe Lead information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27

$66

$88

How much do mainframe lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe lead in Chicago, IL is $66.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59.66 and $74.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe lead?

A Mainframe Lead is responsible for overseeing the development, maintenance, and optimization of mainframe systems, ensuring their reliability and performance. They lead a team of mainframe developers, coordinate with stakeholders, and implement best practices for system upgrades and problem resolution. Additionally, they play a key role in managing security, compliance, and disaster recovery strategies for critical business applications.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a mainframe lead?

As a Mainframe Lead, your daily responsibilities often include overseeing and guiding mainframe development or support teams, reviewing code or system changes, and ensuring compliance with organizational standards. You’ll coordinate with business analysts and project managers to translate business requirements into technical solutions and may also troubleshoot and resolve complex system issues. Regularly, you’ll mentor junior staff, schedule workloads, monitor system performance, and participate in planning for upgrades or migrations. Collaborating with infrastructure, security, and application teams is a key part of ensuring smooth operations and project delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a mainframe lead position?

To thrive as a Mainframe Lead, you need deep expertise in mainframe technologies such as COBOL, JCL, and DB2, as well as strong leadership and project management experience. Familiarity with mainframe tools like IBM z/OS, RACF, and relevant certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer are highly valued. Strong communication, problem-solving, and mentoring skills enable effective team leadership and cross-functional collaboration. These abilities are essential to ensure the reliability, security, and modernization of critical enterprise systems while driving successful project outcomes.

Is a mainframe lead still in demand?

Mainframe lead roles remain in demand due to the continued reliance of many large organizations on mainframe systems for critical operations. These positions often require expertise in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe tools, with certifications and experience in managing legacy systems being valuable assets. The demand is steady, especially in finance, government, and insurance sectors that maintain mainframe infrastructure.

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Lead jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Lead jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Lead job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,951 per year, or $66.3 per hour.
Sapsol Technologies Inc
IT Services • 11 - 50 employees

Contractor

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

      Application Architect II on Mainframe side

      Work with the client's SME

      Ideal candidate is someone who understands business processes on Steel Mfg side.

      N-W Indiana area

      In office a couple of times a month but should be in drivable distance

      Office setting, will not work around dangerous equipment

      Day shift, on call schedule sometimes.

 Must be skilled in the mainframe environment - COBOL, DB2, etc.


Has experience in multiple system environments. Should also be experienced in designing, developing, and test applications. Combine multiple technologies to provide alternative physical solutions. Performs analysis of business models, logical specifications and/or user requirements to design solutions. Responsible for the application development as well as the application environment. Understands various types of tools and technologies on the market and their appropriate usage. Responsibilities extend to all components of an application and application environment including front, back, and middle tiers where applicable. These individuals can lead a tool evaluation effort, including the definition of the evaluation criteria, identification of tools to be evaluated, and the actual evaluation. Has worked on various platforms including mainframes, minis and micros. Work may involve interacting with and managing product vendors/suppliers.