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Mainframe Modernization Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Specialist

Herndon, VA · 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 ...

Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

... modernization initiatives Maintain technical documentation and follow development standards Required Skills Mainframe Technologies COBOL JCL (Job Control Language) CICS DB2 VSAM IMS (preferred) TSO ...

Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

... modernization initiatives Maintain technical documentation and follow development standards Required Skills Mainframe Technologies COBOL JCL (Job Control Language) CICS DB2 VSAM IMS (preferred) TSO ...

Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

... modernization initiatives Maintain technical documentation and follow development standards Required Skills Mainframe Technologies COBOL JCL (Job Control Language) CICS DB2 VSAM IMS (preferred) TSO ...

Familiarity with Ansible, REST APIs, and mainframe modernization technologies. Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join ...

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Mainframe Modernization information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$52

$71

How much do mainframe modernization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe modernization in Virginia is $52.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.73 and $60.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is mainframe modernization?

A Mainframe Modernization job involves updating, reengineering, or migrating legacy mainframe applications to modern platforms, technologies, or cloud environments. Professionals in this role assess existing mainframe systems, identify optimization opportunities, and implement strategies to enhance performance, scalability, and integration with modern IT architectures. They may use approaches like rehosting, refactoring, or replacing applications to reduce costs and improve agility. The job typically requires expertise in legacy systems (e.g., COBOL, DB2) and modern cloud or microservices architectures.

What are the typical responsibilities and daily tasks in a mainframe modernization role?

In a Mainframe Modernization role, you can expect to analyze and document legacy mainframe applications, design modernization strategies, and implement solutions that migrate or integrate these systems with newer technologies. Your days may involve collaborating with business analysts, developers, and project managers to prioritize features and minimize business disruption, as well as troubleshooting integration issues. Many professionals also monitor system performance post-migration and help train end-users on the new platforms. This position often requires balancing hands-on technical work with effective communication across diverse teams to ensure project success.

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

To thrive in Mainframe Modernization, you need expertise in legacy mainframe systems, programming languages like COBOL, and modern software development methodologies, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Knowledge of tools such as IBM z/OS, migration frameworks, cloud platforms (like AWS, Azure), and relevant certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect) is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills help you succeed in cross-functional environments. These skills are crucial for executing system upgrades, ensuring minimal downtime, and facilitating smooth transitions to modern technology platforms.

Is mainframe modernization still in demand?

Mainframe modernization remains in demand as organizations seek to update legacy systems for improved efficiency, security, and integration with modern technologies. Professionals with skills in mainframe environments, such as COBOL, JCL, and modernization tools, are valued for helping businesses transition to cloud and distributed architectures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Modernization jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Mainframe Modernization jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Modernization jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Modernization jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Modernization job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,074 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Mainframe Modernization SME with Security Clearance

IBM

Reston, VA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


IBM rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 245 rated software companies


Job description

A career in IBM Consulting is built on long-term client relationships and close collaboration worldwide. You'll work with leading companies across industries, helping them shape their hybrid cloud and AI journeys. With support from our strategic partners, robust IBM technology, and Red Hat, you'll have the tools to drive meaningful change and accelerate client impact. At IBM Consulting, curiosity fuels success. You'll be encouraged to challenge the norm, explore new ideas, and create innovative solutions that deliver real results. Our culture of growth and empathy focuses on your long-term career development while valuing your unique skills and experiences. Your role and responsibilities As an Application Architect specializing in Application Modernization, you will design and guide the transformation of legacy mainframe systems into modern, scalable, and cloud-native architectures. You will combine deep technical expertise with strategic vision to ensure that applications are restructured, replatformed, or refactored to align with current business needs and future growth. Your primary responsibilities will include: • Lead End-to-End Architecture: Design and guide the transformation of legacy systems into modern, scalable, and cloud-native architectures across cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, IBM Cloud, and Google Cloud. • Design Microservices and APIs: Create microservices, APIs, data models, and integration patterns that support modular, scalable, and maintainable applications. • Define modernization strategies: Develop modernization strategy based on client pain points and outcomes • Guide AI Adoption: Collaborate with development teams to integrate generative AI technologies, such as Watson and Azure OpenAI, into modernized applications. • Ensure Testing Governance: Develop and implement robust testing governance and performance optimization throughout the modernization lifecycle. Required education Bachelor's Degree Preferred education Bachelor's Degree Required technical and professional expertise • Deep Expertise in Cloud-Native Architecture: Experience with designing and guiding the transformation of legacy systems into modern, scalable, and cloud-native architectures across cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, IBM Cloud, and Google Cloud. • Microservices and API Design Expertise: Experience with creating microservices, APIs, data models, and integration patterns that support modular, scalable, and maintainable applications. • Containerization Strategy Development: Experience with developing containerization and orchestration strategies using Docker and Kubernetes to ensure secure, resilient, and compliant systems. • Generative AI Technology Integration: Experience with integrating generative AI technologies, such as Watson and Azure OpenAI, into modernized applications. • Testing Governance and Performance Optimization: Experience with developing and implementing robust testing governance and performance optimization throughout the modernization lifecycle. • Must possess and have the ability to maintain DoD Secret clearance. Preferred technical and professional experience • Familiarity with Mainframe Z: Knowledge of legacy system integration, including Mainframe Z, is beneficial for hybrid cloud deployments and data migration. • Exposure to ICA Tools: Experience with IBM Cloud Automation (ICA) tools can aid in developing modernization roadmaps and streamlining the application modernization process. • Understanding of AMM Methodology: Familiarity with the Application Modernization Method (AMM) can facilitate the creation of effective modernization roadmaps and strategies.

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About IBM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Armonk, NY, US

Year founded

1911

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