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Mainframe Operations Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe administrator

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$47.06 - $60.55/hr

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and make ... Working knowledge of mainframe operations and batch processing environments. * Experience with ...

Mainframe administrator

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$47.06 - $60.55/hr

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and make ... Working knowledge of mainframe operations and batch processing environments. * Experience with ...

The position is responsible for governance, operational oversight, change coordination, compliance ... Perform root cause analysis and define corrective and preventive actions for recurring system or ...

... coordinating mainframe operations in the State's Consolidated Data Center Services (DCS), and ... Analyze performance issues * Support for technical consultation and inquiries from the other ...

... operations, and client support across infrastructure and software. Ability to work under minimal ... Ability to work on complex problems where analysis of situation or data requires an in-depth ...

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Mainframe Operations Analyst information

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How much do mainframe operations analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe operations analyst in the United States is $47.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.70 and $58.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe Operations Analysts work with large-scale, legacy computing systems that require specialized skills. While AI can automate certain tasks like monitoring and data analysis, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframes or the roles that manage them due to their complexity, reliability requirements, and integration with critical enterprise systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe Operations Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Operations Analyst, you need a solid understanding of mainframe systems, batch processing, job scheduling, and problem-solving, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools such as IBM z/OS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, and monitoring systems like CA-7 or Tivoli is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for identifying and resolving issues quickly. These skills ensure the reliability, efficiency, and security of critical business operations that depend on mainframe environments.

What are Mainframe Operations Analysts?

Mainframe Operations Analysts are IT professionals responsible for ensuring the smooth operation, monitoring, and maintenance of mainframe computer systems within an organization. They oversee system performance, troubleshoot issues, perform routine maintenance tasks, and ensure the security and reliability of critical business applications running on mainframes. Their role is essential in organizations that rely on large-scale transaction processing, such as banks, insurance companies, and government agencies. Mainframe Operations Analysts also coordinate system upgrades, manage backups, and often work with other IT teams to support business continuity.

What are some typical challenges Mainframe Operations Analysts face when supporting legacy systems?

Mainframe Operations Analysts often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting issues in legacy code, managing system upgrades without disrupting critical business operations, and ensuring compatibility between old and new technologies. These analysts must quickly diagnose and resolve incidents, often under time pressure, while collaborating closely with application developers and infrastructure teams. Effective communication and a strong understanding of mainframe environments are essential for maintaining high system availability and performance.

What does a mainframe analyst do?

A mainframe operations analyst is responsible for managing and maintaining large-scale mainframe computer systems, ensuring their optimal performance, security, and availability. They monitor system processes, troubleshoot issues, perform backups, and implement updates, often using tools like z/OS and job scheduling software. Strong technical skills and knowledge of mainframe environments are essential for this role.

Do OPS analysts need a degree?

Mainframe Operations Analysts typically do not require a specific degree but often benefit from a background in computer science, information technology, or related fields. Employers may also value certifications, technical skills, and experience with mainframe systems and tools. Practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities are essential for this role.

Is mainframe still in demand?

Mainframe Operations Analysts are still in demand due to the continued reliance on mainframe systems in industries like finance, healthcare, and government. These roles require skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe management tools, and often involve maintaining legacy systems while integrating modern technologies.
More about Mainframe Operations Analyst jobs
Infographic showing various Mainframe Operations Analyst job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,199 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Mainframe Solutions Architect

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Red Canyon Technologies is seeking a Mainframe Solutions Architect to serve as the primary technical authority on mainframe and legacy system modernization engagements under the DISA Reforged contract. This person is the irreplaceable technical spine of the delivery team - the individual who can walk into a mainframe environment, rapidly understand what is running and why, and architect a credible path forward.
The Mainframe Solutions Architect will partner closely with the Technical PM, senior Red Canyon leadership (including the Program Directors who established Reforged), and the Government customer to design and execute modernization strategies across a wide range of legacy environments. Early work will almost certainly include Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) system modernization and large-scale COBOL application assessment. The right candidate has been in these environments before and is not intimidated by complexity, technical debt, or limited documentation.
*This position is contingent upon contract award.*
Responsibilities
Mainframe Engineering & Architecture
  • Serve as the lead technical voice on mainframe architecture, application structure, data flows, and modernization feasibility for assigned engagements.
  • Engineer, administer, and troubleshoot IBM z/OS environments supporting DISA/DoD mission workloads, including advanced support for JES2, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, SMF/RMF, and SMP/E.
  • Support and tune DB2 for z/OS environments (connectivity, performance, backup/recovery coordination, and operational support) and CICS regions including configuration, performance tuning, and outage resolution.
  • Analyze dumps, logs, and system traces; drive root-cause analysis and implement permanent fixes.
  • Provide technical support to application teams for mainframe workloads, including code-level troubleshooting and job support in COBOL, REXX, JCL, and legacy languages such as FORTRAN as applicable.

Assessments, Migrations & Modernization
  • Conduct and lead legacy system assessments: inventory, dependency mapping, risk identification, and production of actionable modernization roadmaps.
  • Design solution architectures for modernization scenarios including code refactoring, rehosting, API enablement, hybrid cloud integration, and workload offloading.
  • Plan and execute migrations and upgrades (z/OS version upgrades, subsystem upgrades, environment consolidation); build repeatable migration playbooks, checklists, and readiness criteria.
  • Translate assessment findings into concrete, defensible technical recommendations for Government customers - including trade-off analysis and phased implementation plans.
  • Coordinate cutovers and validate post-migration stability; lead or support implementation efforts including direct technical involvement in early engagement phases.

Security & Compliance
  • Collaborate with ICAM, security, and infrastructure teams to ensure modernization approaches integrate seamlessly with DoD security frameworks (RMF, Zero Trust, SNAP/eMASS).
  • Implement and validate security controls aligned with DISA/DoD requirements including STIGs, hardening guidance, and RACF or equivalent mainframe security administration.

Team & Program Support
  • Mentor junior and mid-level engineers on mainframe concepts, modernization patterns, and Red Canyon delivery standards.
  • Contribute to proposals, technical volumes, PWS development, and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates for new task order opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain operational documentation: runbooks, SOPs, change plans, and rollback procedures.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • 8+ years of IBM mainframe experience supporting enterprise production environments.
  • Active Secret clearance strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated hands-on expertise in z/OS systems programming/administration, DB2 for z/OS operational support, and CICS operational support.
  • Proficiency in core mainframe operations tooling: JCL, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, JES2, SMP/E.
  • Experience with performance and capacity analysis using SMF/RMF or equivalent tools.
  • Proven experience contributing to or leading mainframe assessments and migrations/upgrades.
  • Experience designing and executing mainframe modernization strategies, including at least one of: application rehosting, code refactoring, cloud migration, or API enablement of legacy systems.
  • Familiarity with hybrid cloud architectures and their intersection with mainframe environments (IBM z/OS Connect, cloud-native integration, workload offloading).

Preferred
  • Direct experience supporting DISA, DoD, or other Federal defense agency mainframe programs.
  • Assembler experience (reading/debugging, performance analysis, exit routines, and problem determination).
  • Experience with ICAM systems, access control modernization, or RACF/RBAC environments on mainframe.
  • Familiarity with RMF, ATO processes, and DoD cybersecurity compliance frameworks (NIST 800-53, CMMC) as they apply to mainframe environments; DISA STIG implementation experience.
  • Experience with cloud environments (AWS/Azure/GCP) and migrating or refactoring mainframe capabilities into cloud services using patterns such as API enablement, strangler fig, replatform, or rehost.
  • REST/Web Services knowledge including exposing or consuming services from z/OS via z/OS Connect; familiarity with modernization-related tooling such as Rocket Software, IBM Data Virtualization, SAS, VSAM/ISAM, Natural, and Adabas.
  • Familiarity with AIOps concepts (anomaly detection, alert reduction, faster incident triage) within approved DoD tooling frameworks.
  • Experience with modernization platforms such as Micro Focus, Broadcom, or IBM-native refactoring and migration tools.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance.

About Us
Diné Development Corporation (DDC) is a Navajo Nation owned family of companies that provides government agencies and commercial organizations with high-quality IT, professional, environmental, and research and development services. DDC is dedicated to empowering the Navajo Nation and communities we serve.
Benefits
Eligible full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, retirement savings with company match, paid time off, voluntary supplemental benefits, and access to an employee assistance program. The package also includes educational assistance, with tuition reimbursement.
EEO Statement
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation, or any other basis prohibited by law. We participate in E-Verify.