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Mainframe Operations Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Anivas Tech LLC

Mainframe SRE

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

$48.50 - $62.50/hr

Anivas Tech is seeking a Mainframe SRE to support our government agency IT operations. We are looking for a skilled professional with 3+ years of relevant experience who brings strong technical ...

Omm IT Solutions

Mainframe Computer Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$55.25 - $71/hr

The operators will be responsible for running and monitoring mainframe print operations, supporting job scheduling, and assisting Production Control staff to ensure timely and accurate completion of ...

Broadcom

Sr Mainframe Technical Consultant

Reston, VA · On-site

Displaying a broad range of disciplines, environments, and best practices within the mainframe operations practice or, the individual may possess skills and highly technical experience in Broadcom ...

Infojini Inc

HELP DESK

Washington, DC

$23.25 - $31.75/hr

Experience with Mainframe operations a plus including working knowledge and skill operating z/OS, JES2, VTAM, NetView, TSO, and the use of JCL to monitor and initialize Mainframe resources. 6.Strong ...

Infojini Inc

Desktop Support

Washington, DC

$26.25 - $35.50/hr

Demonstrated ability to concisely summarize and document client issues is required. 5. Experience with Mainframe operations a plus including working knowledge and skill operating z/OS, JES2, VTAM ...

ConfigUSA

Mainframe Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Technical Lead for Mainframe Platform (z/OS| Dell Storage| IMS| DB2| RACF| CA JobTrac) to govern operations| changes and sustainability upgrade projects. Interface between Freddie Mac teams and ...

Accenture

Mainframe Specialist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL ... operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services-creating tangible value at speed ...

Infojini Inc

Helpdesk Support

Washington, DC

$23.25 - $31.75/hr

Demonstrated ability to concisely summarize and document client issues is required. 5. Experience with Mainframe operations a plus including working knowledge and skill operating z/OS, JES2, VTAM ...

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Mainframe Operations information

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How much do mainframe operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe operations in Washington is $60.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.37 and $68.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is mainframe operations?

Mainframe operations refer to the processes and tasks involved in managing, monitoring, and maintaining mainframe computer systems. These systems are powerful computers used by large organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing, and large-scale transaction processing. Mainframe operators ensure system reliability, perform backups, monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with IT teams to support business operations. Their work is essential to keeping core business systems running smoothly and securely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe operations professional?

To thrive in Mainframe Operations, you need expertise in mainframe system administration, strong problem-solving skills, and a background in IT or computer science. Familiarity with IBM z/OS, JCL (Job Control Language), automation tools, and monitoring systems is typically required, along with certifications like IBM Certified System Programmer. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work under pressure help professionals quickly resolve incidents and coordinate with teams. These skills are essential to ensure the reliability, security, and optimal performance of critical enterprise computing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in mainframe operations, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Mainframe Operations often encounter challenges such as managing legacy systems, ensuring 24/7 uptime, and swiftly resolving system outages. Staying up to date with new automation tools and best practices can help address these challenges. Additionally, effective communication with application teams and constant monitoring are key to minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations. Continuous learning and participation in cross-training sessions can also help team members stay proficient as technologies evolve.

What is the difference between Mainframe Operations vs Mainframe System Programmer?

AspectMainframe OperationsMainframe System Programmer
Primary ResponsibilitiesMonitoring, maintaining, and supporting mainframe systems to ensure smooth operationInstalling, configuring, and optimizing mainframe system software and operating systems
Required SkillsKnowledge of mainframe hardware, job scheduling, and system monitoring toolsExpertise in system software, scripting, and system tuning
CertificationsIBM Certified System Administrator, z/OS certificationsIBM Certified System Programmer, z/OS certifications
Work EnvironmentData centers, mainframe rooms, enterprise IT departmentsData centers, enterprise IT teams, mainframe software support

Both roles are essential in mainframe environments, with Mainframe Operations focusing on system support and monitoring, while Mainframe System Programmers handle system software installation and optimization. They often collaborate but require different skill sets and certifications.

Are mainframe operations jobs in demand?

Mainframe operations jobs remain in demand due to the continued reliance of large organizations on mainframe systems for critical data processing. These roles often require knowledge of legacy systems, scripting, and tools like IBM Z, with demand driven by industries such as finance, government, and healthcare that prioritize system stability and security.

Is mainframe operations hard to learn?

Mainframe operations can be complex due to the specialized systems, programming languages, and tools involved, but with proper training and experience, it is learnable. Many professionals start with foundational skills in operating systems like z/OS and gain certifications to improve their understanding.

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Operations jobs in Washington?

For Mainframe Operations jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Operations jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Operations jobs in Washington are:

Mainframe Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Operations job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,748 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Mainframe Infra Engineer (z/OS) - Only W2

Saransh Inc

Mclean, VA • On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Role: Mainframe Infra Engineer (Mainframe z/OS Technical Lead / L3 Engineer)
Location: McLean, VA (Hybrid)
Job Type: W2 Contract
 
Skill Matrix:
Name
Required
IMS
Yes
DB2
Yes
JCL
Yes
Cobol
Yes
Mainframe CICS
Yes
CICS
Yes
z/OS
Yes
 
Experience: Overall 15 years
Job Description:
We are seeking a senior Mainframe Z/OS Technical Lead to act as the client-side SME overseeing outsourced mainframe services and guiding a small internal team.
 
Responsibilities:
• Provide technical oversight of vendor-managed mainframe operations
• Review daily operations, incidents, RCA, changes, and releases
• Validate vendor recommendations and ensure adherence to SLAs and ITIL processes
• Act as escalation point for complex mainframe issues
• Provide expert guidance on z/OS, Sysplex, WLM, JES, and RACF
• Oversee IMS (DB/DC), DB2 for z/OS, and CICS environments
• Review system performance, capacity, availability, and stability
• Recommend improvements for performance, automation, and cost optimization
• Identify risks, technical debt, and modernization opportunities
• Review DR, BCP, backup, and recovery strategies
• Provide architectural input for upgrades and future-state planning
• Communicate technical insights clearly to leadership and stakeholders
 
Required Skills:
• 10+ years of strong hands-on mainframe experience.
• Expert knowledge of z/OS, IMS, DB2, CICS
• Strong understanding of JCL, COBOL, and batch processing
• Experience with vendor-managed or outsourced environments
• Ability to influence, challenge, and guide vendors constructively
 
Preferred:
• Mainframe modernization or optimization experience
• ITIL process exposure