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Mainframe Operations Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

System One

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MAINFRAME AUTOMATION SME

Washington, DC · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Mainframe Automation SME Location: Vienna VA - Hybrid Pay Rate: Open to Both C2C and W2 options ... Strong ability to investigate operational, technical, and business problems; analyze requirements ...

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Apex Systems

Mainframe Engineer

Merrifield, VA · On-site

Job#: 3046406 Mainframe Engineer Location: Merrifield, Virginia (Hybrid) Role Overview This ... Investigate operational, technical, and business problems; analyze requirements; and recommend ...

Serigor, Inc.

Senior .NET Developer (Onsite)

Columbia, MD · On-site

$53.75 - $70.75/hr

Collaborate with Mainframe SMEs, architects, QA teams, DevOps engineers, and business analysts * Support remediation, integration testing, regression testing, and functional equivalence validation

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Mainframe Operations information

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$11

$60

$81

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 Automation Specialist

System One

Merrifield, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Mainframe Automation Specialist
Location: Vienna, VA
Type: Long Term W-2 Contract
Compensation: Negotiable 
Work Model: Hybrid – onsite and remote
Hours: 40 hrs a week 
Security Clearance: None but full background check to include criminal, credit and fingerprinting 

Responsibilities

  • Investigate operational, technical, and business problems related to mainframe systems, analyzing requirements and recommending automation solutions.
  • Communicate complex system and automation information clearly to technical teams, business partners, and upper management.
  • Participate in an on-call rotation, as required, to support operational reliability.
  • Lead, guide, and mentor team members while promoting best practices, process improvements, and operational efficiency.
  • Administer, configure, and develop policies for IBM System Automation for z/OS, including resource automation, policy development, and SA policy database maintenance.
  • Develop enterprise automation solutions using REXX, command processors, routines, and scripts.
  • Manage and support automation across z/OS subsystems such as CICS, Db2, IMS, JES2/JES3, MQ, and TCP/IP.
  • Design and implement automation for CICS availability, recovery, startup, shutdown, restart, and health monitoring.
  • Apply knowledge of Parallel Sysplex, cross-system automation, JCL, SDSF, TSO/ISPF, and z/OS operations for automation tasks.
  • Utilize IBM Workload Scheduler (IWS, TWS, ZWS) for workload automation processes.
  • Integrate automation with monitoring tools like IBM OMEGAMON, ServiceNow, and Moogsoft.
  • Support mainframe and distributed systems, identifying automation opportunities and enhancing operational reliability.
  • Support high-availability, recovery, restart, and self-healing automation solutions.

Requirements

  • Strong ability to investigate operational, technical, and business problems; analyze requirements; and recommend automation solutions.
  • Excellent communication skills to convey complex automation concepts clearly.
  • Experience with IBM System Automation for z/OS, including administration, configuration, and policy development.
  • Advanced REXX programming skills for automation routines and scripts.
  • Experience with IBM NetView, including automation tables, message automation, and event processing.
  • Proficiency in designing and supporting automation across z/OS subsystems such as CICS, Db2, IMS, JES2/JES3, MQ, TCP/IP.
  • Knowledge of Parallel Sysplex, JCL, SDSF, TSO/ISPF, and z/OS operations.
  • Experience with IBM Workload Scheduler (IWS, TWS, ZWS).
  • Familiarity with z/OS UNIX System Services, shell scripting, and UNIX processes.
  • Experience integrating automation with monitoring tools like IBM OMEGAMON, ServiceNow, and Moogsoft.
  • Supporting high-availability, recovery, and self-healing automation solutions.
  • Bachelor''s degree in Information Technology or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Current awareness of industry standards, innovations, and best practices.
  • Experience with GDPS, SMP/E maintenance, and z/OS system programming concepts.
  • Familiarity with Ansible, REST APIs, and mainframe modernization technologies.

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.
System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, Marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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About System One

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System One helps employers get work done more efficiently and economically without compromising quality. Over our 35+ year history, we've helped connect thousands of talented people with innovative companies. The excitement of a perfect fit motivates us every single day.

Industry

Business consulting services and recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

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