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Mainframe Operator Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Cobol Developer

Reading, PA

$47 - $60.50/hr

Design and develop and maintain mainframe applications using programming languages such as COBOL, JCL, and more. \n * Provide application enhancement and apply patches, updates, etc. \n * Conduct ...

Senior Mainframe Engineer Category: Software Development/ Engineering Main location: United States, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Position ID:J0726-2614 Employment Type: Full Time Position Description:

Hogan Mainframe Developer

Pittsburgh, PA

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

Looking for a Hogan Mainframe Developer at Pittsburgh, PA ( Fulltime/Permanent & Onsite), please suggest someone whom you know might will be looking for a change Fullrime/Permanent & Onsite ...

Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Mainframe tools: TSO/ISPF, Endevor, Easytrieve, CA7 / Control-M. * Operating Systems: IBM z/OS (primary), AIX, Linux, Windows. * Database: DB2, Oracle. * Strong experience in analysis, coding ...

Showing results 21-40

Mainframe Operator information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$10

$53

$72

How much do mainframe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe operator in Pennsylvania is $53.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.21 and $60.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the mainframe operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Operator, you need a solid understanding of mainframe systems operations, batch processing, and problem-solving, often supported by an associate degree in IT or related experience. Familiarity with operating systems such as z/OS, job scheduling tools like CA-7 or Control-M, and knowledge of system monitoring utilities are typical requirements, with relevant certifications like IBM Mainframe Operator being a plus. Strong attention to detail, adaptability under pressure, and effective communication help operators excel in coordinating tasks and responding to issues. These skills ensure smooth, reliable mainframe operations that are critical for supporting core business functions.

What does a typical work shift look like for a mainframe operator?

A typical work shift for a Mainframe Operator can involve monitoring system performance, executing scheduled jobs, troubleshooting unexpected errors, and resolving user-reported issues. Many organizations operate their mainframes 24/7, so you may be expected to work evening, night, or weekend shifts as part of a rotating team. Collaboration with network administrators, systems programmers, and technical support staff is common to ensure system reliability and quick issue resolution. Throughout your shift, you'll need to document incidents and maintain communication logs for seamless transitions between shifts. This environment requires reliability, alertness, and a proactive approach to keeping core business processes running smoothly.

What is a mainframe operator?

A Mainframe Operator monitors and controls mainframe computer systems, ensuring they run efficiently and without issues. They oversee batch processing, troubleshoot system errors, manage job scheduling, and perform routine maintenance. Their role is critical in maintaining uptime and performance for large-scale business operations. They also collaborate with IT teams to address system failures and optimize processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Operator jobs in Pennsylvania? The most popular types of Mainframe Operator jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Operator jobs in Pennsylvania? For Mainframe Operator jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Operator jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Operator jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Mainframe Operator jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Mainframe Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Operator job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,293 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Manager - US Mainframe Applications

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Pittsburgh, PA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


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Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 422 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

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Job Description

Manager, Mainframe Applications

Onsite – Pittsburgh, PA

About the Role

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is seeking a Manager, Mainframe Applications to lead and support mission-critical mainframe systems that underpin key business operations. This role is responsible for the day-to-day management of mainframe application support and delivery, including people leadership, operational stability, and project execution. The successful candidate will balance hands-on leadership with strategic thinking, ensuring existing systems remain reliable while supporting ongoing modernization efforts.

This position is onsite in Pittsburgh, PA and supports primarily U.S.-based business operations.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and develop a team of mainframe application professionals, including full-time employees and contingent resources

  • Oversee day-to-day support of production mainframe applications, ensuring high availability, performance, and timely issue resolution

  • Manage and prioritize enhancement, maintenance, and project work, including direct management of select application projects

  • Serve as a primary technology partner to business stakeholders, translating business needs into effective technical solutions

  • Ensure effective development, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of mainframe applications

  • Provide leadership and oversight for systems utilizing IDMS databases, VSAM files, and related mainframe technologies

  • Support modernization initiatives, including system enhancements, technical debt reduction, and integration with distributed or cloud-based platforms

  • Collaborate closely with architecture, infrastructure, security, QA, and other IT teams to ensure aligned delivery

  • Manage vendor and contractor relationships, including performance oversight and deliverable management

  • Ensure compliance with internal controls, security standards, and regulatory requirements

  • Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning for mainframe applications

  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and accountability

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree plus 8 years of relevant IT experience, or Advanced degree plus 6 years of experience

  • Minimum of 3+ years in a people management or technical leadership role

  • Significant experience working in mainframe application environments

  • Strong working knowledge of IDMS databases, VSAM files, and mainframe application support

  • Demonstrated ability to manage both operational support and project delivery concurrently

  • Proven experience partnering with business stakeholders and leading cross-functional initiatives

  • Strong communication, leadership, and decision-making skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience managing hybrid teams with both employees and contractors

  • Exposure to mainframe modernization or system transformation initiatives

  • Familiarity with SDLC methodologies (Agile, waterfall, or hybrid)

  • Experience working in regulated environments (e.g., GxP, FDA)

  • Industry certifications such as ITIL, PMP, or Agile

  • Experience with enterprise integration and modern IT architectures

  • Travel may be required up to 25%


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