1

Mainframe Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SYSVIEW, OPS/MVS, NetMaster, Mainframe Application Tuner, etc., that is, a specialist of the highest technical caliber. The senior consultant provides assistance and recommendations to management and ...

Sr Mainframe Developer / Support

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Experience in mainframe systems Experience in Application Support Strong communication skills A minimum 8 - 10 years of systems analysis/application development experience Background in development ...

Mainframe Tester Location: Mclean VA and Alpharetta, GA No of Positions: 2 Position type: Contract/C2C Interview Process : Written Test + 1 Skype/in person Interview (Hence Look only Locals- VA) We ...

Mainframe Developer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Hogan, COBOL, DB2, JCL, VSAM, Mainframe Utilities NOTE: ONLY US CITIZEN's OR GREEN CARD HOLDERS. Candidate has to work from Chantilly, VA for about 3-4 months and then has to relocate to Tampa, FL ...

Mainframe System Programmer

Mclean, VA ยท On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

... on mainframe systems. Supports both OS and hardware upgrades, cloud initiatives, disaster recovery events and the onboarding of new customers. Responsibilities * Provide 24x7/365 remote support ...

Mainframe System Programmer

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... on mainframe systems. Supports both OS and hardware upgrades, cloud initiatives, disaster recovery events and the onboarding of new customers. * Provide 24x7/365 remote support services and on ...

Showing results 21-40

Mainframe Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$52

$71

How much do mainframe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe operator 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 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 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.

Are mainframe operator jobs in demand?

Mainframe operator jobs are in steady demand in industries such as finance, government, and healthcare that rely on large-scale legacy systems. These roles require knowledge of mainframe environments, such as IBM z/OS, and often involve maintaining and troubleshooting critical data processing tasks. While automation has reduced some positions, experienced operators with skills in mainframe security and scripting remain valuable.

What does a mainframe operator do?

A mainframe operator manages and monitors large-scale computer systems known as mainframes, ensuring their smooth operation, performing routine maintenance, and troubleshooting issues. They often use specialized software and follow strict procedures to maintain system security and performance, typically working in data centers or IT environments with shift schedules. Certification in mainframe technologies can enhance job prospects.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mainframe Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Mainframe Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,074 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Mainframe Infra Engineer (z/OS) - Only W2

Saransh Inc

Mclean, VA โ€ข On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 24 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