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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division (MSD) is looking for a talented and motivated Software Engineer with a passion for building high quality applications using agile practices to join our ...

Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division (MSD) is looking for a talented and motivated Software Engineer with a passion for building high quality applications using agile practices to join our ...

Ability to work with mainframe SMEs to reverse-engineer logic and map it into modern .NET domain models. * Ability to read, analyze and interpret Mainframe code such as COBOL, JCL, VSAM and DB for z ...

Cobol Developer

Quincy, MA

$52.75 - $71.50/hr

Looking for a strong Cobol Developer to work on maintaining and enhancing existing mainframe applications with a large government environment. This is a long term position and in the coming years ...

Staff Engineer - Merchandising Whatyou'lldiscover * We offer an inclusive culture and ... Ability to work with mainframe SMEs toreverse-engineerlogic and map it into modern .NET domain ...

Staff Engineer - Merchandising Whatyou'lldiscover * We offer an inclusive culture and ... Ability to work with mainframe SMEs toreverse-engineerlogic and map it into modern .NET domain ...

From high-resiliency mainframes and hybrid cloud platforms to networking, automation, and site ... Partner with product, engineering, and infrastructure teams to embed security within existing ...

New

The Platform Hosting & Engineering role specializes in the development, implementation, and support of all distributed, mainframe, and network hosting services across the firm. Responsible for the ...

Showing results 21-40

Mainframe Programmer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$42

$59

$72

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Massachusetts is $59.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.44 and $69.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Programmer, you need a solid understanding of COBOL, JCL, DB2, and general mainframe architecture, often supported by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, TSO/ISPF, and source control systems such as Endevor or Changeman is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are critical for maintaining legacy systems, ensuring data integrity, and supporting business-critical operations in large organizations.

What are some common challenges mainframe programmers face when working on legacy systems?

Mainframe Programmers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex, decades-old codebases written in languages like COBOL or Assembler, and integrating these systems with modern technologies. Documentation may be sparse or outdated, requiring strong problem-solving and analytical skills to decipher business logic. Additionally, coordinating with cross-functional teams—including business analysts, testers, and infrastructure specialists—is essential to ensure smooth system updates and migrations. Adaptability and effective communication are key to overcoming these obstacles and supporting mission-critical applications.

What is a mainframe programmer?

Mainframe Programmers are specialized software developers who design, write, test, and maintain code for mainframe computer systems. These professionals primarily work with legacy programming languages such as COBOL, JCL, and sometimes Assembler, to ensure critical business applications run smoothly and securely. They are often employed in industries like banking, insurance, and government where mainframe systems remain essential for processing large volumes of transactions. Mainframe Programmers also troubleshoot system issues, optimize performance, and may assist in system upgrades or migrations.

Is a mainframe programmer in demand?

Mainframe programmers are still in demand in industries such as finance, insurance, and government that rely on legacy systems. They typically need skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments, and demand remains steady due to the ongoing need to maintain and update existing mainframe applications.

What is the difference between Mainframe Programmer vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectMainframe ProgrammerMainframe Developer
Primary RoleWriting, testing, and maintaining mainframe codeDesigning and developing mainframe applications and systems
Skills & CertificationsCOBOL, JCL, DB2, certifications in mainframe technologiesSimilar skills, often with additional focus on system design and architecture
Work EnvironmentMainframe environments in banking, finance, governmentSame environments, with broader development responsibilities
Job FocusCode implementation and troubleshootingApplication development and system integration

While both roles work within mainframe environments and share skills like COBOL and JCL, Mainframe Programmers primarily focus on coding and maintenance, whereas Mainframe Developers are involved in designing and developing new applications and systems. The roles often overlap, but the developer role typically encompasses a broader scope in application lifecycle management.

What does a mainframe programmer do?

As a mainframe programmer, your job is to design and program applications for mainframe computers, which are powerful machines that help to run many commercial and industrial processes. In this role, you may conduct an analysis of existing software to ensure it is as error-free as possible, help test new software, and implement software in a way that makes it easy for users to access. Mainframe programmers often use coding languages like COBOL, C++, SQL, Java, and CLIST when programming software. Somewhat unusually, most companies prefer to stick with specific coding languages even when they are not necessarily the best language for the job in order to reduce complexity and the risk of errors.

What is a mainframe programmer's salary?

A mainframe programmer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe environments may earn higher compensation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Massachusetts? The most popular types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Massachusetts are:
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Programmer jobs in Massachusetts? For Mainframe Programmer jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer jobs in Massachusetts are:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,927 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

R&D Software Engineer

Broadcom

Framingham, MA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Broadcom rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Please Note:

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Job Description:

Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division (MSD) is looking for a talented and motivated Software Engineer with a passion for building high quality applications using agile practices to join our Mainframe IDMS team. In this role, you will be a key member of the development team and will focus on building, testing, and supporting leading edge Mainframe Database solutions used by many of the world's largest companies.

We are looking for an engineer who is highly motivated, team oriented and has excellent organization and problem-solving skills. The individual and team goal will be to develop and maintain high-quality software aligned with user needs and business objectives.

Responsibilities

  • Work collaboratively within an Agile Team to analyze and translate business requirements and write high quality, testable code that meets the Agile Definition of Done.
  • Participate in design and code reviews with other engineers.
  • Actively participate and contribute to all Agile activities: Iteration planning, refinement, and sprint reviews. Volunteer for and commit to delivering stories and tasks within the sprint.
  • Actively communicate and collaborate within the team and across functional boundaries.
  • Drive opportunities to increase efficiency, security, and product quality through best practices.
  • Interact with customers for support issues, demonstrations, and feedback sessions.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or global equivalent in a software related field and 5 or more years of experience in mainframe software development or a related field; or Masters degree and 3+ years of related experience
  • Heavy experience in software development using IBM Assembler on z/OS systems.
  • Experience using Source Code Management tools such as Endevor and GitHub.
  • Experience in Agile software development methodology.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
  • Open to learning new technologies and languages, following new trends, and continuous innovation.


Desired Mainframe Technical Skills & Experience

  • Experience with SQL on mainframe databases like IDMS, Datacom, DB2.
  • Solid knowledge of reading system dumps, TSO/ISPF.
  • Additional experience in one or more of the following languages: Metal C, COBOL, ISPF, REXX, JCL, C, C+

General Skills & Competencies

  • Good knowledge in Agile tools like Jira and Rally.
  • Familiar with QA and DevOps concepts and practices such as test automation, CI/CD etc.
  • Advanced debugging skills using tools like XDC.
  • Communications and organization skills.

#Broadcomsoftware

#BroadcomSW

Additional Job Description:

Compensation and Benefits

The annual base salary range for this position is$ 91,000 - 146,000

This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in accordance with relevant plan documents, and equity in accordance with equity plan documents and equity award agreements.

Broadcom offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401(K) participation including company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company paid holidays, paid sick leave and vacation time. The company follows all applicable laws for Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

Broadcom is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability status, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We will also consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records consistent with local law.

If you are located outside USA, please be sure to fill out a home address as this will be used for future correspondence.


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