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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

Scout ET

Mainframe Programmer

Pennington, NJ · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Location: Pennington, NJ Duration: 1 year Type: Contract jobs Estimated Duration: Long Term Contract Interview: Phone following to in-person. Onsite: On location at the Client ...

Sonsoft Inc

Mainframe Programmer

Florham Park, NJ · On-site

Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system. * May require a bachelor's degree and 6-8 years ...

Sonsoft Inc

Mainframe Programmer

Florham Park, NJ · On-site

Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system. * May require a bachelor's degree and 6-8 years ...

SmartIMS Inc.

Mainframe Programmer

Princeton, NJ · On-site

Hands-on experience in coding, testing and debugging programs written in COBOL/CICS/DB2. Experience with IBM OS/JCL (MVS) and IBM/DB2. Experience in conversions for IDMS/DC to CICS, IDMS to DB2.

NAVA Software Solutions

Mainframe Developer

Morristown, NJ · On-site

$50.50 - $64.75/hr

Role: Sr. Mainframe Engineer Location: Morris Plains, NJ , Memphis TN, Somerset NJ, Austin TX, St. Louis MO, Morristown NJ Remote to start - Hybrid from Nov onwards Duration: 6-12 months What You ...

NAVA Software Solutions

Mainframe Engineer

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

NAVA Software solutions is looking for a Mainframe Engineer Details: Mainframe Engineer Location: Somerset, NJ - Remote to start Duration: 6 months CTH What You Will Do: * Legacy application ...

Navtech, Inc.

Mainframe Developer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$53.75 - $69/hr

... programmer with the ability to design, develop and tests within the mainframe environment (COBOL, CICS, JCL and DB2 Must have experience on resolving production job abends and debugging skills ...

Saksoft

Mainframe with AI

Berkeley Heights, NJ · On-site

$51.25 - $65.75/hr

Mainframe developer with AI/GenAI Location: Berkeley Heights, NJ - Onsite Duration: 12+ Months Client: LTM/Fiserv Participate in requirements analysis and impact assessment for enhancements defect ...

Saransh Inc

Mainframe Developer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$51.25 - $65.75/hr

Mainframe Developer Work Location: Jersey City, NJ Duration: Long Term * 8+ years of experience in designing and developing Mainframe applications * Experience in COBOL (Modify existing programs to ...

Northern Base

Mainframe Developer

Pennington, NJ · On-site

$49.50 - $63.50/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Pennington, NJ (Onsite) Employment Type: Full-Time Visa Type: USC / GC Only Must Have Technical/Functional Skills Primary Skill: COBOL, DB2, JCL, VSAM Secondary: SQL ...

Hired By Matrix

Mainframe Engineer

Livingston, NJ · On-site

$53.50 - $68.75/hr

Minimum of 10 years of experience as a senior z/OS System Programmer. * Significant (7 or more years) systems engineering mainframe support. Qualifications Additional Information All your information ...

MDAEdge

Mainframe Developer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$53.75 - $69/hr

MDAEdge is a company specializing in mainframe solutions, and they are seeking a Mainframe Developer. The role involves developing and maintaining applications, managing job scheduling, and ensuring ...

Dew Softech Inc

Senior COBOL /Mainframe Developer

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

Senior COBOL /Mainframe Developer Location: Trenton, NJ (On site) Position Type: Contract In Person interview *Local Candidates only. Candidates should have strong background in Cobol, ADABAS, and ...

Amtex Enterprises Inc

Mainframe Developer

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Trenton, NJ 08608- Hybrid Role (2 days Onsite, 3 days Remote) Duration: 10+ Months LOCAL Only Cobol, CICS, testing, debugging, IBS OS/JCL, DB2, IDMS to DB2, Experience ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

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How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in New Jersey is $54.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.84 and $64.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

Is a mainframe programmer a good career?

A mainframe programmer is a specialized IT professional who develops and maintains legacy systems using languages like COBOL and tools such as IBM Z. The role offers stable employment opportunities, especially in industries like finance and government, with demand for skills in mainframe environments remaining steady despite the rise of cloud computing. Certifications and experience with mainframe hardware and software can enhance job prospects and salary potential.

Is a mainframe programmer still in demand?

Mainframe programmers are still in demand in industries such as finance, government, and healthcare that rely on legacy systems. They typically need skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments, and demand remains stable due to the continued use of mainframe technology for critical applications.
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Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,273 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Mainframe Programmer

Scout ET

Pennington, NJ • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Mainframe Programmer
Location: Pennington, NJ
Duration: 1 year

Type: Contract jobs
Estimated Duration: Long Term Contract

Interview: Phone following to in-person.
Onsite: On location at the Client's site 100% of the time. No telecommuting or remote work.

Note: Looking for candidates who can work on our payroll

Consultant with working knowledge of Mainframe technologies (COBOL,DB2 ,Store Procedures, MQ,CICS, SPUFI,ENDEOR, VSAM, ICETOOL)

  • Experience in Software Development and Implementation Life Cycle.
  • 7+Experience in Mainframe ,COBOL,DB2 ,Store Procedures, MQ,CICS, SPUFI,ENDEOR, VSAM, ICETOOL
  • Experience in development, Maintenance and Production Support Projects.
  • Problem-solving skills and ability to succeed in a fast-paced, high volume environment.
  • Able to do analysis, design, coding and testing and work as a individual contributor.
Additional Information

Phani


phani(at)scoutet(dot)com


609 - 888 - 6753


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