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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

A1FED Inc

IBM z/OS System Programmer (Remote)

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

The IBM System Programmer will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting IBM ... The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in mainframe environments, particularly with z ...

A1FED Inc

The IBM System Programmer will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting IBM ... The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in mainframe environments, particularly with z ...

TheStaffed

Sr DataStage Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Our client is seeking a Senior DataStage Engineer to design, develop, and maintain enterprise ETL ... Modernize legacy mainframe batch processes by translating existing COBOL/JCL logic into DataStage ...

Resource Point LLC

Java Full Stack Developer Senior

Reston, VA · On-site

$54.50 - $70.50/hr

The legacy mainframe application is used for non-performing loans and will be replaced with multiple applications for specific functions. Requirements * Project requires a Senior Full Stack Developer ...

Ethereum Technologies LLC

COBOL DEVELOPER

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Your Qualifications * 4-year college degree and/or relevant equivalent experience with strong mainframe (COBOL, JCL, CICS, IMS) programming skills and production support experience preferably in ...

Morgan Stanley

Lead Mainframe Storage Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

We are searching for a Lead Mainframe Storage Engineer to join the Z Infrastructure team responsible for providing a highly available Z Compute and Storage platform, resilient against infra failures ...

USM

Locals and Nearby TL Datastage Developer

Reston, VA · On-site

Able to do analysis and make code changes to the DataStage ETL, Mainframe and Unix jobs. Basic Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering or equivalent working experience At ...

USM

Locals Only Urgent Need ETL Datastage Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$51.50 - $67.50/hr

Able to do analysis and make code changes to the DataStage ETL, Mainframe and Unix jobs. Required: * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering or equivalent working experience * At least 6 ...

Scalence L.L.C.

Software Developer II

Herndon, VA · On-site

C. is seeking a Software Developer II to play a key role in the development and maintenance of ... mainframe environment utilizing COBOL/JCL/PROCS, TSO, ISPF, and SDSF required • Experience ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

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$38

$53

$66

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Virginia is $53.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.73 and $62.69 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 Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,592 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Senior Mainframe Engineer

Navy Federal Credit Union

Vienna, VA

$123K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Navy Federal Credit Union rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 276 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 152 rated financial services

Job description

Navy Federal Credit Union currently does not provide sponsorship for this role. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Define, develop and implement Mainframe or distributed automation strategies and policies for eliminating manual intervention during the management of systems and workloads.  Architect, Design and deliver automated solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the systems operations environment. Provide consulting support, standards and automation best practices to areas responsible for developing and deploying solutions.

This position is eligible for the TalentQuest employee referral program. If an employee referred you for this job, please apply using the system-generated link that was sent to you.

Navy Federal provides much more than a job. We provide a meaningful career experience, including a culture that is energized, engaged and committed; and fierce appreciation for our teams, who are rewarded with highly competitive pay and generous benefits and perks.

Our approach to careers is simple yet powerful: Make our mission your passion.

  • FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For 2025
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  • 2025 RippleMatch Campus Forward Award Winner for Overall Excellence 
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  • 2025 Handshake Early Talent Award

From Fortune. 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Navy Federal Credit Union.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Accommodations: If you need accommodation or assistance for a qualifying condition to complete the online application (or during any stage of the hiring process), you can contact Navy Federal's Medical Accommodations team at medicalaccommodations@navyfederal.org or by calling 1-888-503-6013. This team cannot provide any information on job postings or application status.

Disclaimers: Navy Federal reserves the right to fill this role at a higher/lower grade level based on business need. An assessment may be required to compete for this position. Job postings are subject to close early or extend out longer than the anticipated closing date at the hiring team's discretion based on qualified applicant volume. Navy Federal Credit Union assesses market data to establish salary ranges that enable us to remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range, based on your experience, location and market position. For additional details regarding compensation and benefits, review the Benefits page of the Navy Federal Career Site.

Protect Yourself from Job Scams: Navy Federal Credit Union jobs are posted on our career site, jobs.navyfederal.org and reputable job boards (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed). We do not post jobs on social media marketplaces, messaging apps or unverified websites. We will never ask candidates for payment, bank details or personal financial information during the hiring process.

Bank Secrecy Act: Remains cognizant of and adheres to Navy Federal policies and procedures, and regulations pertaining to the Bank Secrecy Act.

  • Expert-level experience with IBM System Automation for z/OS, including administration, configuration, policy development, managed resource automation, automation definitions, resource dependency models, and SA policy database maintenance. 
  • Advanced REXX programming experience developing enterprise automation solutions, command processors, automation routines, operational tooling, and automation scripts. 
  • Strong experience with IBM NetView, including automation tables, message automation, command lists, PIPEs, event processing, and policy-driven automation components. 
  • Experience designing, implementing, and supporting automation across z/OS subsystems and middleware platforms such as CICS, Db2, IMS, JES2/JES3, MQ, and TCP/IP. 
  • Experience developing automation for CICS availability, recovery, startup, shutdown, restart, and health monitoring. 
  • Strong knowledge of Parallel Sysplex environments, cross-system automation concepts, JCL, SDSF, TSO/ISPF, and z/OS operations. 
  • Experience with IBM Workload Scheduler, including IWS, TWS, ZWS, and workload automation processes. 
  • Familiarity with z/OS UNIX System Services, including USS/OMVS and automation involving UNIX processes and shell scripting.
  • Experience integrating automation with monitoring and event management tools such as IBM OMEGAMON, ServiceNow, and Moogsoft. 
  • Experience managing, monitoring, and supporting mainframe and/or distributed systems, business applications, and infrastructure platforms. 
  • Experience identifying and implementing automation opportunities across IBM z/Series, UNIX, and Windows operating systems. 
  • Experience supporting high-availability, recovery, restart, and self-healing automation solutions. 
  • Proven ability to reduce manual intervention, improve operational reliability, and deliver scalable automation solutions that support business services.
  • Strong ability to investigate operational, technical, and business problems; analyze requirements; and recommend reliable automation solutions. 
  • Ability to communicate complex system and automation information clearly to technical teams, business partners, and upper management. 
  • Strong time management, prioritization, research, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Ability to participate in an on-call rotation, as required. 
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, guide, and mentor others while promoting technical best practices, process improvement, and operational efficiency. 

Desired Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Possess current awareness of professional standards, innovations and industry best practices
  • Experience with OMEGAMON situation development, alerting, and monitoring customization.
  • Experience with GDPS and disaster recovery automation.
  • Experience with SMP/E maintenance and z/OS system programming concepts.
  • Familiarity with Ansible, REST APIs, and mainframe modernization technologies

Additional Information

Hours:

  • Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM with on call rotation to support 24/7 operations

Location:

  • 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180
  • 5510 Heritage Oaks Drive, Pensacola, FL 32526
  • 141 Security Drive, Winchester, VA 22602
  • 9999 Willow Creek Road San Diego, CA 92131
  • 295 Bendix Road, Suite 250, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
  • 11270 Saint Johns Industrial Parkway South, Jacksonville, FL 32246
  • 3300 Olympus Boulevard, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75019
  • 4 Concourse Parkway, #100, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
  • Design and implement highly available Mainframe platform with emphasis on System Management in accordance with NFCU standards
  • Partner with the various technology teams to identify and reengineer processes as they onboard to the Mainframe platform
  • Lead the efforts to automate and orchestrate repeatable administration tasks.  Make necessary improvements to increase reliability and reusability
  • Drive industry standard on continuous process improvements
  • Develop thorough technical documentation including diagrams

What Navy Federal Credit Union employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Navy Federal Credit Union logo

About Navy Federal Credit Union

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Navy Federal Credit Union, based in Vienna, Virginia, United States, is a significant player in the financial services industry. Their official website is navyfederal.org. With its roots dating back to 1933, it was initially established to provide credit to Navy members. Over the years, Navy Federal has magnified its scope, evolving into a full-service credit union serving all branches of the military, the Department of Defense, veterans, and their families. The company’s core values include integrity, service, education, and leadership. Navy Federal aims to be the most preferred and trusted financial institution serving the military and their families.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Vienna, VA, US

Year founded

1933

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