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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Cleveland, OH (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$90 - $119/hr

Provide technical leadership for Mainframe application development, maintenance, and production ... engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data ...

New

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Engineer

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

PEP Developer Required Experience • 3+ years of hands-on development experience with Fiserv PEP ... Strong experience in Mainframe application development. Technical Skills ACH • Fiserv PEP ...

Pega CDH Developer

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$54.50 - $71.50/hr

Future duties and responsibilities include being part of a full stack agile team including Pega, Java, ETL, Data Engineers, VB (.NET), and Mainframe developers. You will attend stand up meetings and ...

.NET Developer

Bath, OH · On-site

$95 - $130/hr

Mainframe programming experience is a plus. Years of Experience, Clearance, and Degree requirements: * Ideally looking for 6+ years' experience. * Security Clearance is NOT required but MUST be able ...

Software Engineer Lead

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$86K - $158K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mainframe COBOL Developer to join our technology team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, development, testing, and ...

Software Engineer Lead

Strongsville, OH · On-site

$86K - $158K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mainframe COBOL Developer to join our technology team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, development, testing, and ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

See Cleveland, OH salary details

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How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Cleveland, OH is $52.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.67 and $61.30 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.

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Programmer jobs in Cleveland, OH?

For Mainframe Programmer jobs in Cleveland, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer jobs in Cleveland, OH look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer jobs in Cleveland, OH are:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Cleveland, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,995 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer

American Greetings Corporation

Westlake, OH • On-site

$51 - $64.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


American Greetings rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

538th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description


As this is a hybrid role based out of our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio, we will focus on candidates who currently reside in Northeast Ohio.
The Sr. Mainframe Systems programmer is responsible for the overall engineering, operations, and planning of the mainframe, IBM z/OS operating system software and all other IBM and third-party software.
**This is not an application development role, it is a deep technical infrastructure position focused on the performance, stability, and configuration of the mainframe environment. **
The individual will be responsible for providing technical expertise and guidance to the applications support team, the scheduling team, and to data center operations. This individual will work closely with IT leadership to develop long-term strategies to optimize the effective use of the mainframe platform.
As the primary technical mainframe specialist, the individual will also be responsible for mainframe storage, tape library management and disaster recovery to ensure that all business-critical applications can be recovered in the event of data loss or system outages.
The individual will also be responsible for providing senior technical expertise and direction to third-party consultants including application developers and technical resources. The individual in this role will help to plan and oversee mainframe technical project execution, server engineering skills, and technical resource deployment to ensure quality outcomes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Function as the subject matter expert for the mainframe platform to provide technical expertise and support to infrastructure, applications and third-party teams.
• Lead the planning, installation, configuration, customization, and testing of IBM z/OS and all third-party mainframe software packages such as TopSecret, CA-1, CA-Disk, BMC AMI Storage, Endevor, MIM, VPS, and various associated products.
• Perform CICS administration.
• JobTrac application administration.
• Drive capacity planning and resource optimization for the mainframe, storage and tape management systems.
• Ability to evaluate specifications and features of new products, performing cost comparisons, feasibility and cost benefit analysis, performance, compatibility and testing to make recommendations.
• Mentor less experienced Mainframe System Administrators including assigning work, reviewing work for adherence to standards, and providing technical guidance.
• Assist with the overall disaster recovery planning and annual testing for the mainframe and storage replication services.
• Identify and plan for the use of new technologies and capabilities including Linux and cloud-ready capabilities to improve optimized use of the mainframe platform.
• Perform performance data collection, analysis, and the tuning of the z/OS operating system and associated applications.
• Develop standards and procedures that support current and future operational needs with a focus on continuous improvement and automation on the mainframe environment.
• Work closely with the corporate IT leadership to develop and implement new technology and solutions.
• Assist with the planning and delivery of all major software upgrades, system maintenance activities, technical patching and hardware refresh initiatives for the mainframe environment.
• Manage and drive IT service delivery and management disciplines with the mainframe and data center operations teams including incident, change and problem management.
• Review technical requirements and solutions to ensure that mainframe security requirements are addressed and are in line with corporate standards.
• Provide engineering and support of the enterprise scheduling packages including the training and development of process documentation for the scheduling and data center operations teams.
• Assist the client security team with the provision of system and application access to mainframe hosted applications.
• Work closely with manufacturing and distribution locations to install, configure and support printer hardware and software administration.
Experience Required:
Required Length & Type of Experience:
• 10+ years of technical experience in engineering and supporting a large, complex mainframe and open system environment.
• 5+ years of providing technical leadership and engineering assistance to experienced and junior infrastructure engineers and administrators.
• Hands on, proven experience installing IBM mainframe hardware, operating systems and major third-party software vendors including CA, BMC, LRS and Information Builders.
• Experience in designing, implementing and operating enterprise-wide mainframe and server infrastructure in a highly virtualized and dynamic environment.
• Experience planning for and executing large, complex projects including major hardware architecture changes, hardware refreshes, major software version upgrades and global consolidations across multiple sites.
• Experience delivering and supporting services that are used across large organizations with international, 24 x 7 support needs.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Expert-level knowledge of IBM z/OS operating system administration, performance tuning, installation, upgrade and patching.
• Strong knowledge and technical skills in IBM mainframe hardware including hardware installs and upgrades, firmware and module patching and lifecycle planning.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of IBM mainframe storage and tape management systems including storage replication technology.
• Deep knowledge in CICS administration.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of mainframe security, CICS and workload management tools and methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of JobTrac administration.
• Knowledge of database concepts in Mainframe, particularly in IDMS database administration.
• Ability to plan for and execute third-party software patching and upgrades on the mainframe to resolve technical issues and maintain supported versions of all installed software.
• Ability to provide strong and effective technical leadership to infrastructure and application resources to drive new development efforts.
• Strong knowledge of ITIL service management and disciplines to drive continuous improvement of service delivery.
• Ability to learn new technologies and apply skills to drive adoption of new capabilities and improve overall usage of the mainframe platform.
• Ability to demonstrate and deliver excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills to drive rapid problem resolution individually and within the server team.
• Strong understanding of project implementations, project structure and life cycle and best practice standards and tools.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills to drive process improvements within the server team and across other infrastructure teams.

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About American Greetings

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a leader in meaningful connections, American Greeting Corporation is a creator and manufacturer of creative social expression products. Please check out our website at www.workatag.com. We look forward to welcoming you to our team! American Greetings -- we make the world a more thoughtful and caring place

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US

Year founded

1906