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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Skill: Sr Technology Engineer (Mainframe, Cobol) Must Have Technical/Functional Skills: * COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM. * Mainframe * IBM z/OS (primary), AIX, Linux, Windows Roles & Responsibilities:

Part of a full stack agile team including Java, ETL, and Mainframe developers * Attend stand up meetings and other agile ceremonies * Support both new development and production support as needed ...

About the Role Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division (MSD) is the industry leader in mainframe ... We are looking for a seasoned Software Engineer who has navigated complex production mainframe ...

About the Role Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division (MSD) is the industry leader in mainframe ... We are looking for a seasoned Software Engineer who has navigated complex production mainframe ...

Software Engineer Lead

Pittsburgh, PA · 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

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How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Pittsburgh, PA is $52.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.72 and $61.39 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 Pittsburgh, PA? The most popular types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,273 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Vice President, Mainframe Engineer II

BNY Mellon

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


BNY Mellon rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 150 rated financial services


Job description


Vice President, Mainframe Engineer
At BNY, our culture allows us to run our company better and enables employees' growth and success. As a leading global financial services company at the heart of the global financial system, we influence nearly 20% of the world's investible assets. Every day, our teams harness cutting-edge AI and breakthrough technologies to collaborate with clients, driving transformative solutions that redefine industries and uplift communities worldwide.
Recognized as a top destination for innovators, BNY is where bold ideas meet advanced technology and exceptional talent. Together, we power the future of finance - and this is what #LifeAtBNY is all about. Join us and be part of something extraordinary.
We're seeking a future team member for the role of Vice President, Mainframe Engineer to join our Asset Servicing team. This role is located in Pittsburgh, PA.
In this role, you'll make an impact in the following ways:
  • Provide application software development services or technical support in more complex situations.
  • Perform requirements gathering and BRD/SRD preparation. Execute Software Development Life Cycle.
  • Conduct reviews of the test Plan and test Data.
  • Perform technical design, development, and documentation of cross-functional, multi-platform application systems. Analyze, define, and document requirements for data, workflow, and logical processes and interfaces with other systems.
  • Ensure that expected application performance levels are achieved by coordinating, coding, testing, implementation, and documentation.
  • Program well-designed, testable, efficient code. Develop flowcharts, layouts, and documentation to satisfy requirements and solutions. Maintain software functionality and currency (technical debt and gain). Actively participate in code reviews.
  • Integrate software components into a fully functional software system. Apply security and privacy principles.
  • Develop software verification plans and quality assurance procedures. Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade existing systems. Ensure software is updated with the latest features.
  • Participate in deployment process following all change controls. Provide ongoing maintenance, support, and enhancements in existing systems and platforms. Provide recommendations for continuous improvement. Leverage existing products/functionality and promote reuse.
  • Work alongside other engineers on the team to elevate technology and consistently apply best practices. Collaborate closely with all the other members of the team to take shared responsibility for the overall efforts that the team has committed to. Collaborate cross-functionally with data engineers, business users, project managers, and other engineers to achieve elegant solutions. Utilize local meetups to gain and share knowledge. Compile documentation written by more senior developers of all procedures used in the system.

To be successful in this role, we're seeking the following:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent work experience required7-9 years of experience in software development required; experience in the securities or financial services industry is a plus.
  • Minimum of Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the job offered or in a related occupation.
  • Hands-on development experience & proficiency required in:
    • 10+ years of extensive experience in Technologies such as COBOL, JCL, CICS, EZYTRIEVE, IBM DB2, VSAM, File transmissions NDM/SFTP, and Object-oriented Programming concepts.
    • In-depth knowledge of IBM IDZ Mainframe emulation software and IDZGit software storage facility.
    • Database Normalization (Efficiently organizing data in a database and eliminating redundant data).
    • Implementing corrective actions to generate better execution plans for poorly performing DB2 SQL statements.
    • In-depth knowledge of scheduling software's used by the Bank in its batch processing such as ESP and ControlM.
    • Managed the entire trade life cycle of financial product like Unit Investment Trust/Mutual fund or similar.
    • Apply application knowledge to exercise the ability to expediently diagnose and address application issues to maintain client service level agreements.
    • Expertise in design patterns like Abstract Factory and Singleton to create reusable, resilient, efficient, and scalable software solutions.
    • Integration of core and advanced concepts in data analytics within the financial services industry during the audit process using SSRS & other similar tools.
    • Designing, publishing, managing, analyzing, and consuming micro-services.
    • Providing standard, accessible digital service delivery empowering clients.

At BNY, our culture speaks for itself, check out the latest BNY news at:
BNY Newsroom
BNY LinkedIn
Here's a few of our recent awards:
  • America's Most Innovative Companies, Fortune, 2025
  • World's Most Admired Companies, Fortune 2025
  • "Most Just Companies", Just Capital and CNBC, 2025

Our Benefits and Rewards:
BNY offers highly competitive compensation, benefits, and wellbeing programs rooted in a strong culture of excellence and our pay-for-performance philosophy. We provide access to flexible global resources and tools for your life's journey. Focus on your health, foster your personal resilience, and reach your financial goals as a valued member of our team, along with generous paid leaves, including paid volunteer time, that can support you and your family through moments that matter.
BNY is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - Underrepresented racial and ethnic groups/Females/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.
About the Team
At BNY, our culture speaks for itself, check out the latest BNY news at BNY Newsroom & BNY LinkedIn
Here's a few of our recent awards:
  • America's Most Innovative Companies, Fortune, 2025
  • World's Most Admired Companies, Fortune 2025
  • "Most Just Companies", Just Capital and CNBC, 2025

Our Benefits and Rewards:
BNY offers highly competitive compensation, benefits, and wellbeing programs rooted in a strong culture of excellence and our pay-for-performance philosophy. We provide access to flexible global resources and tools for your life's journey. Focus on your health, foster your personal resilience, and reach your financial goals as a valued member of our team, along with generous paid leaves, including paid volunteer time, that can support you and your family through moments that matter.
BNY is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - Underrepresented racial and ethnic groups/Females/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.
BNY assesses market data to ensure a competitive compensation package for our employees. The expected base salary for this position when employment commences can be found in the Job Info section at the bottom of the posting.
Base salary offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base salary is only part of the total rewards package, which may include eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive award. Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, eligible employees may enroll in a 401(k) plan as well as participate in Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance plans for the employee and the employee's eligible dependents. Eligible employees also may receive other benefits (including various paid time off benefits, such as vacation and sick time), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
If hired, the employee will be in an "at will" position and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payments or compensation programs) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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About BNY Mellon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

BNY Mellon is a global investments company dedicated to helping its clients manage and service their financial assets throughout the investment lifecycle. Whether providing financial services for institutions, corporations or individual investors, BNY Mellon delivers informed investment and wealth management and investment services in 35 countries. As of Dec. 31, 2021, BNY Mellon had $46.7 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration, and $2.4 trillion in assets under management. BNY Mellon can act as a single point of contact for clients looking to create, trade, hold, manage, service, distribute or restructure investments. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com . Follow us on Twitter @BNYMellon or visit our newsroom at www.bnymellon.com/newsroom for the latest company news.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1784