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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

Scotiabank

Senior Quality Engineer

Toronto, ON · On-site

Contributes to the overall success of Client Management & Engagement Engineering ensuring specific ... Mainframe environment Experience with testing large data transformations and migrations at ...

KeyData Cyber

CyberArk Support Engineer

Toronto, ON · Remote

Active Directory, Azure Active Directory / Entra ID, Windows, Unix/Linux, Databases, Mainframe ... Engineering, application support, or software development background. * Experience with on-premises ...

Td

Sr. Business Systems Analyst

Toronto, ON

CA$81K - CA$115K/yr

If you have an engineering mindset and a passion for deeply engaging with Journey partners to fully ... The ideal candidate brings a solid IT background-preferably in Mainframe-exceptional communication ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

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 Documentation may be sparse or outdated, requiring strong problem-solving and analytical skills to decipher business logic.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.
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Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Toronto, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

RQ11231 - 2 x Sr. Software Developer

Source Code

Toronto, ON

CA$88.54 - CA$106.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

RQ11231 - Sr. Software Developer

2 openings 

1-year contract (248 business days) - possible extension

ONSITE 5 days - 5700 Yonge St. Toronto

MUST HAVES:

  1. 10+ years demonstrated knowledge and experience of IT systems development in multi-platform environments (web, desktop, mobile, mainframe, micro/mini systems, etc.) and multi-tiered open-standard technologies such as 
  2. JSP/Servlet, JEE, EJB, JNDI, JDBC, JMS, XML, JSON, REST and SOAP-based Web Services, Strut Framework, Oracle Designer, WebSphere, SUN Solaris, Windows 2008/2012, .NET, VPN, PKI, LDAP, Oracle RDBMS (versions 9, 10, 11 and/or 12), PL/SQL, development and deployment tools (e.g. source codes and application packages management).
  3. Demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience of full-stack multi-tier solutions / system components analysis, design, coding and systems integration, using multiple technologies - REST API, SOAP/WSDL web services, JSON/XML messaging and User Interface (e.g. Web components, UI libraries/frameworks), as well as integration with third party solutions / services.
  4. Able to identify and coordinate the resolution of technical problems and incidents, conduct research, assess client requirements, lead design projects, and develop recommendations.
  5. Experience with systems debugging, refactoring and optimization

Responsibilities:

  • Requirements analysis, in collaboration with the business analysts
  • Solutions design and architecture artifacts - conceptual, logical and physical
  • Architecture checkpoints activities and support
  • Solutions design walkthrough
  • Complete documentation - technical and user guides
  • System/solution components coding and integration
  • System unit and integration testing
  • Test cases development for unit and integration testing
  • Collaboration with system testers to develop test cases for system functional, performance and vulnerability testing
  • Knowledge transfer checklist and walkthrough for the technical project team members

AI Disclaimer: Source Code may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in certain aspects of its recruiting and business operations.

Note: The higher end of the range is intended for absolutely exceptional candidates who meet all must-have requirements and most or all nice-to-have qualifications. The client will evaluate candidates based on both rate expectations and overall skill set when shortlisting.

INCORPORATED RATE RANGE (7.25 billable hours per day)

  • $88.54/hr - $106.25/hr Inc.

T4 RATE RANGE (7.25 billable hours per day)

  • $70.83/hr - $85.00/hr T4