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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

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

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

Director, Product Management (Hybrid)

Toronto, ON

CA$120K - CA$140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

... mainframe environment with highly technical products, including experience supporting agile ... with engineering/technology teams. * Introduce new products through integrated launch plans ...

Contributes to the overall success of the Transaction Services Canadian Banking Engineering team ... Minimum 4+ years' experience in Software Delivery and minimum 4+ years' of Mainframe/Host/Cloud ...

Showing results 41-60

Mainframe Programmer information

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 the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON?

The most popular types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON are:

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON?

For Mainframe Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON are:

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.

Lead Software Engineer, Finance System

Element Fleet Management

Toronto, ON

CA$111K - CA$152K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Get started on an exciting career at Element!

Element employees make a difference in the lives of others every day. We are re-defining the fleet management industry to be people first, then business - delivering on our promise of a superior client experience. This takes hard work and innovation, and we need more like-minded people on our team.

About the Role

The Lead Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining scalable, high-quality software solutions that support enterprise financial systems and digital transformation initiatives. This role requires strong hands-on technical expertise across modern and legacy platforms, contributing to system integrations, application development, and continuous improvement of enterprise solutions. The role also includes defining technical direction, promoting engineering best practices, and ensuring delivery excellence across complex enterprise initiatives.

What You'll Do

  • Design, develop, test, and maintain software applications across enterprise platforms, ensuring scalability, performance, and reliability.

  • Define and oversee architectural design, technical roadmaps, and best practices for coding, testing, and documentation aligned with enterprise standards.

  • Provide technical leadership and mentor engineering teams while collaborating with architects, engineers, and business stakeholders to translate functional requirements into scalable technical solutions.

  • Lead the development and integration of APIs, services, and data pipelines across distributed systems and enterprise applications.

  • Contribute to system design, including microservices, event-driven architectures, and integration patterns.

  • Participate in code reviews, unit testing, and implementation of best practices for coding, testing, and documentation.

  • Support development of technical specifications, design documents, and system diagrams.

  • Work on integration with ERP, financial systems, payment platforms, and third-party services.

  • Lead production support efforts by driving issue resolution, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing long-term corrective and preventive solutions.

  • Spearhead system upgrades, platform enhancements, and modernization initiatives, including cloud adoption strategies, legacy system transformation, and technology optimization efforts.

Basic Qualifications

  • 8+ years of hands-on experience in software development, system design, and application integration.

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field or equivalent experience.

  • Strong hands-on experience in object-oriented programming and distributed system development, API development and system integration, microservices and event-driven architectures, and modern programming languages such as Java, C#, Python, or JavaScript/TypeScript.

  • Hands-on experience working with cloud platforms, CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices.

  • Experience integrating with legacy systems, including mainframe-based applications such as COBOL, CICS, DB2, MQ, and exposing them via APIs or service layers.

  • Experience working with enterprise financial systems, payment platforms, or high-volume transaction systems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with ERP or financial platforms, such as SAP FICO, FICA, or similar.

  • Experience supporting payment processing systems, including transaction flows across authorization, capture, and settlement.

  • Exposure to cloud migration or modernization initiatives.

  • Experience working in both product development and enterprise IT environments.

LocationToronto, ON

The hiring base salary range for this position is $111,100 to $152,800 annually. Actual compensation within this range will be dependent upon the individual's knowledge, skills, experience, equity with other team members, and alignment with market data. Please note that the disclosed salary range is solely for candidates hired to perform work within this geographic location. Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location.

What's in it for You
A culture of innovation, empowerment, decision-making, and accountability
Comprehensive health and welfare benefits that serve the needs of you and your family and foster a culture of wellness (for qualified roles)
Additional benefits and amenities, including paid time-off programs (vacation, sick leave, and holidays) (for qualified roles)

Applicants will be required to undergo a background check only if and after a conditional offer of employment has been extended.

Element Fleet Management and its wholly owned subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability, veteran status, military obligations or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local laws. Disability-related accommodations during the application and interview process are available upon request.Should you require an accommodation with our hiring process please send an email to talentacquisition@elementcorp.com or call (800) 665-9744. Element Fleet Management also uses AI-assisted tools to help screen and assess applications. These tools analyze information you provide (for example, your resume and screening responses) to identify job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. AI outputs do not by themselves determine whether you advance or receive an offer - they assist recruiters and hiring managers. Final hiring decisions are made by people.