Mainframe Software Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Under the general direction of an Information Technology (IT) Supervisor II, the IT Specialist I will act as a mainframe developer, responsible for the analysis, design, coding, testing, documentation, implementation and maintenance of enterprise-wide electronic information processing systems. They will provide advanced knowledge in systems analysis, project management and Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) processes and be responsible for maintaining business knowledge expertise for systems supported.
Projects assigned to this team have enterprise and statewide impact, supporting the business functions of the State Controller's Office (SCO). The team works in a matrixed environment to maintain and enhance the existing legacy personnel, payroll, financial, accounting and reporting systems using commercial application development technologies consisting of programs, jobs, datasets and/or databases, file interfaces, and any other system components, for the IBM z/OS platform using, but not limited to, mainframe products such as COBOL, CICS, REXX, Assembler, FOCUS, IDMS DML, ADS/O, DB2, XML, VSAM/IAM, MARK IV, Key MASTER, Vision Results (DYL280), JCL languages, ISPF Tools and Utilities and IBM Debug and Problem Determination Tools.
Duties performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

• Serve as a technical lead within a multi-disciplined project team (or independently on complex tasks) to apply mainframe technologies to the full range of SDLC activities including analysis, design, coding, testing, documentation, and implementation of mainframe information systems solutions.

• Coordinate and consult with business customers, administrators, and technical staff to identify business and technical requirements for supported systems. Develop system design and interface specifications.

• Develop system and unit test plans that include testing of complex integration between systems, and provide support for user acceptance testing activities.

• Create and review document deliverables required as part of the SDLC and Project Management processes.

• Perform quality reviews and inspections at critical stages in the SDLC to ensure adherence to architectural design, industry best practices, and SCO's standards, policies and guidelines.

• Provide post-implementation operational support for systems, preparing and maintaining system documentation and operating instructions.

• Analyze production incidents, identifying root cause, developing and evaluating potential solutions, and implementing those recommended solutions.

• Support the SCO's technical infrastructure related to mainframe systems specifically in the area of software change management, release management, configuration management, security management, risk and issue management, production incident response, technical documentation, and disaster recovery.

• Provide leadership and mentoring to technical staff; serving in a technical advisor role to provide recommendations, alternatives, and impact as each relates to complex projects and assignments.

• Develop and update project management work plans and schedules.

• Establish and track tasks, priorities, dependencies, status, and completion dates.

• Communicate effectively and professionally, developing productive working relationships with co-workers, management, and internal and external business partners.

• Provide verbal and written status briefings for SCO management, business partners and control agencies, as required.

• Perform impact analysis (evaluate, provide alternatives, make recommendations, and estimate effort) for system changes resulting from new mandates, policies or business requirements.
• Provide impact assessments for current projects when there is a change in priority, scope or schedule.

• Demonstrate advanced subject matter and technical expertise on supported applications, imparting technical knowledge, training and/or assistance to other IT Specialists, business or program analysts.

• Stay current with the latest trends in mainframe software, databases and development technologies with a focus on how mainframe technologies can integrate with distributed technologies, cloud computing and data analytics solutions.

• Assist with the identification, selection, acquisition, and use of new technology solutions to meet SCO's needs.

• Prepare alternatives analysis, evaluations, proposals, estimates, technical designs, and architectural diagrams for proposed solutions.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This position is located at The Emerald Tower on Capitol Mall, steps from Tower Bridge and is walking distance to the State Capitol. The building offers affordable monthly parking, employee gym access, an amenities center, and a beautiful mid-tower garden terrace. It is conveniently situated only blocks from Old Sacramento, numerous restaurants, a seasonal farmer's market, and the Crocker Art Museum. Overlooking the Golden 1 Arena and Downtown Commons, the office is accessible from Sacramento Regional Transit's light rail and bus systems, with convenient access to I-5, I-80, US 50 & US 99.
This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-522506
Position #(s):
051-340-1402-062
Working Title:
Mainframe Software Developer
Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST I $6,513.00 - $8,729.00 A
$7,163.00 - $9,599.00 B
$7,864.00 - $10,537.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Information Systems Division
Department Information
The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination employer within the State of California. As California's chief fiscal officer, the Controller's Office ensures accountability and transparency of California's financial practices while promoting fairness and opportunity for all. Here, you'll work in a collaborative and supportive environment with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development. A career with the SCO offers meaningful work that directly impacts the state's future.
The Information Services Division (ISD) of the California State Controller's Office is the technology hub that drives innovation and efficiency across the agency. ISD is responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing critical IT systems that support the State's payroll, accounting, and financial reporting functions. If you're passionate about software development, cybersecurity, data management, or IT project management, ISD offers a dynamic environment for tech professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.
Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives!
Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller's Office.
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Special Requirements
A resume is required.
Take the required examination here: Information Technology Specialist I Examination
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/15/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, J.W.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, J.W.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento , CA 95814
Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Knowledge of Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework and Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of project management principles and ability to apply best practices and processes.
• Knowledge of the State of California IT policies, practices, and direction for the effective and efficient delivery of IT services.
• Knowledge of software security principles as related to the development and use of IT applications.
• Knowledge of relational database management systems (RDBMS)
• Experience with waterfall and/or agile SDLC methodologies.
• Expert software development skills in mainframe technologies and legacy systems.
• Excellent collaboration and customer service skills.
• Excellent communication, writing, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent skills in presenting technology concepts and design to IT and non-IT staff.
• Ability to write complex software programs and develop detailed program specifications; analyze information and situations, reason logically and creatively, identify problems, draw valid conclusions, and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to lead a team of developers and work independently in analysis, design, coding, testing, documentation, implementation, and support of IT applications.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, independence and originality.
• Ability to exercise tact, sound judgement, diplomacy and discretion.
• Ability to be flexible, work well under pressure, meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability and willingness to keep abreast with the latest technologies in the market; learn and use these technologies to enhance SCO's technology solutions.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to