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Mainframe Software Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Broadcom

User Interface Quality Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

We are looking for quality engineers interested in working at the crossroads of design and ... Mainframe software products. If you thrive in a fast-paced Agile environment and have a passion for ...

AgreeYa Solutions

Mainframe Systems Programmer

Downey, CA

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

... software products. Experience Required: This classification must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a Systems Programming with at least three (3) years of that experience in a lead ...

Apex Systems

Software Developer III

Sacramento, CA

$75 - $80/hr

Job#: 3034148 Mainframe Developer Location: Remote CST Hours Rate: $75-80 an hour At this time, Apex is not able to consider candidates for this role who require visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Judge Group, Inc.

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$79 - $85/hr

Senior Software Engineer - Python / PySpark (Mainframe Modernization) Location: San Francisco, CA (333 Market St) Work Model: Hybrid - 3 days per week in office (required) Contract Duration: 24-month ...

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How much do mainframe software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe software developer in California is $52.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.49 and $59.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Software Developer, you need expertise in COBOL, JCL, mainframe operating systems (such as z/OS), and a background in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with mainframe tools like IBM CICS, DB2, and version control systems, along with certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer, is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure the maintenance of critical legacy systems, support for business operations, and seamless integration with modern technologies.

How does a Mainframe Software Developer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a modern IT environment?

Mainframe Software Developers frequently work with cross-functional teams that include business analysts, system architects, QA testers, and DevOps engineers. Collaboration often involves participating in daily stand-ups, code reviews, and joint problem-solving sessions to ensure seamless integration of mainframe applications with newer technologies. Developers also play a key role in translating business requirements into robust mainframe solutions, and may be involved in mentoring junior developers or coordinating with offshore teams. This collaborative environment helps ensure that legacy systems remain aligned with evolving business needs and IT strategies.

What is a Mainframe Software Developer?

A Mainframe Software Developer is an IT professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications that run on mainframe computers. These developers typically work with programming languages such as COBOL, JCL, and Assembler, and are responsible for ensuring the performance and reliability of critical business systems used by large organizations. Mainframe Software Developers often collaborate with business analysts, project managers, and other IT staff to support and enhance legacy systems, as well as to integrate new technologies with existing mainframe infrastructure.

Are mainframe programmers still in demand?

Mainframe software developers are still in demand in industries such as finance, healthcare, and government that rely on legacy systems. These roles often require skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments, and demand persists due to the complexity and cost of migrating legacy systems. However, the overall demand is gradually declining as organizations modernize their IT infrastructure.

What is the difference between Mainframe Software Developer vs Mainframe Systems Analyst?

AspectMainframe Software DeveloperMainframe Systems Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, certifications like IBM Certified SpecialistBachelor's in IT, Computer Science, or related, often with certifications in mainframe systems
Work EnvironmentDevelops and codes mainframe applications, often in COBOL, PL/I, or AssemblerAnalyzes system requirements, designs solutions, and coordinates between users and developers
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, large corporations using mainframe systemsSame industries, focusing on system analysis, requirements gathering, and process improvements

While Mainframe Software Developers focus on coding and building mainframe applications, Mainframe Systems Analysts analyze existing systems and gather requirements to improve or implement new solutions. Both roles are essential in mainframe environments and often collaborate closely.

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Mainframe Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Software Developer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 22% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 15% Physical, and 85% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,572 per year, or $52.7 per hour.
Mainframe Programmer

Mainframe Programmer

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Downey, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Mainframe Programmer
Downey, CA
12+ months
Description:
Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA is responsible for leading and/or supporting the most complex database upgrade projects, modification, installation, testing, implementation, maintenance and enhancements of new or existing system software products. This classification must plan, install, configure, test, implement and manage core database products, software products in support of the County's database architecture and business needs. Special organizational or functional industry position titles for Systems Programmer/DBA include, but are not limited to, DB2 Systems Programmer/DBA, IMS Systems Programmer/DBA and ADABAS/NATURAL Systems Programmer/DBA.
Required Skills:
The Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA for Legacy Systems manages different types of databases, such as hierarchical (IMS), relational (DB2), and file-based (ADABAS), and is responsible for planning and upgrading the database environments on a County-established basis; verifying the health of all the databases; database administration technical consulting for application and operations teams for the purpose of project planning/development; maintenance on production database systems; performance of technical reviews for existing systems that utilize one of the following database management systems (DBMS): ADABAS, DB2 or IMS; performance of evaluations for the purposes of selecting new or fine-tuning existing DBMS software; consultation with project development teams to provide recommendations on database design; development of logical and physical database designs; creation of overviews of logical database designs; creation of physical databases; database capacity planning; development and use of backup and recovery procedures for databases; database performance monitoring; database space monitoring; database reorganizations; database replication; database compression and database partitioning. The following technology skill sets are required to perform in this classification. IBM: Z/OS, IMS, DB2, ADABAS, SMP/E, JCL, IMS DB/DC, CICS, ACF2, ASSEMBLER/COBOL/REXX, IBM FILE MANAGER, DELTA/IMS, NATURAL/ SUPERNAT, ENTIREX, CA SPOOL, IMS & DB2 BMC Tools, N20/TRIM.
CICS and IMS Installation using SMP/E. IMS DBA Skills, BMC DELTA/IMS, MAXIUM REORG, TMON for CICS, DADS, BMC PDF. ASSEMBLER Skills to rewrite old IMS and CICS exits,
Must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a Systems Programming/ DBA, with at least three (3) years of that experience in a lead role.
CICS and IMS program products upgrade experience along with rewriting old Assembler code. IMS DBA skills such as defining new databases, new transactions, performing SYSGEN, DBDGEN, ACBGEN when required.
Bachelor's degree in an IT-related or engineering field.
Regards
Naresh Damagalla
West Advanced Technologies, Inc
E: naresh.d@wati.com

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