ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mainframe Software Developer Jobs in Baltimore, MD

Omm IT Solutions

Principal Software Engineer

Woodlawn, MD · On-site

$140K - $188K/yr

Solid understanding of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and tools such as Jenkins, Git, Bitbucket ... mainframe and Linux operating systems and other platforms, utilizing JPA or Spring Data API for ...

Amatriot Group, LLC

Principal Software Engineer

Gwynn Oak, MD · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Solid understanding of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and tools such as Jenkins, Git, Bitbucket ... mainframe and Linux operating systems and other platforms, utilizing JPA or Spring Data API for ...

Apply Early

Omm IT Solutions

Principal Software Engineer

Ellicott City, MD · On-site

$134K - $180K/yr

Solid understanding of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and tools such as Jenkins, Git, Bitbucket ... mainframe and Linux operating systems and other platforms, utilizing JPA or Spring Data API for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMainframe Software Developer JobsMainframe Software Developer Jobs in Baltimore, MD

Mainframe Software Developer information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$10

$53

$71

How much do mainframe software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe software developer in Baltimore, MD is $53.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.83 and $60.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mainframe developer do?

A mainframe developer designs, codes, tests, and maintains software applications that run on large mainframe computers. They often work with languages like COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler and use tools such as IBM Z/OS. Their role involves ensuring the reliability, security, and efficiency of critical enterprise systems.

Is mainframe developer a good career?

Mainframe software developers work with legacy systems that are still critical in many industries such as finance and government. The role offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities to develop expertise in languages like COBOL and tools like JCL. However, the field is specialized, and ongoing learning of mainframe technologies and certifications can enhance career prospects.

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.

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.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe software developers work with large-scale, legacy systems that require specialized knowledge of mainframe environments, programming languages, and security protocols. While AI can automate certain tasks like data analysis and testing, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframe systems or the developers who maintain them, as mainframes continue to support critical enterprise operations. Instead, AI tools are often integrated to enhance efficiency and modernize existing mainframe workflows.

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.

What is the salary of a mainframe developer?

The salary of a mainframe software developer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior developers with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe environments can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and retirement plans.
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Software Developer jobs in Baltimore, MD? For Mainframe Software Developer jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Software Developer jobs in Baltimore, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Software Developer jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Mainframe Software Developer jobs? Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Mainframe Software Developer job openings:
Mainframe Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Software Developer job openings in Baltimore, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,320 per year, or $53 per hour.
IBM Mainframe Test Scheduler/Execution with IRS MBI and IRS Experience

IBM Mainframe Test Scheduler/Execution with IRS MBI and IRS Experience

MATRIX SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGIES INC

Bowie, MD • On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition assistance

***Must have current MBI Clearance***
9 years of manual and automation testing experience with a Bachelors degree; Masters or PhD may be considered in addition to just years of experience
Roles and Responsibilities: Conduct functional and/or integration testing of multiple programs in an IBM mainframe or client/server environment. Use relevant documentation to construct test cases with predetermined results and test data to verify program functionality and/or interfaces through assigned systems. Review output to determine whether or not the test results fulfill the established requirements, and if necessary, notify the responsible programmers, both verbally and in writing, of errors, omissions, and inconsistencies in the programs and/or documentation. Coordinate test activities with project stakeholders. Coordinate work assignments to ensure timely and accurate completion of testing. Provide inputs on the required testing level of effort for Unified Work Requests.
Minimum Experience:

9 years experience IBM Mainframe Test Engineering
3 years of developing and writing SQL scripts
Experience with Any Batch scheduler (Control M)
Experience with IBM z/OS Mainframe
Experience with BMS
Experience extracting Member/Subscriber data from the legacy database
Experience with creating and modifying JCL
Extensive experience with ISPF
Experience with Schemas
Worked with SMEs, SAs, DBAs and CICS SAs to identify and resolve issues
Exposure to IBM Rational Tools: ClearQuest, and JAZZ/Rational Team Concert and Rational Developer z
Preferred Experience with the following IRS Projects:

MeF (Modernized e-File)
ITPE (Individual Tax Processing Engine)
RRP (Return Review Program), IDOCS (Individual Document Specific Programs),
BDOC (Business Document Specific Programs)
IMF (Individual Master File)
BMF (Business Master File)
CADE2 (Customer Account Data Engine 2)
Preferred Skills:
Preferred Qualifications:
Test automation experience (for example Cucumber, Selenium Webdriver, UFT, etc)
Experience with the following skills will be considered a significant plus in considering prospective candidates: IBM Mainframe Unisys Mainframe DB2 Informatica Business Objects Knowledge of current IRS tax administration software applications is a significant plus. Experience with TOAD Rational CLM tools (Quality Manager, Team Concert, Doors Next Generation) Microsoft (MS) Office Excel, MS Word, MS Project, MS Visio CTRL-M (server) Adobe Pro SecureCRT, SecureFx IBM Mainframe (TSO and JCL) Java Batch (SpringBatch) Experience with XML and JSON and previous testing experience to include test cases, test data and the software testing life cycle Agile, Iterative and Rapid Development methodologies Performance testing, Cybersecurity testing, and Section 508 compliance testing Experience with IRS tax administration systems Working knowledge of IBM REXX language IBM File Manager skills with maps/templates on ancient data formats/CRLs Experience with IBM File comparison utilities Knowledge of standard IBM Utilities and Rational CLM (i.e. compare utilities, Rational Quality Manager (RQM), Rational Team Concert (RTC), etc.) Software testing or development experience in an IBM mainframe batch processing environment Working knowledge of updating/executing IBM JCL Knowledge of industry standard Performance tools Knowledge of Individual Tax Processing Engine (ITPE) processing Proficiency with Greenplum Database, PgAdmin tool, and SQL