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Mainframe Support Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50.25 - $64.75/hr

Position-Mainframe Developer Duration-Contract Location- McLean, VA Jd • Develop COBOL code for ... support on a rotating basis Provide on call support in support of application and system ...

Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · Hybrid

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Responsible for the daily development, maintenance, and support of the mainframe health claims applications. * Develop, test, and deploy code changes for claims processing systems based on technical ...

Mainframe Developer

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$48.50 - $62.25/hr

Responsible for the daily development, maintenance, and support of the mainframe health claims applications. * Develop, test, and deploy code changes for claims processing systems based on technical ...

Mainframe Developer- COBOL & JCL

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50.25 - $64.75/hr

... support • Knowledge of BFSI domain, especially banking/credit union systems (Accounts, Loans ... mainframe applications • Analyze business and technical requirements and translate them into ...

Mainframe Modernization SME/ Secret Clearance

Reston, VA · On-site

$51 - $65.75/hr

... • Support delivery of mainframe modernization engagements. Qualifications : Required : • Must possess at time of hire and have the ability to maintain a Secret Clearance • Provide methods ...

Mainframe Consultant - COBOL / JCL

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50.25 - $64.75/hr

Good understanding of SDLC (Waterfall/Agile) and production support processes Preferred / Nice-to ... Mainframe modernization exposure (e.g., Micro Focus, migration, refactoring) is a plus * Banking ...

With support from our strategic partners, robust IBM technology, and Red Hat, you'll have the tools ... Familiarity with Mainframe Z: Knowledge of legacy system integration, including Mainframe Z, is ...

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Mainframe Support information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$52

$71

How much do mainframe support jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe support in Virginia is $52.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.73 and $60.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can AI replace mainframe?

Mainframe support involves maintaining and troubleshooting large-scale legacy systems, which require specialized knowledge of mainframe hardware, operating systems, and programming languages like COBOL. While AI can assist with automation and data analysis tasks, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframe support roles due to the complexity and critical nature of these systems. Support professionals will continue to be essential for system management, security, and troubleshooting in mainframe environments.

What is a Mainframe Support job?

A Mainframe Support job involves maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing mainframe systems to ensure smooth operations. Responsibilities typically include monitoring system performance, resolving technical issues, applying software updates, and ensuring data security. Mainframe Support professionals work with legacy systems, batch processing, and various programming languages like COBOL or JCL. Their role is critical in industries like banking, healthcare, and government, where mainframes handle large-scale transactions and data processing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Mainframe Support position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Support professional, you need a solid understanding of mainframe operating systems (such as z/OS), basic programming skills, and troubleshooting abilities, typically supported by a degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Proficiency with tools like IBM ISPF, SDSF, JCL, and familiarity with monitoring and batch processing tools, as well as certifications like IBM Certified System Administrator, are often expected. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills are crucial for effectively addressing technical issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure prompt issue resolution and maintain the stability and reliability of critical business systems.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone in a Mainframe Support role?

Mainframe Support professionals typically monitor system performance, respond to incidents or service requests, and perform routine maintenance to ensure mainframe systems run smoothly. Their day may include troubleshooting job failures, updating software or system configurations, and working with application teams to resolve integration or data transfer issues. They often participate in on-call rotations and collaborate closely with other IT teams, such as network or security specialists. These responsibilities are essential to minimize downtime and maintain uninterrupted business operations.

Is mainframe a good career option?

Mainframe support is a stable career choice for those skilled in legacy systems, programming languages like COBOL, and mainframe tools such as JCL and TSO. It offers opportunities in industries like finance and government, with demand for experienced professionals continuing due to the ongoing reliance on mainframe technology. Certifications and continuous learning can enhance job prospects in this field.

Is mainframe difficult to learn?

Mainframe support roles require learning specific technologies such as COBOL, JCL, and mainframe operating systems, which can have a steep learning curve for beginners. However, with proper training and experience, many find it manageable to develop proficiency in mainframe environments. Strong problem-solving skills and understanding of legacy systems are beneficial for success in this field.

Is mainframe still in demand?

Mainframe support remains in demand in industries such as finance, government, and healthcare that rely on legacy systems for critical operations. Professionals with skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe security are sought after to maintain and upgrade these systems, which often require certifications and experience with mainframe environments like IBM z/OS.
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Support jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Support jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Support job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 41% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,074 per year, or $52.9 per hour.
Mainframe Systems Engineer (zOS Mainframe Internals, Parallel Sysplex, Hardware & Storage) Remote

Mainframe Systems Engineer (zOS Mainframe Internals, Parallel Sysplex, Hardware & Storage) Remote

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$58.75 - $75/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Requisition 39683: B4 Mainframe Systems Engineer 

A resume helps you stand out to hiring managers and recruiters; your resume communicates your experience and your brand. While it is not required, we encourage you to include an up-to-date resume along with a  completed job application to give you the best opportunity to be considered. A complete resume helps us to better understand your unique  background, relevant experiences, and passions. We look forward to learning about you.

Norfolk Southern offers a unique opportunity to be part of our proud legacy that spans nearly 200 years. We are a customer-centric, operations-driven team dedicated to advancing safety, serving communities, and driving innovation for tomorrow's rail.  As part of Norfolk Southern, you'll join a collaborative team where there are opportunities for growth across the organization. We are building a culture where everyone can thrive by owning and driving exceptional results, being humble and leading with trust, serving our customers with excellence, and collaborating and coaching to win.

Job Description

Norfolk Southern is seeking a highly motivated, self-starting Mainframe Systems Engineer to oversee and administer the company's enterprise mainframe environment.  In this role, you will support a Parallel Sysplex infrastructure and play a critical role in ensuring system reliability, performance, and availability.

Key responsibilities include DASD and tape storage management, system performance monitoring and tuning, and proactive problem resolution.  The Mainframe Systems Engineer will also collaborate with internal stakeholders and third-party hardware providers to design and implement solutions that support a highly available, scalable, resilient mainframe environment. 

Responsibilities

   Drive z/OS technology development initiatives, including evaluation, deployment, and integration of new product enhancements and hardware solutions.
   Own the installation, maintenance, and operational support of mainframe infrastructure and system software across a Parallel Sysplex environment.
   Monitor and manage mainframe performance.
   Use, configure and provide support of storage subsystems and infrastructure. 
   Coordinate with hardware and software vendors for support and future project work.
   Create comprehensive documentation, conduct thorough testing, and follow defined change control processes.
   Provide support for mission critical application infrastructure and products.
   Communicate with end-users, application programmers, co-workers, managers, and other stakeholders.
   Writing test scripts and performing testing verification of product deliverables.
   Serve as part of a rotational Level 2 on-call support team, responding to and resolving complex system issues.

Education

Bachelor's degree in technology, MIS, CIS or other related degrees preferred. Will consider experience in lieu of college degree. 
 

Job Related Experience
   Minimum Level: 4 years
   Preferred Level: 5+ years
 

Skills Required 
   4+ years of experience with mainframe z/OS internals, z/OS Parallel Sysplex, Unix Systems Services (USS).
   4+ years of experience with mainframe hardware, software and third-party installation support. 
   4+ years of experience designing, administering, and supporting mainframe disk (DASD) and tape storage infrastructure.
   Experience mainframe capacity planning and performance tuning. 
   Experience writing test scripts and performing testing verifications. 
   Experience with mainframe application development IDE build and run tools. 
 

Skills Desired 
   Expertlevel understanding of z/OS internals, UNIX System Services (USS), and  Parallel Sysplex architecture, including crosssystem communication and workload management. 
   Experience with Assembler, TCPIP/VTAM, TSO/ISPF, REXX, SMP/E
   Maintain and operate within a Parallel Sysplex environment including virtual tape and sharing of DASD.
   Knowledge of Infrastructure software solutions, (ex. Zeke, Zebb, ISPW, TMON, JCLPrep, QuickRef, SAS, CICS, IBM utilities)
   Maintain a Coupling Facility environment.
 

Work Conditions
Location: Position eligible for remote work within Norfolk Southern's 22-state operating network.
Environment: US Remote
Shift Work: No
On-Call: Yes
Weekend Work: No

Company Overview

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.