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Mainframe System Programmer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe SRE

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

$48.50 - $62.50/hr

Implement Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) principles including SLOs, error budgets, and reliability targets for mainframe systems * Respond to and lead incident resolution efforts for mainframe ...

Principal CICS Systems Programmer

Woodlawn, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Leverage deep expertise in CICS system programming, application development, IBM MQ, CICS Transaction Gateway, SAS, REXX, IBM utilities, SMP/E, z/OSMF, COTS tools, and z/OS to optimize mainframe ...

Mainframe Systems Engineer III

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Mainframe Systems Engineer III candidate must have experience in one or more of the following ... Write and maintain system documentation. Responsible for matching current technology with the needs ...

Sr. Mainframe Developer

Woodlawn, MD · On-site

$51 - $65.50/hr

Evaluate the impact of new operating systems, or versions of COBOL and Endevor on programs ... Programmer - COBOL and IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS Programming * Solid knowledge of relational ...

They are seeking a Lead z/OS Systems Programmer to support, maintain, and enhance the client's IBM mainframe environment, ensuring the stability, security, and performance of mission-critical systems.

Software Development/ Engineering Main location: United States, Maryland, Baltimore Position ID ... This role ensures rapid response to system issues, minimizes outages, supports maintenance ...

New

Deploy application code from the Enterprise Software engineering Facility (ESEF) validation ... Perform DB2 binds and implement CICS and IDMS changes on the z/OS mainframe operating system. This ...

Deploy application code from the Enterprise Software engineering Facility (ESEF) validation ... Perform DB2 binds and implement CICS and IDMS changes on the z/OS mainframe operating system. This ...

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Mainframe System Programmer information

See Maryland salary details

$9

$56

$76

How much do mainframe system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe system programmer in Maryland is $56.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.35 and $65.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe system programmer?

Mainframe system programmers are IT professionals who specialize in installing, configuring, maintaining, and optimizing mainframe computer systems. They are responsible for the underlying software infrastructure, such as operating systems (like IBM z/OS), network configurations, and middleware. Their work ensures that mainframe environments run efficiently, securely, and with minimal downtime, supporting critical applications for large organizations. System programmers also troubleshoot complex issues and implement updates or enhancements as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe system programmer?

To thrive as a Mainframe System Programmer, you need deep knowledge of mainframe operating systems (such as z/OS), programming languages like COBOL or Assembler, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with mainframe tools (e.g., IBM ISPF, JCL, SMP/E) and certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for diagnosing issues and collaborating with IT teams. These skills are vital to ensure the stability, security, and efficiency of critical enterprise computing environments.

What are some common challenges mainframe system programmers face when supporting legacy systems?

Mainframe System Programmers often encounter challenges such as integrating modern applications with legacy mainframe environments, ensuring system security while maintaining uptime, and troubleshooting complex issues that span both old and new technologies. They may also face difficulties due to limited documentation or retiring expertise as experienced colleagues leave the workforce. Staying current with evolving mainframe tools and best practices helps address these challenges and keeps systems running smoothly.

What is the difference between Mainframe System Programmer vs Mainframe Application Developer?

AspectMainframe System ProgrammerMainframe Application Developer
Required CredentialsCertifications in mainframe systems, such as IBM Certified System ProgrammerProgramming certifications, often in COBOL, Java, or other languages
Work EnvironmentOperate primarily on mainframe hardware, focus on system setup and maintenanceDevelop and modify applications running on mainframes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations with large-scale legacy systems, banking, insuranceDevelops business applications for mainframe environments in similar industries

While both roles work within mainframe environments, Mainframe System Programmers focus on system setup, maintenance, and optimization, whereas Mainframe Application Developers concentrate on creating and updating applications that run on mainframes. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is a mainframe system programmer a good career?

A mainframe system programmer is a specialized IT professional responsible for maintaining and optimizing mainframe computer systems, often requiring knowledge of languages like COBOL and tools such as z/OS. The role offers stable employment opportunities, competitive salaries, and demand in industries like finance and government, but it may require ongoing training to keep up with evolving technology. Overall, it can be a good career for those interested in enterprise computing and system management.

What job categories do people searching Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Maryland are:

Infographic showing various Mainframe System Programmer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,442 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

CREATIVE GLOBAL CONSULTING

Columbia, MD • On-site, Remote

$53.50 - $68.25/hr

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Details:
Role: Mainframe z/OS System Programmer
Location: Remote
Duration: 12+ Months Contract
Task Description:
As an US Citizen and as a Senior System Programmer (Mainframe) supporting IBM z15 and z16 mainframe and z/OS 2.5 or higher operating system. As part of IBM zCloud resource pool, supporting the zCloud Offering which consist of the following clients Federal Retirement Investment Board (FRTIB), Bureau of the Fiscal Service (Fiscal), JP Morgan Chase, and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) clients. Primary tasks being MVS systems programming activities such as system security compliance to Federal government Security Technical Implementation Guidelines (STIG), system performance, problem determination and resolution, and RACF/ACF2/Top Secret security administration and System Automation support. Other day to day activities include managing tasks in ServiceNow (SNOW) creating change requests for implementation and peer reviewing changes. Knowledge of mainframe storage and backup. Hands on experience of IBM mainframe IPL processes managing multiple z/OS LPARs as required by the client.
Required skills/Level of Experience :
  • 10+ years of experience installing, customizing, and maintaining z/OS operating system.
  • 5+ years of experience Supporting a stabilized IBM mainframe system environment.
  • Experienced with SMP/E and Mainframe Software Maintenance with performance, problem determination and resolution skills.
  • Perform systems planning, installation/decommission, configuration/customization, and patching.
  • Reporting for MVS, familiar with security reports.
  • MVS system level parameters and user ID definition process.
  • Experience defining and validating data encryption methods and security requirements.
  • Experience monitoring and managing security reporting ensuring systems are compliant.
  • Assist systems programmers in the design and management of ACF2 / RACF / TSS for all regions and LPARs.
  • Executes regulatory and operational control activities related to user provisioning, de-provisioning and access re-certification.
  • Proficient in Audits

Nice to have skills:
  • Knowledge of Federal DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGS).
  • Knowledge of ServiceNow and ITSM processes