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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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

Mainframe Project Manager

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$48.75 - $62.50/hr

Tuknik Government Services, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company , is seeking a Mainframe ... Bachelors from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Computer Information Systems ...

Mainframe Project Manager

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Tuknik Government Services, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company , is seeking a Mainframe ... Bachelors from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Computer Information Systems ...

Mainframe Project Manager

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$48.75 - $62.50/hr

Tuknik Government Services, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company , is seeking a Mainframe ... Bachelors from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Computer Information Systems ...

COBOL Developer

Woodlawn, MD · On-site

$52.25 - $70.75/hr

SSA is seeking a COBOL Developer to support and modernize mission-critical mainframe systems. This is a highly impactful, hands-on role focused on maintaining and enhancing core applications that ...

Fullstack Agentic AI Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

As a COBOL Mainframe Application Developer, you will work directly with the Department of Labor ... system. You will create and use programming specs to build assigned components, ensuring these ...

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 Jul 30, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe System Programmer, and why are they important?

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.

What are mainframe system programmers?

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 popular job titles related to Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Maryland? For Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Locum Tenens, 76% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,442 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Mainframe SRE

Anivas Tech LLC

Upper Marlboro, MD • On-site

$48.50 - $62.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description:

Anivas Tech is seeking a Mainframe SRE to support our government agency IT operations. We are looking for a skilled professional with 3+ years of relevant experience who brings strong technical expertise and a commitment to delivering high-quality results in a mission-driven, high-visibility environment.

Requirements:
  • Operate, monitor, and maintain IBM z/OS mainframe environments supporting mission-critical government applications
  • 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 production issues, coordinating with application and infrastructure teams
  • Develop and maintain automation scripts and tooling to reduce toil and improve operational efficiency on mainframe platforms
  • Perform capacity planning, performance tuning, and workload optimization across mainframe subsystems (CICS, IMS, DB2, MQ)
  • Support change management processes including patching, maintenance windows, and release deployments
  • Collaborate with DevOps and development teams to extend CI/CD practices into mainframe pipelines
  • Document standard operating procedures, runbooks, and post-incident reviews
  • Participate in on-call rotation and ensure adherence to availability SLAs
  • Identify and drive systemic improvements to reduce recurrence of incidents and enhance mainframe reliability
  • US citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field; 5 additional years of relevant experience accepted in lieu of degree
  • 3+ years of experience in mainframe operations, administration, or engineering on IBM z/OS platforms
  • Proficiency in JCL, REXX, or other mainframe scripting languages
  • Experience with core mainframe subsystems including CICS, IMS, DB2, VSAM, and/or JES2/JES3
  • Understanding of SRE practices such as monitoring, alerting, SLO definition, and incident management
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills in complex production environments
  • Ability to communicate technical issues clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Experience in a federal government IT environment
  • Familiarity with DevOps toolchains and integrating mainframe systems with modern CI/CD pipelines
  • Experience with IBM OMEGAMON, Broadcom Mainframe Suite, or equivalent monitoring tools
  • Agile or SAFe delivery methodology experience
  • IBM Certified Systems Administrator – z/OS or equivalent certification

"Anivas Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics as defined by law."