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Mainframe System Programmer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

JS Consulting

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 ...

Apply Early

kgs

Mainframe Project Manager

Baltimore, MD

$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 ...

kgs

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 ...

Koniag

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 ...

Koniag, Inc.

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 ...

MissionStaff

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 ...

IBM

Mainframe Modernization SME/ Secret Clearance

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$52.50 - $67.50/hr

Must be able to independently analyze legacy COBOL/JCL/VSAM systems, design and implement modern ... engineering. * Ability to read, analyze, and decompose production COBOL programs, JCL jobs, VSAM ...

OBXtek

Systems Programmer JCL z/OS DB2

Woodlawn, MD · On-site

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 ...

OBXtek

Systems Programmer JCL z/OS DB2

Woodlawn, MD · On-site

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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All JobsMainframe System Programmer JobsMainframe System Programmer Jobs in Maryland

Mainframe System Programmer information

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How much do mainframe system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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:
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe System Programmer jobs in MD? For Mainframe System Programmer jobs in MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Mainframe System Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe System Programmer job openings in Maryland as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Locum Tenens, 66% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,442 per year, or $56.5 per hour.
Sr. Mainframe Developer

Sr. Mainframe Developer

JS Consulting

Woodlawn, MD • On-site

$51 - $65.50/hr

Contractor

Posted 21 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Job Title- Sr. Mainframe Developer

Project Location – Woodlawn, MD (5 days per week onsite)

Duration- 6+ months contract

Skills: Strong experience with IBM z/OS (OS/390/MVS) environment developing and maintaining JCL and COBOL, Dialog Manager, Endevor, z/OS, CLIS, JCL, and DB2 for application software systems.

Position Description:

  • Responsible for conforming to customer standards and requirements and will be involved in creating and maintaining code and database structures such as COBOL, Restructured Extended Executor (REXX), Job Control Language (JCL), CLIST, DB2, as well as numerous mainframe utility tools such as SYNCSORT, File-AID/Related Data XPERT (RDX), etc. Responsible for unit testing and validation against desired outcomes. The resource is expected to function as part of a team, maintain a high level of collaboration with SSA of customers, and must demonstrate excellent communication skills to ensure success.
  • Develop JCL and software code using customer defined standards and software engineering best practices
  • Evaluate impacts of database schema changes on existing software components
  • Investigate and repair application defects related to business logic, middleware, or database (DB2).
  • Design, develop, test, debug, and implement next-generation COBOL programs using software engineering, best practices and latest technologies
  • Create and update JCL for efficient batch processing
  • Evaluate the impact of new operating systems, or versions of COBOL and Endevor on programs.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors, offering technical advice and influencing key stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives and enhance Leidos business outcomes.
  • Investigate and repair application defects regardless of component: COBOL, business logic, CICS configurations, middleware, or database (PL/SQL and Data Modeling).
  • Brief management, customer, team, or vendors using written or oral skills at appropriate technical level for audience
  • All other duties as assigned or directed.?

Requirements  

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or a related field.
  • Masters or Doctorate degree may substitute for required experience
  • 10+ years of experience with Mainframe.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust. Contract requirement.

FACTORS TO HELP YOU SHINE (Required Skills)

These skills will help you succeed in this position:

  • Experience developing and maintaining COBOL applications including working with structures, copybooks, and CICS maps
  • Experience developing applications for use on IBM z/OS.
  • Experience debugging COBOL Programs, CLIST, PROC, COBOL error tracing, and using Visual Studio COBOL viewer.
  • Basic experience with CICS programs, including how COBOL programs interact with BMS maps that define to user interface.
  • Experience using Endevor with TADZ for reporting and analysis such as browsing, scanning elements, measuring usage statistics.
  • Working knowledge / experience with ISPF, TSO, JES, and Job Control Language (JCL).
  • Experience developing and modifying JCL for job execution and batch operations
  • Hands-on experience with batch and online processing.
  • Excellent communication and written skills
  • Experience with mainframe-based software configuration management systems such as Endevor.
  • Experience with Control-M or other mainframe-based job scheduling tools.
  • Detail oriented and committed to consistently completing repetitive production-like tasks on-time and error-free.
  • Ability to independently research problems and provide solutions.

HOW TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD (Desired Skills)

Showcase your knowledge of modern development through the following experience or skills:

  • Working knowledge of SAS and REXX.
  • Experience with Mainframe Assembler development.
  • Certification such as IBM Mainframe Developer Professional, Interskill - Mainframe Application Programmer - COBOL and IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS Programming
  • Solid knowledge of relational databases (PostgreSQL, DB2), and SQL
  • Experience with modern development software, tools, and methodologies.
  • Experience working on Agile projects and understanding Agile terminology.
  • Experience with DevOps and toolset (Git/Bitbucket, Docker, Jenkins, SonarQube)?

Education           

  • Bachelor's Degree with 7+ years of experience.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust. Contract requirement.

Respectfully,