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Mainframe System Programmer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Sys Engineer

Columbus, OH

$51.50 - $65.50/hr

Mainframe Application Configuration & Automation Engineer Location: Columbus, OH 6+ Months Contract ... Work with configuration files, environment variables, and system dependencies. Automation ...

Mainframe Production Support

Columbus, OH · On-site

$45.75 - $58.75/hr

... in mainframe systems engineering or operations * Strong hands-on expertise with IBM z/OS ... Experience with core mainframe components such as: * CICS, IMS, DB2 * JES2/JES3 * MQ, SMF, SDSF

Mainframe Production Support

Columbus, OH · On-site

$45.75 - $58.75/hr

... in mainframe systems engineering or operations * Strong hands-on expertise with IBM z/OS ... Experience with core mainframe components such as: * CICS, IMS, DB2 * JES2/JES3 * MQ, SMF, SDSF

Mainframe Developer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$47.25 - $60.75/hr

Design, develop, and maintain applications using COBOL, JCL, DB2, and CICS on IBM Mainframe systems ... Strong programming skills in COBOL, JCL, DB2, and CICS . * Experience in System z platform and CICS ...

Mainframe Engineer

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$47.50 - $61/hr

Banking Credit Union Systems * Experience working in financial services or credit union domains ... developers and sharing mainframe best practices Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

ITTConnect is seeking a Senior Mainframe Developer (zOS Environment) to work on site for a client ... This role sits at the intersection of legacy system stability and modern platform enablement, where ...

Technology Engineer - Mainframe Systems

Columbus, OH · On-site

$167.10K - $198K/yr

This role provides technical expertise across core mainframe technologies, ensuring system stability, performance, and reliable batch and file processing. The engineer partners closely with ...

Mainframe DB2 Developer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$47.25 - $60.75/hr

Mainframe DB2 Developer Location: Columbus, OH (100% Onsite from Day 1) Experience: 10+ Years Roles ... Work closely with system analysts, QA teams, and stakeholders for end-to-end delivery. * Develop ...

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Mainframe System Programmer information

See Ohio salary details

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How much do mainframe system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe system programmer in Ohio is $55.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.29 and $63.99 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Mainframe System Programmer jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Mainframe System Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Mainframe System Programmer job openings in Ohio as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,040 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer

Ventechsoft Inc

Westlake, OH

$51 - $64.75/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Role: Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer

Location: Westlake, OH

Experience: 12+ Years

Visa: H1B, OPT

Employment Type: W2

Job Description

As this is a hybrid role based out of our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio, we will focus on candidates who currently reside in Northeast Ohio.

The Sr. Mainframe Systems programmer is responsible for the overall engineering, operations, and planning of the mainframe, IBM z/OS operating system software and all other IBM and third-party software.

**This is not an application development role, it is a deep technical infrastructure position focused on the performance, stability, and configuration of the mainframe environment. **

The individual will be responsible for providing technical expertise and guidance to the applications support team, the scheduling team, and to data center operations. This individual will work closely with IT leadership to develop long-term strategies to optimize the effective use of the mainframe platform.

As the primary technical mainframe specialist, the individual will also be responsible for mainframe storage, tape library management and disaster recovery to ensure that all business-critical applications can be recovered in the event of data loss or system outages.

The individual will also be responsible for providing senior technical expertise and direction to third-party consultants including application developers and technical resources. The individual in this role will help to plan and oversee mainframe technical project execution, server engineering skills, and technical resource deployment to ensure quality outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Function as the subject matter expert for the mainframe platform to provide technical expertise and support to infrastructure, applications and third-party teams.

• Lead the planning, installation, configuration, customization, and testing of IBM z/OS and all third-party mainframe software packages such as TopSecret, CA-1, CA-Disk, BMC AMI Storage, Endevor, MIM, VPS, and various associated products.

• Perform CICS administration.

• JobTrac application administration.

• Drive capacity planning and resource optimization for the mainframe, storage and tape management systems.

• Ability to evaluate specifications and features of new products, performing cost comparisons, feasibility and cost benefit analysis, performance, compatibility and testing to make recommendations.

• Mentor less experienced Mainframe System Administrators including assigning work, reviewing work for adherence to standards, and providing technical guidance.

• Assist with the overall disaster recovery planning and annual testing for the mainframe and storage replication services.

• Identify and plan for the use of new technologies and capabilities including Linux and cloud-ready capabilities to improve optimized use of the mainframe platform.

• Perform performance data collection, analysis, and the tuning of the z/OS operating system and associated applications.

• Develop standards and procedures that support current and future operational needs with a focus on continuous improvement and automation on the mainframe environment.

• Work closely with the corporate IT leadership to develop and implement new technology and solutions.

• Assist with the planning and delivery of all major software upgrades, system maintenance activities, technical patching and hardware refresh initiatives for the mainframe environment.

• Manage and drive IT service delivery and management disciplines with the mainframe and data center operations teams including incident, change and problem management.

• Review technical requirements and solutions to ensure that mainframe security requirements are addressed and are in line with corporate standards.

• Provide engineering and support of the enterprise scheduling packages including the training and development of process documentation for the scheduling and data center operations teams.

• Assist the client security team with the provision of system and application access to mainframe hosted applications.

• Work closely with manufacturing and distribution locations to install, configure and support printer hardware and software administration.

Experience Required:

Required Length & Type of Experience:

• 10+ years of technical experience in engineering and supporting a large, complex mainframe and open system environment.

• 5+ years of providing technical leadership and engineering assistance to experienced and junior infrastructure engineers and administrators.

• Hands on, proven experience installing IBM mainframe hardware, operating systems and major third-party software vendors including CA, BMC, LRS and Information Builders.

• Experience in designing, implementing and operating enterprise-wide mainframe and server infrastructure in a highly virtualized and dynamic environment.

• Experience planning for and executing large, complex projects including major hardware architecture changes, hardware refreshes, major software version upgrades and global consolidations across multiple sites.

• Experience delivering and supporting services that are used across large organizations with international, 24 x 7 support needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Expert-level knowledge of IBM z/OS operating system administration, performance tuning, installation, upgrade and patching.

• Strong knowledge and technical skills in IBM mainframe hardware including hardware installs and upgrades, firmware and module patching and lifecycle planning.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of IBM mainframe storage and tape management systems including storage replication technology.

• Deep knowledge in CICS administration.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of mainframe security, CICS and workload management tools and methodologies.

• Strong knowledge of JobTrac administration.

• Knowledge of database concepts in Mainframe, particularly in IDMS database administration.

• Ability to plan for and execute third-party software patching and upgrades on the mainframe to resolve technical issues and maintain supported versions of all installed software.

• Ability to provide strong and effective technical leadership to infrastructure and application resources to drive new development efforts.

• Strong knowledge of ITIL service management and disciplines to drive continuous improvement of service delivery.

• Ability to learn new technologies and apply skills to drive adoption of new capabilities and improve overall usage of the mainframe platform.

• Ability to demonstrate and deliver excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills to drive rapid problem resolution individually and within the server team.

• Strong understanding of project implementations, project structure and life cycle and best practice standards and tools.

• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills to drive process improvements within the server team and across other infrastructure teams.

Education Required:

Bachelor''''s degree in computer science or equivalent combination of relevant education, training and experience.