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Mainframe System Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Judge Group, Inc.

Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA

$150K - $160K/yr

Mainframe Developer McLean, VA Fulltime Strong hands-on experience with COBOL (Batch & Online ... banking/credit union systems (Accounts, Loans, Payments preferred) Exposure to Change ...

Apex Systems

IT Mainframe Engineer - CRM

Merrifield, VA · On-site

$60 - $70.50/hr

Ensure system reliability and performance through proactive monitoring and support Qualifications: * Strong experience in mainframe programming and production support * Hands-on expertise with:

Atria Group LLC

Mainframe Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

... engineering, systems development, testing, integration, and implementation, and management ... Hogan, COBOL, DB2, JCL, VSAM, Mainframe Utilities NOTE: ONLY US CITIZEN's OR GREEN CARD HOLDERS.

Avance Consulting Services

MainFrame

Mclean, VA · On-site

... System Module Specification documents, Testing Strategy, Technical design unit Test plan, System ... It provides strategic business consulting, technology, engineering and outsourcing services to help ...

Deloitte

Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$48.50 - $62.25/hr

Recruiting for this role ends on June 10th, 2026 Qualifications Required * 8+ years of experience in software, systems, or embedded engineering. * 8+ years of experience in Mainframe application ...

Deloitte

Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager

Mclean, VA · Hybrid

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Recruiting for this role ends on June 10th, 2026 Qualifications Required * 8+ years of experience in software, systems, or embedded engineering. * 8+ years of experience in Mainframe application ...

Navy Federal Credit Union

Senior Mainframe Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

A CICS and MQ Systems Programmer at Navy Federal Credit Union provides 24x7x365 administrative ... The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 7 years of work experience in mainframe CICS and / or ...

Stem Xpert

Mainframe Tester

Mclean, VA · On-site

... engineering and systems integration. Our tightly integrated offerings are tailored to each clients ... Title: Mainframe Tester Location: Mclean VA and Alpharetta, GA No of Positions: 2 Position type:

Artech Information System LLC

mainframe lead

Richmond, VA · On-site

$48.50 - $62.25/hr

TITLE: Mainframe Lead/ Technical Team Leader Mainframe DURATION:1 +YEAR Location: RICHMOND,VA Required skills Strong Environment Management Skills. 2. COBOL, JCL, CA7, DB2, IMS DB/DC 3. Good ...

Capital One

Mainframe Security Engineer

Mclean, VA

Mainframe Security Engineer Do you love building and pioneering in the technology space? Do you ... Utilize ServiceNow and Cyber Risk System for risk management and risk remediation, processing ...

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Mainframe System Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$57

$77

How much do mainframe system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe system programmer in Virginia is $57.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.45 and $66.73 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 Virginia? For Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe System Programmer jobs in VA? For Mainframe System Programmer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Mainframe System Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe System Programmer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,969 per year, or $57.7 per hour.
Mainframe Developer

Mainframe Developer

Judge Group, Inc.

Mclean, VA

$150K - $160K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Location: McLean, VA
Salary: $150,000.00 USD Annually - $160,000.00 USD Annually
Description:
Mainframe Developer
McLean, VA
Fulltime
Strong hands-on experience with COBOL (Batch & Online)
Proficient in JCL including job scheduling, utilities, and restart/recovery
Experience with IBM z/OS Mainframe environment
Good working knowledge of CICS for online transaction processing
Strong experience with DB2 (SQL, embedded SQL, performance tuning)
Familiarity with VSAM (KSDS, ESDS, RRDS)
Experience with File Handling, Sort utilities (DFSORT/SYNCSORT)
Understanding of Mainframe Job Scheduling tools (CA-7, Control-M, or equivalent)
Experience in incident analysis, debugging, and production support
Knowledge of BFSI domain, especially banking/credit union systems (Accounts, Loans, Payments preferred)
Exposure to Change & Configuration Management tools (Endevor, Changeman, ISPW)
Understanding of SDLC, Agile, and waterfall methodologies
Roles & Responsibilities
Design, develop, enhance, and maintain COBOL/JCL-based mainframe applications
Analyze business and technical requirements and translate them into robust mainframe solutions
Perform unit testing, system testing support, and bug fixes
Handle batch job monitoring, performance tuning, and failure analysis
Support production releases, incident resolution, and root cause analysis
Work closely with Business Analysts, QA teams, and onshore/offshore stakeholders
Ensure adherence to coding standards, security guidelines, and compliance requirements
Participate in application modernization, optimization, and documentation initiatives
Provide knowledge transition and mentoring to junior team members when required
Generic Managerial Skills, If any
Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in client-facing environments
Ability to work independently and manage priorities in a fast-paced BFSI environment
Good stakeholder management and collaboration skills
Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
Willingness to support critical production issues and work across time zones when needed
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