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Mainframe System Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... Programming logic is required. Teradata experience is required. Experience with Mainframes, DB2 is ... system Responsible for all System Integration Testing (SIT), User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and ...

.NET Mainframe Developer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field, or the equivalent ... Expertise in programming languages / standards / build tools including Java, XML, Open API, Maven ...

... mainframe system. * Responsibilities include but are not limited to: schema updates, data ... Engineers (USACE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), United ...

... Programming logic is required. Teradata experience is required. Experience with Mainframes, DB2 is ... system Responsible for all System Integration Testing (SIT), User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and ...

PAM Engineer

Merrifield, VA · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

PAM Engineer Location: Vienna, Virginia (hybrid) Duration: Initial 6 months contract with ... Mainframe systems. • Integrate the PAM solution with various technologies such as Service Now ...

Java Mainframe Developer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$57.50 - $73.25/hr

Java Developer Location: Remote Type: Contract Responsibilities * Design, develop, and enhance ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent ...

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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 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:
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 Security Engineer

Mainframe Security Engineer

Capital One

Richmond, VA

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Capital One rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 141 rated banks


Job description

Mainframe Security Engineer
Do you love building and pioneering in the technology space? Do you enjoy solving complex business problems in a fast-paced, collaborative, inclusive, and iterative delivery environment? At Capital One, you'll be part of a big group of makers, breakers, doers and disruptors, who love to solve real problems and meet real customer needs. We are seeking a Mainframe Security Engineer who is passionate about marrying data with emerging technologies to join our team. As a Mainframe Security Engineer you'll have the opportunity to be on the forefront of driving a major transformation within Capital One.

As a Mainframe Security Engineer, you will:

  • Optimize cybersecurity program processes and output.

  • Contribute to the broader program roadmap.

  • Drive reporting accuracy and demand excellence in department deliverables.

  • Actively manage and escalate risk and customer-impacting issues within the day-to-day role to management.

  • Manage and execute cybersecurity risk assessments using qualitative and quantitative methodologies to support the organization's overall security posture.

  • Maintain an awareness of emerging cybersecurity threats by analyzing and reporting on cybersecurity risk against various Cybersecurity Frameworks (NIST CSF, NIST 800-53, PCI DSS).

  • Perform in-depth analysis of security issues and vulnerabilities using tools including WhiteHat, Veracode, and Qualys to ensure compliance with audit, regulatory and legal requirements.

  • Design metrics and develop advanced capabilities to ensure confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, and non-repudiation to communicate elevated risk in a business friendly manner to Cybersecurity Leadership and 2nd line partners.

  • Proactively identify and report control deficiencies as issues within action plans.

  • Conduct strategic and operational effectiveness assessments as required for cyber events, and regulatory and audit reviews.

  • Utilize ServiceNow and Cyber Risk System for risk management and risk remediation, processing potential security exceptions and/or risk acceptances against established security policies and standards.

  • Gather and challenge data, evidence, or statuses for accuracy to achieve initiative and risk mitigation completion.

Basic Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent certification

  • At least 3 years of experience working in cybersecurity or information technology

  • At least 3 years of experience in Mainframe Security Risk Assessment & Remediation

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree

  • 6+ years in Identity and Access Management

  • 4+ years of experience in RACF Administration (z/OS 2.1 and above)

  • 4+ years of experience issuing RACF and Top Secret Commands & Diagnostic Expertise

  • 4+ years of Privilege Access Management (CyberArk, SailPoint IIQ)

  • GIAC

  • CISSP

At this time, Capital One will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization, or offer any immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, or another type of work authorization).

The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount Capital One is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.

McLean, VA: $161,800 - $184,600 for Prin Assoc, Cyber Technical


Plano, TX: $147,100 - $167,900 for Prin Assoc, Cyber Technical


Richmond, VA: $147,100 - $167,900 for Prin Assoc, Cyber Technical









Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate's offer letter.

This role is also eligible to earn performance based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non discretionary depending on the plan.

Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well-being. Learn more at theCapital One Careers website. Eligibility varies based on full or part-time status, exempt or non-exempt status, and management level.

This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days.No agencies please. Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet) committed to non-discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Capital One promotes a drug-free workplace. Capital One will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries, including, to the extent applicable, Article 23-A of the New York Correction Law; San Francisco, California Police Code Article 49, Sections 4901-4920; New York City's Fair Chance Act; Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Records Screening Act; and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding criminal background inquiries.

If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Capital One Recruiting at 1-800-304-9102 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@capitalone.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

For technical support or questions about Capital One's recruiting process, please send an email to Careers@capitalone.com

Capital One does not provide, endorse nor guarantee and is not liable for third-party products, services, educational tools or other information available through this site.

Capital One Financial is made up of several different entities. Please note that any position posted in Canada is for Capital One Canada, any position posted in the United Kingdom is for Capital One Europe and any position posted in the Philippines is for Capital One Philippines Service Corp. (COPSSC).


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